A Christmas Star

by Judith Keim

  “This is lovely,” said Noelle, earning a smile from Jake.

  She saw that bedrooms opened up on either side of the living room and turned to look at the interior wall of the suite. A small breakfast table with two chairs sat beside a gray-marble counter that held a microwave, a small sink, and an under-counter dishwasher. A white refrigerator stood at one end matching the white-painted cupboards above the counter on either side of the sink.

  “Look, Noelle! Seashells!” cried Silas, holding up a shell in front of her.

  “Nice. We can study them right here,” she said, placing a finger of warning to her lips.

  Silas nodded his understanding and turned to his father. “Dad, can Noelle and I go to the pool now?”

  Jake checked his watch. “I don’t see why not. I have some business to take care of and dinner won’t be for some time.” He glanced at Noelle. “Sound okay to you?”

  “Fine. It’ll give me a chance to get a little sun before it sets. This late in the day is the best time for me to be outside without burning my skin.”

  His gaze swept over her. “Nice.”

  She blinked rapidly, wondering what that remark or his smile meant.

  “I’ll leave you two now and catch up with you later. Take whichever bedroom you want, Noelle, though I believe the suitcases have already been brought up and settled in our rooms.”

  After Jake left, Noelle said to Silas. “Remember, don’t say anything to your father about seashells. Decorating your tree is our secret. I brought my book, and we can study some of the shells here in the suite. That’ll make it easier.”

  Silas’ eyes sparkled. “Another secret. I really like you, Noelle.”

  Noelle and Silas picked several shells out of the bowl on the coffee table and carried them into the bedroom where Noelle’s suitcase had been placed. She got out her book on shells and identified a few shells—Scotch bonnets, olives, limpets, and a scallop.

  “Do you think Dad will let me take them home?” asked Silas.

  “You’ll have to ask him,” said Noelle. Even though Jake owned the hotel there was no way she’d encourage Silas to take something without permission.

  “Can we go swimming now?”

  “It’s fine with me. The temperature has heated up just like the weatherman announced. I’ll help you find your bathing suit and meet you in the living room.”

  For this trip, well aware that Jake would be too busy to sit by the pool with them, she’d brought her bikini.

  ###

  Lying on a chaise lounge beside the pool, Noelle kept an eye on Silas. He seemed comfortable in the water doing somersaults and swimming across the pool in front of her. Swimming was something she encouraged all the residents of New Life to enjoy. She’d initiated a special exercise class for them and found those who participated on a regular basis were less likely to have physical ailments.

  Silas came out of the water and sat beside her. “I’m through swimming. Can I play a game on my iPad?”

  “Sure. It’s right here in the beach bag we brought down from the room.” She handed it to him.

  With the soft sounds of Silas’s online game in her ear, she closed her eyes, reveling in that time between sleep and wakefulness, letting her thoughts drift in a sea of contentment.

  “Still here?” came a deep voice above her.

  Noelle jerked fully awake and sat up. Jake was standing by her chair, giving her a look that could be described only as sexy.

  Fighting the childish urge to cover herself, Noelle got to her feet, grabbed the terrycloth robe the hotel had provided in the room, and wrapped it around her. “Guess it’s time to get ready for dinner, huh?”

  Jake checked his watch. “We’ve got a little time. Should we go up to the room and have a before-dinner glass of wine? I’m off duty, so to speak, so it’s not inappropriate.”

  “That sounds lovely,” said Noelle, pleased she was being treated as not just a nanny.

  Still playing his computer game, Silas was easily led to the elevator and up to the room.

  “Maybe I’d better change,” said Noelle, wrapping the robe tighter around her.

  “It’s not necessary. I have one more thing to do before dinner but have a moment right now to relax. Have a seat out on the balcony. I’ll open the bottle of wine I ordered and bring a glass of it to you.”

  “Okay.” Her hair was windblown, and her skin was covered with suntan lotion, but if Jake didn’t mind her appearance, she wasn’t about to fuss. She wasn’t out to impress him or anyone else here in Florida. She was on vacation to forget all about that kind of thing.

  Jake came out to the balcony, handed her a glass of red wine, and sat in a chair opposite her. “I gave Silas juice and a snack. While he’s all set with that and his game, I thought it would be a good time for me to get to know you a little better. It’s only been a few days, but you already seem part of the household.”

  She took a sip of her wine, letting its smoothness stroke her throat as she swallowed and gathered her thoughts. “I never expected to be in this situation. You could say it all started the day I met and fell in love with your son.”

  “You don’t have kids of your own?” Jake asked.

  “No, I’ve always wanted a big family, but things haven’t worked out that way. I guess I just haven’t found the right guy.”

  His gaze was steady as he leaned toward her and spoke softly. “What is all this business about money and not being paid? I have to admit it’s a very unique experience for me.”

  Noelle hesitated, wondering how much to say.

  “It comes from something unpleasant?”

  Prompted, she nodded. “Let’s just say I hate the way people with money think they can buy someone’s affection or toss them away.”

  Jake leaned back in his chair. “I’ll admit I was talking to a friend in Boston regarding your nursing background and he told me something about an engagement gone wrong.”

