All I Want For Christmas by Ann Roth Page A

about to show it, she smiled. “My track record speaks for itself. I’m not worried.”
    â€œThat’s my Tina.”
    The intercom buzzed. Tina reached for it. “Let me,” June said, pushing the button. “Yes, Shelby?”
    â€œTell Tina that Mr. Sperling is ready for her.”
    â€œWill do. Thanks.” June shut off the intercom. “You heard the lady. Go get ’em, kid.” She gave Tina a thumbs-up.
    Tina freshened her lipstick and fluffed her hair. Then she stood and straightened her suit jacket. “How do I look?”
    â€œLike the next creative director.”
    Shoulders squared, knowing she looked calm and assured, she headed toward her boss’s office. Inside, she felt nervous and confused, and not at all certain she wanted the position. But for G. G. and the others, she would do her best to get it.

    F OR NEARLY TWO HOURS , Tina had faced Jim Sperling across the table in his private conference room, and still the meeting went on. She was due at the airstrip in twenty-five minutes, and she couldn’t miss the flight. Hurry up, she silently pleaded.
    In her opinion the interview had gone well and had been more like a conversation between fellow advertising professionals than the back and forth question-and-answer ordeal she’d anticipated.
    Wearing a hand-tailored suit, crisp shirt and tasteful silk tie, with his silver hair expensively styled, Jim Sperling certainly looked the role of successful CEO. He nodded at her portfolio. “I like your plans for Captain’s Catch,” he said, acting as if he had all the time in the world to talk business with her. “It shows great initiative, but then time and again you’ve proved that you’re ambitious. When do you plan to contact Peter Woods?”
    â€œAs soon as I get back—the Monday after Thanksgiving.”
    Her boss looked suitably impressed. Tina gave herself a pat on the back and waited for him to wrap up the meeting. But he said nothing. She had no choice but to take charge.
    â€œThank you so much for giving me a chance to interview for the creative director job.”
    â€œI’d have been surprised if you hadn’t wanted to.”
    â€œI’ve taken up enough of your time, Jim. And I need to catch a plane back to the island soon.”
    His slightly narrowed eyes worried her.
    â€œRight.” He pushed back his chair and stood.
    â€œThis is my vacation,” she reminded him.
    â€œI’m well aware of that, Tina.” Turning his back on her, he moved toward the closed door.
    Stomach churning, she followed. Had she blown the interview by ending it herself, rather than waiting for him? Of course not.
    â€œPlease give G. G. my wishes for a speedy recovery,” her boss said, opening the door.
    â€œI will, and I’ll definitely be back the Monday after Thanksgiving, ready to give the job my best.”
    He gave a curt nod. “Family’s important, but of course so is CE Marketing.”
    The tension radiating from the man was disturbing, and this was no way to leave things. “Thanks again for interviewing me,” Tina said, smiling and holding out her hand. “So I’ll know whether I got the job before Thanksgiving?” When setting up the interview, he’d said as much. Since today was Thursday and the company closed at five o’clock tomorrow for the entire week of Thanksgiving, that meant she’d hear by tomorrow afternoon.
    His face gave away nothing. “I’ll make my decision fairly soon.”
    Whatever that meant.
    â€œWhen I do,” Jim Sperling said, “I’ll be in touch.”

    R YAN ENJOYED Saturdays. He and Maggie slept in and he cooked a real breakfast instead of just pouring cold cereal into bowls. This morning, the smells of coffee, bacon and pancakes filled the kitchen. After a bad night—Maggie had cried herself and her father awake several times—they especially needed a