Perfectly Fine Christmas

by La Jill Hunt

Genres: Christian Suspense; Sports Romance

Synopsis

Perfectly Fine Christmas is an entertaining coming-of-age holiday fairy tale with a romantic twist that La Jill Hunt’s fans are sure to enjoy.
 
"Who says Cinderella is the only one who gets a happily ever after? Shouldn't the fairy godmother get a knight in shining armor too? After all, she’s the one with all the magic.”

Kendall Freeman is a self-assured, full-figured seamstress and aspiring fashion designer who loves Christmas. Niya Fine, a shy, introverted, plus-size teen, is dealing with the recent loss of her mother. She’s now living with her widowed grandmother, Claudia, an elitist who criticizes Niya’s every move. While Kendall is working hard to make the season bright, planning Christmas parties and whipping up amazing gowns at the boutique where she works, Niya is begging her uncle Reese, the “reprobate” of the family, to spend the holidays with her at his mother’s home. She hopes that will make living there a little less lonely.
 
A twist of fate leads to a unique friendship between Kendall and Niya, and a quest to pursue some family tradition that seems impossible to achieve. Can Kendall help Niya embrace who she is and help the family rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season? Is there a possibility of finding her own true love in the process?


 

Release date: October 26, 2021

Publisher: Urban Books

Print pages: 288

Sample

The sky was dark and the usually busy street was void of both traffic and pedestrians when Kendall arrived at Diablo Designs, the high-end boutique where she’d worked as the lead seamstress for the past three years. She was grateful that the weather wasn’t as cold as she’d expected it to be, considering the fact that it was five thirty in the morning. The boutique didn’t open for hours. Kendall had work to do, and she was excited about getting it done before customers arrived. She carefully balanced the large brown box she had carried from the parking garage on her knee as she unlocked the back door, and then she hurried inside to disarm the security system. The store was eerily quiet, and the shadows of the mannequins throughout the open space were almost frightening. Kendall didn’t waste time turning on the lights. She carried the box to the front of the store and set it down in front of the display window that held the seven-foot Christmas tree that she’d assembled two days prior.

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.”

Startled, Kendall quickly turned around to see her best friend and coworker, Amber, strolling toward her. The look on her face was identical to the irritated tone of her voice.

“Good morning to you too, sunshine.” Kendall smiled.

“Don’t ‘sunshine’ me. The last thing I’m feeling right now is good, especially since it’s still dark outside,” Amber grumbled. “There was no sign of the sun at all.”

“Well, whether the one in the sky is up or not, you will always be my sunshine, and I will always have a good morning for you when I see you. And even though you are grumpy as hell, you still look cute.” Kendall beamed and put her arm around Amber’s shoulders. “I like your skirt.”

Amber glanced down at the denim and leather crafted skirt she wore, which happened to be custom made by Kendall. “Thanks. A friend gave it to me as a bribe to get me to come to work in the wee hours of the morning the day after Thanksgiving.”

“I see it worked. Come on now, Amb. I have let you moan and groan enough. It’s time for you to perk up and get into the holiday spirit, so we can get this tree decorated,” Kendall told her.

“This is about as perky as I’m gonna get. You could’ve at least waited until after Starbucks opened.” Amber sighed.

Kendall nodded. “I promise as soon as they open, I got you. You will have your venti mocha latte, with an extra shot of espresso, extra whipped cream, and a dome top. I’ll even throw in an almond biscotti for you to enjoy.”

Kendall knew Amber well enough to know that the gorgeous skirt wouldn’t be enough to pacify her. She was willing to do whatever she had to do. There was no way she was going to be able to get everything done without a ready, willing, and able assistant. Kendall had a vision, and Amber was going to help bring it to life.

Amber folded her arms. “Oh God. Coffee and a biscotto? Something tells me you’re about to be extra as hell this year.”

“Not at all. I do, however, have a theme.”

“You always have a theme, and it’s always over the top, Kendall. Why can’t we just put up a nicely decorated tree like all the other businesses on the block?”

“Because we aren’t like all the other businesses, Amber. We are Diablo Designs, home of the couture maestro herself, Deena Diablo. We don’t do nice. We do exquisite. This year we will be displaying a winter wonderland. Snow, icicles, snowflakes, and plenty of bling.”

“Fine. What do you wanna do first?” Amber groaned.

“Come on, Am. You already know.” Kendall smiled.

“God, no, Kendall. It’s too early.” Amber’s head moved back and forth.

“It’s the only way to start.” Kendall shrugged as she backed up toward the sales counter. She reached under it and opened the cabinet where the sound system was located, then connected it to her phone’s Bluetooth. Seconds later the store was filled with the sound of Chris Brown crooning the lyrics to her all-time favorite Christmas song, “This Christmas.” Kendall danced her way back across the store and forced a reluctant Amber to sing and sway along. By the time the song had ended and the next one had begun playing, the two of them were excitedly opening the huge box containing lights, garland, and Kendall’s beloved Christmas ornaments. The decorating had begun.

