The New Year's Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander

open. Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing her in warmth. She pulled the blanket over her shoulder and snuggled deeper into the cocoon of the sun’s rays.
    Beep. One new message.
    She opened her eyes and found the computer lying sideways on the floor. Anger surged through her. She’d done it again. Screwed up another opportunity. What is wrong with me? She sat up, pulled the computer onto her lap, and checked her mail. “Well, you don’t have to get nasty.” It was only an hour past the deadline. She looked for the manuscript she’d been working on. How many chapters had she actually gotten through? Twelve. Hmmm . . . ah, no one will get this far into the book anyway. She saved the work she’d done and sent the manuscript back with an apology for being late. Good enough. Except it wasn’t.
    She’d messed up again. She shoved her fingers into her hair and squeezed. Just once she wanted to finish something she started . . . the right way. An idea niggled at the back of her brain. She looked at the clock and bit her lip. Oh well, he’ll just have to get up.
    Ring. Ring. Ring.
    â€œThis better be important.” The gruff, scratchy voice affirmed her fears. He’d definitely been sleeping.
    â€œWould I wake you at nine in the morning if it wasn’t?”
    She could hear his smile over the line. “Hey, honey. What’s up?”
    â€œListen, George, could I ask you a favor? It’s really important.”
    Sheets rustled over the line and she figured George was sitting up in bed. “Of course you can.”
    She ran to the corner, grabbed her bag, and rifled through it. Aha . . . found it. Yes. She held her breath. Her whole idea hinged on this. “I need to find out if the money for the New Year’s Eve party was credited back to the Harrises’ credit card. If I give you the number, can you find out?” She paused. “Without anyone knowing about it?” She held her breath.
    â€œActually, I already know it was. I did it immediately after I called you. Why? What are you up to, girlfriend?”
    Olivia laughed. “Do you know anyone I could get at this late date to cater a New Year’s Eve party?”
    â€œWhere are you having it?”
    â€œWell, I’m not exactly sure yet, but I am having it. Do you know anyone?” She waited, but George didn’t say anything. “Please, George, it’s really important to me.”
    He sighed. “I’ll do it for you, hon.”
    Her heart rate ratcheted up. “Are you serious?”
    â€œSure. I’m off the week between Christmas and New Year’s, so I’ll have plenty of time to prepare.”
    â€œWhat about New Year’s Eve? Don’t you have plans?”
    â€œNah. Chip has to go to some function with the senator, and after we were just going to spend a quiet night at home. He won’t mind if I do this.”
    Olivia huffed out a breath.
    â€œHe feels bad, Olivia. He never meant to hurt you, but his father . . . well, you know.”
    She sighed, relenting. “I do know, George.”
    â€œHe’s so thankful you agreed not to say anything.”
    Olivia picked at a loose button on the front of her bag. “I would never say anything. You know that. I love you both. I’m sorry things with Chip and me ended the way they did, and it hurt that he lied to me . . . but I do understand.”
    â€œI know you do, and so does Chip.”
    â€œI’ll tell you what.” She took a deep breath. “If Chip finishes up with his obligations, tell him to come to the party. Okay?”
    â€œSure, Olivia. Thank you.”
    â€œNo problem.” She shoved the bag aside and pulled out the computer.
    â€œNow, what do you want to have for dinner?”
    She laughed, tension flowing from her body as she scrolled through the list of businesses in Times Square. “You decide, but make