“We haven’t had a family Christmas in almost five years,” Deidre tells me, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. “We had afamily fallout, so this year is the first year we’ll all be together again.”
Jack pats her arm and passes her a tissue, which she uses to dab her eyes.
“That’s wonderful to hear you’re all getting together.” I give her a hug, feeling teary myself, and it makes me want to go and surprise my parents early. I know they’ll be happy to see me, and I’m sure more than surprised to find out I’m working here for the winter.
Once Zane has their perfect tree secured, we head back to the office. I know not every transaction is like this; some customers this morning didn’t care about what the tree looked like, they were last-minute shoppers and in a hurry to put one up. But it’s nice to take the time out and help others like this lovely couple. It reminds me that this is what the Christmas spirit is all about.
After we’ve said goodbye to Deidre and Jack, Zane takes me to The Lodge to check if we can come over and view the staff accommodation. Since seasonal staff come and go here, they never know what rooms will be available. I’ve only got another week before Bailey’s parents arrive, and I still have to make sure Mindy will be happy with the accommodation. Not that she’s spoiled or anything.
The Lodge is like something out of Yellowstone. It’s magnificent with its stone and log fascia, and the backdrop of the mountains is second to none. Everything around here is a picture-ready moment just waiting to happen.
“Oh, honey,” Sylvia says when we arrive at the reception desk. “I’m so sorry, I know your father said there were plenty of rooms, but we had to shut off the east wing because of a back draft through the windows, it’s been terrible.”
“What?” Zane looks confused. “When did this happen?”
“Yesterday, when one of the cleaners went in to make the beds up. Those rooms have been vacant for a while, and then theheating wasn’t working properly, so we don’t want our staff to freeze.” She smiles pleasantly at me. Like her husband, Sylvia is welcoming and friendly.
“I’ll take a look at it,” Zane says.
“Honey, you have enough to do, but we need new windows. Dad can’t fix it, he’s already tried, and Roger can’t get out here for two weeks, he’s snowed under, pardon the pun.”
“Well, what is Sadie gonna do?” Zane asks. “She has to be out of Bailey’s next week.”
“It’s fine, I can totally couch surf,” I say, not really envying that idea. Bailey’s place is small, and I don’t want to be a nuisance, living on her couch for the entire season.
“Nonsense,” Sylvia says. “Zane, you have a perfectly good spare room. I know it’s not ideal living with your boss, but it would only be temporary.” She glances at me.
My eyes are wider than they’ve ever been.Share accommodations with Zane?I don’t know why my temperature soars and my heart races in trepidation at the same time.
“Oh, no, really, I don’t want to impose,” I say. “It’s honestly fine, I’ll figure something out.”
Zane clears his throat. “I’ll try in town,” he says quickly. “I’m sure one of the lodgings or the motel will have something for a few weeks until we can get everything back to normal.”
“At this time of year?” Izzy puts in, sliding into the chair next to her mom. “I don’t think so. Plus, it’ll be a short commute for Sadie, if she can put up with your bad habits.”
“Butt out,” Zane tells his sister. “I’ll take a look at the east wing before I go. I’ll figure it out. And I don’t have that many bad habits.”
Izzy scoffs. “It shouldn’t be any trouble for you Zane, you only eat and sleep there, anyway.” She shrugs.
Sylvia is oblivious, but why do I get the feeling Isabelle Lawless looks a little smug at the idea?
“Your father wasn’t happy,” Sylvia says in a quieter voice. “Grandpa wasn’t much better, but unfortunately things happen. It’s an old building, and some of the staff rooms are the original part of the structure, hence the electric and wiring being worn. It’s harder to replace at short notice.”
“I know that, Mom,” Zane gruffs.
“I was explaining to Sadie,” Sylvia says with a pointed look at her son.
“It’s really no trouble,” I interject again. “I’m sure I can find something.”
I don’t know what exactly, but it’ll be fine. I’m sure couch surfing won’t be all that bad, and there are late cancelations all the time. There are plenty of bed-and-breakfast places scattered around this thriving little town; then again, the cost almost brings me out in hives. The Lawless family aren’t going to fork out a hotel stay for a new staff member when there’s a perfectly good room at Zane’s for free. But surely I’m not really expected to share a house with my boss…am I?
I don’t dare risk a glance at him because seeing Zane in his natural environment might just send me over the edge. My mind wanders: how is he in his own home? I heard he’s a good cook, and then there’s all those dirty images that I’ve been conjuring up — no thanks to Jo-Beth and Bailey — that involve Zane chopping wood, shirtless and sweaty with joggers on.Get a freaking grip already!
It’s then I realize everyone is staring at me.Uh-oh, missed something.
“I’m sorry,” I say sheepishly. “I was having a moment.”
Izzy snickers, and Sylvia smiles gently. “That’s okay, Sadie, I just wondered if you’ve made dinner plans over the weekend? We’re having a little shindig at our place and we’d love for you to come. You can meet Frank’s mom and dad.”
