Wishes for Christmas

by Fern Michaels

  “That was a quick massage,” Marlene said as Holly walked past her desk.

  “It was, wasn’t it?” Holly said, laughing. “I didn’t even have enough time to enjoy it.”

  “Ava called while you were out. She said to call her immediately. She tried to get you on your cell, too. So you’d better stick to the massage story.”

  Once she’d taken care of a few e-mails and an urgent call from the temp service agency she’d hired, Holly returned Ava’s call. “What’s so important?” she asked as soon as Ava picked up the phone.

  “Listen, I’ve just learned something that will totally blow your mind. Are you alone?” Ava asked, her voice lowered like a sleuth’s.

  “Yes, Ava. I am alone. Marlene is at her desk, so yes, I’m alone. What gives?”

  “Go close your door. I’ll wait,” Ava instructed.

  “Good grief! Do you realize how busy I am? Don’t answer that. If you did, you wouldn’t be asking me to do this.” Holly got up from her seat and closed the door. She motioned to her phone when Marlene raised an eyebrow. “Okay, my door is closed. This better be good. I think you have too much time on your hands. You should’ve stayed at work. At least you wouldn’t be bugging me. Now, spit it out. I’m busy.”

  “Hey, if you’re going to act this way, I can always hang up. I have soap operas to watch and romance novels to read, not to mention the millions of baby blogs I need to catch up on. Listen to me, Holly. I’ve found something out, and it’s important. I’m not pulling your leg.”

  “And it can’t wait until tonight?” Holly asked.

  “It can, but trust me, you really would strangle me if I kept this juicy piece of news to myself.”

  “Okay, I’m all ears.”

  “You know my friend Sandy, the one who loves books?”

  “Yes, I remember her. Cute girl. So what’s going on with her? Don’t tell me she’s pregnant, too! Good grief. Is this pregnancy stuff contagious?”

  “Would you hush for one minute? And stop jumping to conclusions. Sandy isn’t even married.”

  “Since when does one have to be married in order to get pregnant?” Holly interjected.

  “I swear, I am choking you tonight, so don’t turn your back on me. Now, shut your mouth and let me talk for two minutes. Can you do that? No, don’t answer.”

  “Again, I’m all ears,” Holly repeated. This was getting a bit old.

  “Sandy just started waitressing for Draper’s two weeks ago. She called me this morning and asked if there were any openings at the inn. Of course, I told her there were, her being a good friend and all. I’m sure Omar or someone can find a position for her. She’s very brilliant . . . all those books she reads, but she needs fast money. Tips. You know, a daily supply of cash. She worked a Christmas party last night and said she made only twelve dollars in tips.”

  “Go on,” Holly said. A little bit of gossip about her competitor couldn’t hurt.

  “Apparently, the owner of Draper’s has had to take an outside job in order to keep the place running.”

  “That’s it?”

  “I’m not finished. When I pause to catch my breath, you have to be quiet. I’m forty pounds heavier, and I get short of breath when I talk.”

  “Then you must be short of breath all the time,” Holly couldn’t help but add. Ava could outtalk an auctioneer, or at least she’d give them a run for their money. Pun intended, she thought as she waited for Ava to continue with her story.

  “You’re mean, Holly. You know that?”

  Holly kept quiet. She was grinning from ear to ear.

  “So now you’re being a smart-ass. Okay, I get it. Whatever. Look, if you don’t want to hear what I have to tell you, I’m good with that. You can find out for yourself, and then I can say I could have told you.”

  “Ava, just tell me, okay? This is fun, but I really have a lot to do before tonight’s wreath party. So go on and tell me whatever it is.”

  “You know, I think I will wait until tonight. You have just ticked me off, Ms. Holly Simmons. I will talk to you later.” And with that, Ava hung up on her best friend forever.

  Rather than being annoyed, Holly was relieved. Ava needed something to occupy herself. Gossiping had its moments, but Ava was taking it too far, and today of all days. She’d apologize to Ava tonight. She wanted to take her time getting ready for the event. After all, it was the first night the guests would see her, and she wanted to make a good impression.

  “And that, Holly Simmons, is a crock,” she said out loud, thankful her door was closed.