  Noelle’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment. She fought the tears that stung her eyes. “There you have it. Me, a loser.”

  The look of sympathy that flashed across his face surprised her. “I can understand what you went through,” Jake said. “Love gone wrong is painful. Now that I’m single again, you can imagine how many people are interested in me because of the hotels, not who I really am.”

  Noelle studied him. She hadn’t thought of how the very things she didn’t like about him might be the same things that hurt him.

  “Tell me about your work,” Jake said. “Your references were glowing. I’m very thankful you discovered what was happening to Nana. I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

  Once Noelle began talking about her job and some of the people she worked with, conversation between them was easy. She was an excellent nurse with creative ideas, and she knew it. Noelle even told him about Edith Greenbaum and her cronies.

  “You really are a natural nurturer.” Jake’s smile brightened his face and lit his eyes. “You remind me of a nanny Brett and I had growing up. Her name was Mrs. Jenkins. I loved her. After she stopped working for my family, I kept in touch. She died a few years ago. I still miss the way she could make me see things in a different way.” Jake suddenly stopped talking. “My God! I haven’t ever told anyone else that.”

  “That kind of relationship is very nice,” said Noelle. “I had that with my grandmother.”

  “When Nana was better, she used to love to do things with Brett and me. It’s sad to see how her memory is going.” Jake’s cell phone buzzed. He checked his watch and jumped to his feet. “Sorry. I’ve got an appointment. I’ll be back in an hour to accompany you and Silas to dinner.”

  He rose and carried their empty glasses into the kitchen. Noelle followed him inside, checked on Silas, and then went to her bedroom to get ready.

  Later, soaking in the luxurious deep tub, Noelle’s thoughts remained on Jake. She didn’t know what to think of him. Sure, he was a handsome, rich guy who’d carried his share of their conversation, but
she knew there was a whole lot more to him.

  As she soaped her skin, she vowed not to allow herself to get emotionally involved with either Jake or his brother. It wasn’t a life she wanted. Her thoughts flew to the older dentist her mother had introduced her to and decided she didn’t want that either.

  Toweled off from her bath and dressed, Noelle stood in front of the full-length mirror and studied the figure before her. The tiny blonde whose blue eyes stared back at her so critically had always been popular in school and later among the dating set. But she couldn’t compare to the statuesque, skinny women who worked so hard to keep their shape. Hers was a natural beauty that was as open as her heart. Or so her mother had told her time and time again.

  Noelle saw herself as she was—an attractive, young woman with no games to play. A light dusting of eye shadow and mascara enhanced her eyes, a soft coral lipstick colored her lips. She wore no other makeup. Not for a dinner with a man who thought of her as the nanny.

  Still, she was glad the black dress she’d brought with her fit her curves nicely and the V-neckline was low enough to be of interest but tasteful. The diamond earrings she wore were shown to nice effect among the wispy curls of her hair.

  When she entered the living room, she found Silas sitting beside the coffee table studying the shells. It touched her that he was so excited about the Christmas tree they were going to decorate together.

  “I found another scallop shell. See?” He held up a pretty shell with pink markings.

  Noelle smiled. “That’s a good one.”

  A sound at the door to their suite caught her attention. She went to see who it was.

  Jake’s eyes widened when he saw her. “You look great.”

  Ignoring the look of surprise on his face, she smiled. “Thanks.”

  “Thought we’d eat right here at the hotel. It makes things easier,” said Jake. “Besides, I’m hoping you’ll help me try out some new items on the menu.”

  “You might be sorry. I’m a real foodie. I even like caviar and escargots.”

  His face once more registered surprise, but he nodded gamely. “How about I let you choose anything you want?”

  “Deal,” she said, holding out her hand. She might not want to be paid a lot of money, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy a few benefits that went with the job.

  He laughed and shook her hand.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Her hand still tingling from the energy of the handshake she’d shared with Jake, Noelle was helped into her chair at a corner table in Jasper’s, the upscale, American-cuisine restaurant at the hotel. She told herself the tingling meant nothing, but the rest of her body didn’t quite believe her. Forcing herself to think of other things, she looked around the restaurant.

  Through a section of glass wall, Noelle gazed out at the unobtrusive lighting that showcased the bright pink hibiscus blossoms in the bushes lining the wall’s exterior and nearby palm trees. The fronds of the palms rustled and swayed in an onshore breeze. The dark waves of the water rolling in were tipped in white, like a lacy collar.

  Observing the tropical scene, a sigh of pleasure escaped her lips.

  “Pretty, huh?” said Jake.

  “Lovely,” she agreed. She loved Boston and the shoreline there, but the warmth and brightness of color in this setting was especially pleasing when she knew what weather awaited her when she returned home.

  “All right. I said you can order anything you want, but if you’re so inclined, would you think about ordering the sea bass or maybe the chicken? The chef is trying out a couple of new recipes, and I want to see how others like them. They’ve received both raves and disappointing comments. But it’s important that he’s changed things up a bit.”

  “Why don’t I do the sea bass?” Noelle said.

