Irving Quick was Rance’s dad. Wow. What did she know about the guy? Not much except his picture on the dust jacket of his latest hardcover release.
He was photogenic, a broad-shouldered man in a black turtleneck and leather jacket, his dark hair graying at the temples and a cocky smile on his handsome face. She knew that smile. “He’ll be staying here?”
“That’s the only good news. Mom told him he’d have to find something in town. Unfortunately, he did.”
“It should have been impossible at this late date.” Desiree picked up one of the mugs and took her favorite easy chair to the right of the sofa. “I was counting on that. Except he’s a lucky jackass. He called back within ten minutes. The hotel was booked but Mrs. J had a last-minute cancellation. He has a room at her B&B.”
Andy leaned over and grabbed one of the mugs, a napkin and two cookies. “Could she put a sedative in his coffee?”
“Andy.” Desiree sent him a look.
“Notice I didn’t say poison. A sedative would be harmless.” He sighed. “C’mon, everybody, drink your hot chocolate and eat some sugar. If a spoonful helps, this stuff will make us forget all about Quick-dick.”
Desiree made a half-hearted attempt to hide her smile behind her mug. “Stop calling him that. Next thing you know you’ll say it in front of our darling grandchildren.”
“And all hell will break loose. You’re right. I’m just trying to work off my frustration that he’s landing in our Christmas like a turd in a punchbowl.”
Lani choked back laughter and picked up her mug. Good thing she hadn’t just taken a drink.
“He says he’s a changed man.”
Andy snorted. “Sure he is. He looked like the same arrogant bastard on his latest dust jacket.”
Desiree paused, a cookie halfway to her mouth. “You paid attention to that?”
“Hard not to see it while I was quietly redistributing his books during your signing last month up in Missoula.”
“Redistributing them how?”
“Oh, some ended up in the cookbook section. I stashed a few in self-help, some in ancient history, where he definitely belongs.”
Lani grinned. “Remind me never to tick you off.” Then she lifted her mug in Desiree’s direction. “Tastes wonderful.”
“Thank you.” Desiree returned her attention to Andy. “Was this redistribution caper a one-time stunt?”
“I’ll take the fifth.”
“Obviously not an isolated incident, then. Promise you won’t do it if we have Mav and Zach with us. You’ll set a bad example.”
“That’s a good point. I’ll pass the word.”
“Pass the word? What the hell? You have accomplices?”
“I wouldn’t say that. Hey Rance, drink up, son. You don’t want to let your mom’s famous hot chocolate get cold.”
“Right.” He leaned forward and took the last mug from the tray.
Desiree continued gazing at Andy. “We need to discuss your clandestine activities, but we can do it later.”
His expression remained serene. “Can’t wait, my love.”
Lani grabbed a cookie and a napkin. “Well, if you dislike him that much, Andy, it’s good enough for me. I’m sure he deserves being redistributed.”
“He deserves more than that. He left before Rance was born and hasn’t contacted Dez or his son until today.”
“Which is fine with me.” Rance took a gulp of his hot chocolate. “If it wasn’t Christmas I’d head off on a little vacay right now. I have no interest in seeing him, talking to him, or listening to his half-assed excuses.”
Andy cradled his mug in both hands. “It’s probably no comfort, son, but I don’t think he’s stayed away on account of you. More likely it’s because your mom’s kicking his butt on theNYTlist. He’s never hit number one and she’s done it multiple times. His ego can’t handle it.”