  Chapter 16

  “I look like a tramp,” Toots said. “If Phil saw me in this getup, he’d divorce me.”

  Annie had provided the clothes for Toots and Sophie to wear. When Toots had seen what she’d been given to wear, she’d almost fainted. “You have to look the part,” Annie had said.

  Toots remembered Annie saying she wasn’t running a prostitution ring, but the outfit she was wearing—a glittery gold sheath dress that barely covered her rear end—seemed to suggest quite the opposite of that reassuring comment. And it was so tight, she couldn’t even breathe comfortably. And the high-heeled shoes were nothing but hooker shoes. Matching the gold in her dress, they were at least four inches high. She had a corn on her left toe and would most likely end up having to have it surgically removed after tonight. Toots wondered why she’d ever agreed to submit that questionnaire so she could join this group of crazy women in the first place.

  She was happily married. Phil was a dream. She had a beautiful daughter and two grandchildren. She had wealth, love, and, of course, Frankie, Betty, and Barney, those precious little doxies. What more could a woman her age want?

  A little voice in her head answered ever so softly, A little excitement.

  It was true, she thought as she applied blue eye shadow to her lids, as per Annie’s instructions. She had a beautiful life, but it had become predictable. Not unhappy, but Toots had always been the kind of woman who needed excitement in her life, challenges, if you will. And, face it, she no longer had anything to do with The Informer, and the bakery practically ran itself. Everyone of a certain age in her life was happily married. So what was left? But this time, she thought as she looked at herself in the mirror, she’d probably gone overboard.

  Sophie stood at the double sink next to her. “At least you get to wear makeup and look trashy. I, on the other hand, have to dress up as a plain Jane. Look at me! Can you see me wearing this in real life?”

  Toots stopped to check out Sophie’s outfit. A black wool skirt that hung below her knees and a pale yellow blouse with puffed short sleeves. Toots burst out laughing. “You look like a Pilgrim!” Toots looked at Sophie’s feet. She wore sturdy black shoes with fake gold buckles. Toots couldn’t stop laughing. “All you’re missing is the hat and a ticket for the Mayflower.” Toots laughed so hard, her sides hurt.

  “I think Annie hates you, or she’s mistaken Christmas for Thanksgiving,” Toots announced between peals of laughter. “That’s the ugliest outfit I’ve ever seen you in.”

  “Yeah, well, just wait until this is over. I’m gonna let her have it. I might even kick her in that shapely butt of hers, wearing these orthopedic-looking shoes.” Sophie lifted her leg high in the air. “I bet they weigh at least five pounds apiece.”

  “Stop!” Toots said. “I’m crying off this horrid blue eye shadow. Let’s hurry and get this over with. And stop complaining about your shoes. I, after all, may end up being hobbled before the evening’s over.” She looked at her own feet and burst out laughing.

  Toots finished applying her mascara and added the Tangee orange lipstick Annie had provided. She needed updating on what a true slut wore these days, Toots thought as she blotted her orange lips on a tissue.

  “Oh, my gawd!” Sophie screamed. “You look like a slut version of Baby Jane!” Sophie laughed so hard, she cried.

  Toots cackled so hard, she fell to the floor.

  Five minutes later, barely abl
e to stand, Toots sashayed into Monty’s living room, where he waited with Rex.

  As soon as the two men saw them, they looked at one another a couple of times, and then they doubled over in a fit of laughter.

  “By George, I think you two are about the ugliest pair I’ve laid eyes on in . . . maybe forever,” Monty said. Then he asked Rex, “What do you think?”

  Rex shook his head but wore a grin a mile wide. “You two are pretty ladies without the costumes, but I have to agree with Monty. You’re both mighty ugly.”

  “Look, us ugly ladies here are gonna catch whoever is screwing around in your pharmacy. We’re both wearing a wire, too. Personally, I’m not so sure that pharmacist will even look at me once, let alone let me crawl all over him, as per Annie’s instructions, and confess to me. If there’s anything to confess,” Toots said.

  “We won’t find out if we don’t leave right now. The party starts in fifteen minutes. We need to get there on time so you two girls can home in on your mark,” Monty teased.

