Page 1 of Granny’s Christmas Shifters

Chapter 1

Gertie

“Please tell me you’ll at least think about writing again, Gertie.” My former agent’s voice echoes through my SUV. “The world is clamoring for another Gertrude Keene novel, and it would mean so much to your fans.”

I roll my eyes and raise my voice so Edna can hear me over the Bluetooth. “In case you’ve forgotten, we both retired ten years ago. R.E.T.I.R…”

I trail off as I pull onto my street and glare at the houses. It looks like Christmas threw up all over the yards… after feasting on a hodgepodge of decorations that shouldn’t have existed in the first place. Bright lights flicker on rooftops, mechanical Christmas trees dance in people’s yards, and one particularly annoying plastic Santa shouts “Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!” over and over again as I drive past.

“Gertie? Are you still there?”

“‘Course I’m still here.” I tap my fingers on my heated steering wheel. “Why do people make such a big deal about Christmas, Edna?”

“A little holiday cheer never hurt anyone, you know.” Edna chuckles. “Don’t you think you’re being a bit of a Scrooge?”

“I am not! There’s nothing little about this. It’s going to give someone an aneurysm. Who needs this many decorations?”

“Well, I, for one, am jealous of how gorgeous your neighborhood looks every year. I wish people around here had a little more Christmas cheer.”

“No one forced you to move to Ravenwood,” I grumble. “Even if the name does have a nice ring to it.”

“Perfect for a Gertrude Keene…” Edna prods.

I’m tempted to hang up on her, but I haven’t quite gotten the hang of the Bluetooth thingamajig in my SUV. Plus, I enjoy our regular chats. It’s why I’ve kept in touch with her after I stopped writing. That, and she’s willing to listen to my growing list of complaints.

I scowl as I pull up my driveway. “Can you believe they forced me to decorate my house?”

“They made a seventy-three-year-old woman climb onto her rooftop to string up lights?” Edna gasps in mock horror.

“You very well know they did not. Those good-for-nothing tinsel tyrants showed up the day after Thanksgiving, and I had absolutely no say in the matter. It’s my house, Edna!”

“Well, if it bothers you so much, take me up on my offer.” Edna sounds triumphant. “I found the perfect setting for your book, and it’s right here in Ravenwood. You’re going to love it, Gertie!”

“I can’t just up and leave!” Oh, who am I kidding? Of course I can. It’s not like I have anything else going on, and Edna knows it.

“Didn’t you tell me Jacob and Olivia are spending Christmas with their college friends?” she asks.

“So what if they are?”

“And Molly’s off on that cruise, isn’t she?”

“So my daughter and grandkids abandoned me,” I grumble. “Doesn’t mean I don’t have other plans.”

“Mall walking does not count.”

I sigh.

“Just come here and look at it. And wouldn’t it be nice to catch up with an old friend?”

“We’re catching up right now. Speaking of which, I’m home. Talk to you in the new year.”

“Gertie, wait—”

I turn off the car, and Edna’s voice grows faint.

“I can’t hear you,” I shout and stuff my phone in my purse.

I make my way inside and slam the door extra hard, hoping that the giant wreath the neighbors hung will fall down. It never does.