Read Online This Christmas by Jane Green - Free Book Online

it.
    “You do?” Sarah looks up from the computer and grins.
    “You’re a genius. I loved the idea of starting Girls’ Night In! And then this press release makes it sound even more amazing than it’s going to be. We’re going to have to talk about more PR.” Jennifer perches on the desk, smiling. “I’m always too busy to even think about the PR and marketing, but since you’re so talented, we have to use you.”
    Sarah sits up straighter. “Great!”
    “Can you come into my office in about”—Jennifer checks her watch—“twenty minutes and we can talk more about other projects? I’d love to have a brainstorming session with you.”
    “Absolutely.” Sarah nods efficiently, hugging herself on the inside. She can’t wait to tell Eddie.
     
    The first Girls’ Night In is a huge success. Sarah’s press release had been printed, almost verbatim, in the upcoming events page of the local paper; it had been announced in the spa’s newsletter; and hot-pink flyers, designed and overseen by Sarah, had been dropped off at hairdressers, nail salons, and preschools all over town.
    Not to mention the word-of-mouth network. All the women in book club were coming, plus various friends and acquaintances, and the evening was a sellout.
    There was a makeup artist giving free makeovers, a clothes consultant who freelanced for The Today Show giving consultations on updating your wardrobe and adding five key pieces for a modern look without breaking the bank, and various beauticians from the spa giving massages and manicures.
    There were sushi, hors d’oeuvres, and cosmopolitans. The women start off huddling nervously together, clutching their drinks, smiling tight smiles at one another until the alcohol starts to flow through their veins, and as they loosen up they start laughing, all captured by a reporter and photographer from the local paper.
    Jennifer and Sarah stand in the doorway as Caroline comes over and gives Sarah a hug.
    “What a great idea!” She turns to Jennifer. “I love that you pulled all these women together, and it’s such a treat to get out and feel spoiled. I just had the most amazing massage and I’m waiting for them to call my name for the clothes consultation, although I don’t really know why I’m bothering. I’m not sure my preschoolers would appreciate bootleg pants with a bouclé jacket.”
    Sarah starts laughing at her usually fashion-challenged friend. “Since when do you even know what bouclé is?”
    Caroline raises an eyebrow and smiles. “I happen to not only know what bouclé is, but also that fur shrugs are very in this season. Not, I might add, that I shall be buying one, whatever that Today Show clothes consultant might say.”
    “I’m impressed.” Jennifer smiles.
    “I’m in shock,” Sarah says.
    “Okay, okay. I confess. I was at my ob/gyn yesterday and they kept me waiting nearly an hour, and the only thing they had to read was Vogue . Happy now?”
    Sarah laughs. “I knew it! There had to be an explanation.”
    “But if you were to ask me about the benefits of a down vest versus man-made fiber, that I could tell you about.” Caroline smiles. “So how about you, my friend?” She looks at Sarah. “I hope you’re going to get something delicious done tonight.”
    Jennifer turns to Sarah. “Absolutely,” she concurs. “You’re not working. You should do something.” And before Sarah can protest Jennifer spies someone leaving the makeup artist’s table, and the next thing Sarah knows she’s sitting in front of the mirror looking at the bags under her eyes and the gray streaks in her hair as Jennifer, Caroline, and the makeup artist stand behind her examining her.
    “Well, you did say you didn’t recognize the woman who’s been looking back at you in the mirror.” Caroline shrugs with a grin. “Maybe we can turn you back into the woman you once were.”
    “Great!” Sarah turns to her. “So I’ll be seeing a plastic surgeon tonight as