  Ten minutes later, they entered the Goldstar Room, where the Christmas party for the pharmacy employees was just getting started. The employees were decked out in their best holiday attire and Toots spied Norton immediately. He wore a plaid dinner jacket with mustard-colored slacks. Annie had known exactly what she was doing when she’d picked out their wardrobe for tonight.

  Christmas carols played softly in the background. A bar had been set up at the back of the room, and the line for drinks was growing longer by the minute. Toots guessed there were around seventy people in attendance, including spouses and partners. Annie had told her there were thirty-seven employees. Norton was the head pharmacist and manager.

  Knowing it was now or never, Toots spoke to Sophie. “Let’s hit it, kid. We’ve got a job to do.”

  Chapter 17

  Holly applied her makeup with an expert hand, then blew her short hair into a flattering style that framed her face. She applied an extra touch of blush, and just because, she added a touch of silver highlights to her cheeks, something she’d seen on YouTube. Her shameless addiction was makeup tutorials. At night, when she should be reading a quality book, she would devour the tutorials. Why, she hadn’t a clue, but she had learned a few tips to enhance her looks.

  She chose a black velvet skirt for tonight. A red cashmere sweater with a cowl-neck made a perfect mate for her skirt. Plus, the sweater had been a Christmas gift from her mother last year. Holly knew her mother would approve if she were here.

  After grabbing a matching black velvet clutch, Holly added a comb, her tube of black honey lip gloss, and her cell phone. She’d parked in her garage, saving herself from the blast of cold wind. The temperatures had dropped into the low forties, and she loved it this time of year. It made it feel just a little bit more special. She drove the mile and a half to the inn and parked in the underground parking area reserved for the employees and, today, the governor and his real family, who had arrived early. Holly was thankful the inn was prepared, but the governor’s guests weren’t due to arrive until sometime late tomorrow.

  She removed the keys from the ignition, tossed them in her clutch, and took the elevator up to the main floor.

  Inside, Christmas music flowed from the hidden speakers. The scent of fresh evergreens, mixed with the aroma of right-out-of-the-oven sugar cookies, filled the grand hall. Couples, young and old, were gathered in small groups, some holding a drink, others partaking of the constant supply of cookies the bakery provided.

  She was starving and grabbed a cookie before she made her way to the Autumn Room, where the wreath party was being held. The guests weren’t due to arrive for another half hour, and Holly wanted to go over a few things with Gannon. She’d asked him to meet her there before she’d left for home.

  Staff members rushed around the room, making sure the items the guests would be using were where they should be. A representative from the local craft store would host the wreath making, and Holly, along with Gannon, would mingle with the guests when Ava was not using him for something else. She looked at her watch. Gannon should’ve been here already.

  Holly was walking through the room, admiring the wreaths being used as models for the guests, when she heard her name.

  “Good grief. You look like you’ve swallowed a pig,” Holly said and winced. The words had tumbled out of her mouth before she’d had a chance to filter them.

  “You are not a nice person,” Ava said as she waddled over to a chair and sat down.

  “You’re right. I’m not, and I’m sorry. For saying that and for today.” Holly leaned over, giving her best friend a hug. “Where is Stephen?”

  “He’s pilfering something from the freezer at Chubs. He said he’s starving, and since I’m no longer employed and bringing home dinner, he had no choice but to fend for himself.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me? I can arrange for something to be delivered for both of you, and for them, too.” Holly patted Ava’s big belly.

  “I can cook. I just haven’t felt like it. Stephen is quite capable of making dinner. He needs to get used to it, anyway. Once these two little guys are born, we’ll be lucky to have a hot meal.”

  “Ava, you have to eat right. You’re eating for three.”

  “I know this, and I’m eating right. It’s Stephen who isn’t. Don’t worry. I’m taking care of these guys. If I weren’t, I’d be here working right now. I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand another three months of doing nothing. Maybe I’ll write a book.”

  Holly rolled her eyes. “I can see it all now. Seriously, what was so important this afternoon? You said I needed to know about something. Can you tell me what it is?”