  Jake rewarded her with a smile. “Shall I order champagne? You said you liked caviar, and champagne would go well with it.”

  “No, thank you. Something simpler is fine for me right now.”

  “Okay, leave it to me. I’ve got a nice white wine in mind for us. I’ll try the new chicken dish, and what I have in mind will be good with both.” He turned to Silas. “What would you like, son? You usually get a burger, but do you want to try something new? The pasta might be something you’d like. We can ask for it with the seafood sauce or a plain red sauce.”

  “Plain red sauce, Dad,” said Silas, “and, please, can I have chocolate cake for dessert?”

  “Yes. You’re just like your old man when it comes to chocolate cake,” Jake said, beaming at him. He turned to Noelle. “The way they make it here is my favorite.”

  After their orders were placed and the wine steward had taken care of serving a nice sauvignon blanc, Jake sat back in his chair and raised his glass. “Here’s to you, for being such a helpful neighbor.”

  Lifting her glass, she smiled. “And to having such nice neighbors.”

  As the sip of delicious, cool wine was sliding down her throat, a woman appeared at the table. Noelle noticed the panic in Jake’s eyes and studied her.

  Hair dyed much too bright above her wrinkled face, she appeared to be in her sixties.

  “Long time no see, Jake. It’s great to find you out and about again. I was so sorry to hear about your parents. Such a shame.” She turned to Noelle and gave her a long, steady stare. “Mmm.”

  “Liz, it’s nothing ...” Jake said, giving Noelle an apologetic look. “Noelle, this is Liz Connors. She writes a society column for one of the local social magazines.”

  “And who are you, dear?” said Liz, sounding like the spider talking to the fly in a familiar poem.

  Recoiling, Noelle looked to Jake.

  “She’s the new nanny, Noelle North.” Jake sent Noelle a second look of apology.

  Though Noelle understood he was simply trying to make it clear that they had no social connection, his words stung.

  “She’s my friend,” said Silas, staring at the woman with round eyes.

  “And this is your son, Silas. My, he’s growing fast.” Liz smiled. “I won’t keep you and Noelle from your toasting each other, Jake. Have a lovely evening together.”

  Noelle’s stomach curled. Alex had always loved catching the attention of people like Liz, basking in the limelight of notoriety. Noelle was uncomfortable with it, as she was now.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want Liz to jump to any wrong conclusions,” Jake said, after Liz left the table. “I pretty much try to stay out of the social circle stuff. Claire loved it, but I don’t.”

  “Mom liked to wear crowns,” said Silas.

  Noelle glanced at Jake with surprise.

  He grimaced. “Claire had a small tiara she wore to a couple of her big society events both here and in New York.”

  “I see,” said Noelle quietly, wondering what kind of life Silas had led when both his parents were so busy—one with business and the other with all the trappings of high society.

  She was relieved when their appetizers arrived.

  “How do they look?” Jake asked, leaning over to study her Oysters Rockefeller.

  “Perfect.” Having grown up with simple food, a whole new world had opened up to her when she’d met Alex, a man who’d introduced her to the finest things, including fabulous food. Oysters Rockefeller with their hollandaise sauce and other ingredients had become one of her favorite appetizers.

  Well aware Jake was watching her, Noelle raised her seafood fork and lifted an oyster to her mouth. When she swallowed and then gave him a thumbs-up sign, he beamed at her.

  “I’m glad you like Dad’s food,” said Silas. He had a tiny bit of red sauce at the corner of his mouth.

  She reached over and dabbed at his lips with her black napkin. “Good food is one of life’s pleasures,” she said, quoting her father, who often proclaimed it after one of her mother’s meals.

  Noelle started to eat another oyster when she noticed Jake staring at her. “What?”

  Looking uncomfortable, he shrugged. “It
’s a pleasure to watch you eat.”

  “Mom didn’t like to eat. Right, Dad?”

  Looking even more uncomfortable, Jake shifted in his chair and turned to Silas. “Your mother liked to eat, but she was very worried about gaining weight. Some people are like that.”

  Silas beamed at her. “But not Noelle.”

  Noelle couldn’t hold back the chuckle that bubbled inside her. “I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or not.”

  Jake laughed with her. “Let’s all three of us enjoy the meal,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, evaporating the earlier tension at the table.

  During the meal, Jake answered her questions about the hotels he and his brother now oversaw and seemed pleased by her genuine interest. Noelle understood better the pressure he was under as he and Brett assumed the duties and responsibilities of running the hotels. Until his parents and their plane were found, the actual transfer of ownership had been put on hold.

  Though Jake spoke with pride about the work he was doing, a sadness lingered on his face. Her heart went out to him. She couldn’t imagine the difficult position into which he’d been placed. Miracles sometimes happen. Maybe his parents were alive somewhere. But even as she thought it, the basic facts made it seem impossible.

  By the time coffee and dessert were served and eaten, Noelle was feeling relaxed and pleasantly sated with delicious food.

  “I think we’d better get this little boy to bed,” Jake said. “Ready to go?”

  “Yes, it was delicious. Thank you very much.”

  He rose and went to her chair, beating out the waiter who’d been watching them. “My pleasure.”