Two hours later, as they were finishing up, Deena, Kendall and Amber’s boss, walked into the showroom and stopped in her tracks. “Wow! It’s beautiful,” she exclaimed as she gazed at the tree. She was wearing a gorgeous black tuxedo-style pantsuit that fit her perfectly. With her height of almost six feet, her slender frame, and her high cheekbones, Deena could easily be a model for the designs she created. Everything about her exuded elegance, and it was apparent even in the way she stood back and gracefully waved her hands toward the display they were in the midst of completing.

Kendall, who was in the middle of draping ivory cloth along the bottom of the raised display area, stood up. “You like it?” she asked.

“I love it, Kendall. Every year I tell you that you’ve outdone yourself, but this year you truly have. I mean, the tree is gorgeous, but this entire space looks like a . . .”

“Winter wonderland,” Kendall and Amber said simultaneously.

“Yes, that’s exactly what it is.” Deena clapped. “And you two managed to get all of this done before it’s time to open. That’s incredible.”

“We had fun doing it.” Kendall nodded with excitement. “It didn’t even feel like work, really.”

Amber raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, it was a blast. You should’ve come and helped.”

Deena laughed, and her caramel complexion made the red lipstick she wore seem even brighter. “Looks like you two had everything under control. You didn’t need my help. Besides, with everything I’m responsible for around here, do you think I have time to have fun?”

Kendall gave a warning look just before her friend was about to make another comment, and Amber went back to hanging lights. Although they both loved their jobs, they had a difference of opinion when it came to their boss. Kendall, who worked as a seamstress in the boutique, adored Deena and appreciated the mentorship she provided. Amber, the boutique’s top sales consultant, admired and respected Deena, but she felt that her boss was quite self-serving and micro-aggressive and insensitive at times. Kendall often reminded her that because Deena was one of the most sought-after designers of formal couture, her job kept her so busy that she didn’t realize what she said most of the time, and she meant nothing by her comments. Over the years, Kendall had become accustomed to Deena’s demeanor a little more than Amber had. The reason for this was that in addition to being her boss, Deena had also been one of her mother’s friends.

Deena put her arm around Kendall’s shoulders, and they stared at the majestic tree, which was now covered in sparkling crystals, white ornaments, and clear lights. “It’s beautiful, Kendall. Actually, it’s absolutely stunning.”

“Not yet.” Kendall shook her head. “Almost, but it’s missing one thing.”

Within seconds, Amber walked over and placed a glossy stained wooden box in Kendall’s hands. Kendall tried not to tremble as she opened it. Inside, buried under soft white satin, was one of her most prized possessions: the tree-topper figurine, an angel, that had been passed down for three generations in her family. She carefully lifted it out of the box and smiled in an effort to avoid tears.

Get it together, Kendall. It’s the season of joy, not sorrow.

After she adjusted the wings and the fur-trimmed coat of the precious brown porcelain figurine, Kendall held it out. “Here,” she said to Deena. “You do the honors.”

“Oh, Kendall, no. You do it. It was her favorite part,” Deena replied, sounding as if she was just as close to crying as Kendall.

Kendall nodded. “I know. That’s why you should do it.”

Deena carefully cradled the angel in her hands, and then she stepped up the ladder beside the tree. She positioned the angel atop the tree so that it was upright and secure, then eased back down the ladder. Then the three women stood back and marveled, taking in the end results of the labor that Kendall and Amber had put in for the past few hours. The tree, in Kendall’s eyes, was perfect.

“The angel has been placed atop the Christmas tree. We know what that means,” Deena whispered.

“Time for the magic to begin.” Amber smiled.

Kendall nodded. “Exactly.”

“I wonder what Aunt Nichole is going to task us with this year,” Amber mused, staring at the tree topper.

Kendall shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m sure we’ll soon find out.” Without fail, every year since her death, Nichole’s mother, it seemed, sent each of them what they’d come to call “angel assignments.” These assignments weren’t as simple as serving meals at the local shelter or organizing the successful toy drive they held each year in the boutique. No, they usually involved unusual circumstances that seemed to come out of nowhere. For instance, one year Deena paid the hotel bill for a traveling family of four whose car had broken down in front of the store. Another year Amber treated one of their clients’ entire fourth grade class to a presentation of The Nutcracker after the funding from the school fell through. Kendall lost count of how many times she had paid tabs at restaurants or grocery stores because someone didn’t have enough money.

“She’s right.” Deena laughed. “We never have to wait too long once the angel is in place. That thing is like a bat signal for the Christmas holidays.” Deena’s tone went from pleasant to direct as she shifted gears. “We need to get in place for the busy day ahead, and the two of you need to get changed. Doors open in fifteen minutes. I hope there’s a cup of coffee waiting for me, since you two have some.”

Kendall glanced at the two cups of Starbucks that she had had delivered as soon as the app allowed her to order. “Of course. Yours is waiting for you in your office.”