  “You’re not going to like it, but you need to know, so let’s go somewhere private.” Ava stood, giving Holly no chance to suggest where. She simply followed her into the ladies’ room.

  “Sit,” Holly ordered. Poor Ava was as big as a house, but she’d already insulted her enough for one day.

  Ava did as instructed, sitting on a plush love seat in a small section where one could sit and relax, away from the toilets but still private.

  “That guy you hired, Gannon Montgomery. He isn’t who you think he is,” Ava explained.

  Holly sat next to Ava. “So, tell me. Who is he?”

  “Are you sure you want to know? I promise it will cause a bit of a problem.” Ava took a deep breath, then added, “Here at the inn.”

  “You’ve been doing this to me all day, Ava! If there is really something you think I should know, just tell me. Don’t keep dragging it out.”

  She nodded. “Okay. Gannon Montgomery is the owner of Draper’s Lodge.”

  Holly wasn’t sure she’d heard her correctly. “Say that again.”

  “You heard me the first time. Gannon owns Draper’s. He’s the grandson. Remember I told you my friend Sandy said the place was as dead as a doornail?”

  Holly was stunned. Why would Gannon Montgomery want to work here? And why did he lie to her? To Ava, who’d taken his application?

  “Surprised, huh? I was, too. Apparently, they’re about to go under, and the guy needed a job. Can’t really blame him, though.”

  “Then why would he pretend to be someone he’s not? What’s the point? If he needed a job, all he had to do was . . . well, all he had to do was . . .”

  “Apply for the job as your new assistant?” Ava said, finishing for her.

  “Yes,” Holly said softly. “He did, didn’t he?” She wasn’t really asking Ava. A dozen thoughts ran through her mind, yet none stayed long enough to amount to anything substantial.

  She wasn’t sure what she was feeling, but she still had an inn to run. “Ava, as Mom would say, ‘We’ll manage,’ and right now, I have to manage the wreath party. Gannon is supposed to act as your . . . assistant tonight. But I think we’ll have to change plans, since I need him to work with me.” She stopped. What was the problem? “Ava, when you took his application, did he . . . never mind. He’s been completely honest,
hasn’t he?”

  “I think you should ask him,” Ava said. “Let’s go so you can.”

  As soon as Holly entered the Autumn Room, she spied Gannon with a guest. He wore a black suit and a green tie.

  “I thought you said he would wear a red tie.”

  “I was just being silly, Holly. How would I know what the guy planned to wear? It’s the pregnancy hormones. Actually, Stephen thinks they may have kicked in some psychic ability, because I—”

  “Find a place to sit down, Ava. I have a job to do.”

  Holly hurried across the room, and she saw Gannon the moment he saw her. He excused himself and watched as she walked toward him. His blue eyes sparkled as bright as the Christmas tree in the corner.

  “Hey,” she said, standing beside him.

  He looked at her, up and down, then settled on her face. “Hey, yourself. You look fantastic tonight.”

  “Thanks. You’re looking pretty hot, too.”

  Hot? Did she really just say that? Hot?

  “Holly, there is something I need to tell you.” He looked serious, somber.

  “Sure,” she said, knowing what he would say but guessing he needed to confess so that he’d feel better about the job deception, even though he hadn’t really deceived her. He’d just omitted a few details.

  “When I told you I was looking for a change of scenery, the other day when you interviewed me, it was more than that.”

  She nodded, hoping he took this as a sign to continue.

  “Draper’s isn’t doing well financially. When I heard you were looking for a new assistant, I got this crazy idea. I thought if I could get the job, I could find a way to discover what made the inn so successful, then apply what I’d learned at Draper’s. You see, I’m actually the owner, not just an employee. What I’ve done is dishonest, and if you never speak to me again, I’ll understand. I just couldn’t continue to play this role.

  “I know what makes this place so successful. You like people, you strive to make them happy, and you go out of your way to make this place inviting. For the past year, I’ve seen our guest list decline. I blamed it all on the inn, because it was so successful, and it was our biggest competition. I was too self-absorbed to admit that it was my managerial skills that were lacking. So, I’ll be on my way. I wish you the best, really. And, Holly, have a Merry Christmas.”