Outside, it was still bitter cold, and snow was falling in big flakes, sticking wherever it landed. Maybe they’d have a white Christmas. Somehow, she doubted this cold spell would last over the next three and a half weeks, though one could always hope.

A million thoughts ran through her head as she drove to the store. The first, and most important—would the store have any customers today? She’d funded the place, but any additional monies Razzle Dazzle earned would be a bonus, at this point.

Not liking to start the holiday season with a negative attitude, she forced herself to set aside the negativity and count her blessings. She had so many. Her family, her friends, her health, and she was in a good place financially. Now she had three little cats to care for. And a ginormous book contract that would enable her to do so much good, not just by adding a few more zeroes to her bank account but by giving to those who were truly in need. Lee Hessinger. Charlotte. The shelter. She could go on, but for now, she was going to focus her attention on the positive, just as Madison had said. Just thinking of her best friend and what lay ahead for her and Scott brought a smile to Lauren’s face. Yes, she was blessed in so many ways, and she had to remember that.

She parked her old Honda in its usual spot behind the store, unlocked the back door, and went to her office. She’d brought her laptop with her, as there was still a great deal of research to do on Mr. Giampalo. Plus, she needed to call Angela and preferred to make the call away from her parents, as she knew it would upset them. That was the last thing she wanted to do. She’d been a bit of an ass when she responded to them yesterday and was feeling incredibly guilty. She would do her best to try to be more understanding from now on.