Deena smiled. “Good. I can’t be upset about your drinking coffee on the showroom floor if I’m doing the same, right?” She walked away, then suddenly stopped and turned back. “Great job on the display, ladies, but let’s get these leftover decorations put away and let’s play more fitting music,” she added. “The holiday songs are fine, but find something a little less urban. Staff meeting in ten minutes, so get to it.”

“I swear, I love that woman, but she gets on my nerves,” Amber hissed when Deena was out of earshot. “She should’ve been the one bringing coffee to us, instead of asking if there was some for her. And what the heck does ‘less urban’ mean? Since when are the Jackson 5 considered urban? Has she forgotten that she’s black too?”

“Deena knows that, Amber. The problem is she’s bourgeois,” Kendall said as they packed up the remaining Christmas decorations. “She also looks at how everything will affect her bottom line. Look at the caliber of our clientele. They’re just as siddity as she is, and so is everyone else who works here. You and I are the only cool kids.”

“You stay defending her, but I get it.” Amber sighed and picked up the box with the decorations. “I hope when you start your own fashion line, you don’t become ‘less urban’ and you keep it real, meaning black.”

“Girl, you are hilarious, and you know my starting my own line ain’t happening anytime soon. I keep telling you that I’m not even close to being ready,” Kendall commented as she picked up the two now empty coffee cups.

“As far as I can see, you are ready. Your designs are incredible. The same people who pay Deena top dollar will pay you,” Amber continued, as if they hadn’t had this conversation dozens of times already. “You and I both know people are trying to get you to make stuff now.”

Kendall could admit that she did have amazing design ideas, and her sewing skills were impeccable. But starting a designer clothing line would take a lot more than artwork and a sewing machine. She knew her dream would happen one day. Until that time came, she was grateful to have a job in her field and to work for a high-end designer who paid her well and gave her the opportunity to do what she loved. And despite the fact that she had been approached about sewing projects outside the boutique, the noncompete agreement Deena had required her to sign prevented her from doing so.

“I love the way you believe in me, Am. That’s why you’re my bestie. I promise, when I start my own label, I’ll charge you only half of the retail cost for the garments.” Kendall nudged her and pointed to Amber’s skirt. “Now, hurry up, so we can change out of this ‘urban attire’ and get back out there for Insight.”

After they had cleaned up from the morning activities and had changed into their work attire, Kendall and Amber rushed back onto the floor so they wouldn’t miss the morning meeting, which Deena referred to as “Insight.” Like their boss, the entire staff wore all black. It was a requirement for everyone. Although Kendall spent most of the day in the alterations room, she was still expected to observe the rule, because there were times when she was called to assist clients. She didn’t mind the dress code. Black wasn’t her favorite color choice, but it was easy to put together black pieces. Plus, the color was slimming. Not that she felt the need to look thinner.

Kendall was quite comfortable in her curvaceous, size twenty, larger-than-average body, despite being the only plus-size employee at Diablo Designs. Her wide hips, ample DDD breasts, thick waist, and vivacious derriere worked to her advantage. Because nothing at Diablo’s went beyond a size twelve, Kendall was exempt from having to wear certain signature pieces, the cost of which would have been deducted from her paycheck. Amber, who wore a size ten, wasn’t so lucky.

Deena smiled at all the staff members gathered around. “I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving, are well rested and recharged for today. Special thanks to Kendall and Amber for the beautiful window display to welcome our clients and get them in the spirit to buy gifts.” Deena gazed at each of her employees. “In addition to fulfilling the seasonal needs of our regular customers and Christmas brides, the holidays also mean the start of something else, right?”

They all nodded and shouted in unison, “Holiday ball season!”

“Niya, please sit up and put that away. The dining-room table is no place for a cell phone.”

Niya quickly slid her cell phone into her pocket and sat straight in her chair without even looking at her grandmother, who’d given her the instructions. Instead, she focused on her food, picking at the rubbery turkey bacon beside the eggs and toast. She didn’t mind the eggs but would’ve preferred regular bacon and some jelly on the dry bread instead of the pat of margarine. Deciding to make the best of her breakfast situation, Niya placed the meat and eggs on the toast and was in the process of folding it when once again, she was scolded.

“That is not the proper way to eat. I didn’t prepare a plate for you to eat a poorly constructed sandwich like it came from a cheap fast-food drive-through. Why would you do that?” her grandmother said.

Again, Niya quickly straightened up. She dropped her sandwich onto her plate and stared at it. At this point, it was as if she couldn’t do anything right, not even eat breakfast. Grandma Claudia constantly picked at every little thing. Niya didn’t make her bed properly, because the sheet wasn’t ever tucked in tight enough. Her clothes weren’t hung up correctly, because the hangers should all be facing the same direction. Not that this should have mattered, considering the fact that she had commented that Niya’s clothes were unappealing.

What does that even mean? Who am I supposed to appeal to in a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers? Niya had wondered at the time.

Being at her grandmothe. . .