Purely Unconditional · A Romantic Tale of Snow Days and Second Chances

1 beautiful red-head.

12 Christmas challenges.

A romantic comedy to make your season bright.

Glory McNally needs to shake up her life, and with the help of her best friend, she comes up with 12 Challenges of Christmas, a list full of daring tests that will push her way beyond her comfort zone. But Glory quickly finds out that some challenges will take more than just her wits. Some challenges will take all of her heart. But is she willing to give it, purely and unconditionally?

* * *

“Do you think my life is empty?”

Layla doesn’t hesitate. “No. Do you?”

I don’t hesitate. “Yes. I mean, I think. I mean, I don’t know. I’d like to think that I live a very fulfilling and meaningful life. But lately, I am looking at the facts of what I do and, while I’m not saying I’m dirt around a toilet or anything—”

“Ew.”

”—I can honestly say that I wake up, I eat, I work, I watch TV, and then I sleep. That’s it. Not much variation. And…” I trail off. I look at my pretty Christmas tree, coming along but still needs finished; my cozy living room, full of second-hand furniture but tidy and neat. It’s all okay, very livable, but there’s just something missing.

“What?” Layla asks.

My breath leaves me on a long sigh. I feel deflated. “I’m wondering if I’m wasting my life.”

For the first time since she walked in, her face scrunches and her eyes are filled with concern. “So what are you saying? You want to…move? Change jobs?”

“No. Nothing that drastic. I mean, whether I live in Silver Lake or Chicago won’t change that I feel lonely. Or, maybe that’s not the right word. I just feel like I need to shake things up a bit. I need to do more, experience more.” I give her a flat look. “It’s the weekend and I’m wearing beige. Who does that? Who owns beige casual-wear?”

She grins.

“Furthermore, who, at twenty-nine, has never been out of the country? Or out of the state? Because I haven’t done either, and that’s weird.”

“It’s not weird.”

“It’s weird.”

She shrugs. “Maybe a bit unconventional. But there’s nothing wrong with your life—”

“No, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong. I’m just saying that maybe there’s something more."