CHAPTER FIFTEEN: RISHA
“I
t’s beautiful,
Natalie… you did an amazing job.” Gazing around at the picture-perfect display, I clutched the straps of my gift bag tightly while my heart thundered in my chest. Twinkling, white lights filled the living room as they blazed from a full, healthy Christmas tree, and there were already presents stacked underneath it. Ornaments sparkled, and little accent pieces lined the mantles and coffee table.
I had never been in a room with so much festivity.
“Thanks. I’m so glad you like it. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to decorate when there’s no alcohol involved, though. I had to suffer with grape juice and pretend it was wine.” Giggling at her disgruntled tone, I shook my head even as my chest tightened in sympathy. I hadn’t drunk alcohol in nearly
