Pamela leaned forward, her eyes glittering with malice. “You must be the little project Jack’s been working on. Simon mentioned you. The sad, dumped wife who came running to St. Augustine to lick her wounds.”
Holly felt the words like a slap, but she refused to show it.
“My life is none of your business,” Holly said evenly. “Now either go take a seat in the waiting area or leave.”
Pamela’s smile turned vicious. “You poor thing. You actually think Jack wants you for more than your renovation skills. Let me tell you something about my ex-husband. Unfortunately for you, Jack never got over me. That’s why he never remarried or got serious with another woman. Because he was holding onto hope thatI’d come back.”
Holly’s heart clenched, but she pushed down the doubt trying to creep in. Jack had told her about Pamela’s manipulation. Charlie had warned her that Pamela would try to drive a wedge between them.
“That’s not true,” Holly said quietly.
“Isn’t it?” Pamela asked. “Why do you think he agreed to have lunch with me today? Why do you think he didn’t tell you about it?”
Holly opened her mouth to respond, but doubt suddenly flooded her mind. Why hadn’t Jack told her? They’d been working on communication, on being honest with each other. And he’d said nothing about meeting Pamela for lunch.
But then Holly remembered, she hadn’t gotten a chance to tell Jack about meeting Simon this morning either. He’d gotten the call about Duke, then Jane had appeared, and Holly had left without explaining. Maybe the same thing had happened to Jack. Maybe he’d been trying to tell her and hadn’t found the right moment.
She had to give him the benefit of the doubt. That’s what trust meant.
“I think you should leave,” Holly said firmly. “And if Jack wants to meet with you, he can contact you himself.”
Pamela was about to respond when Julie’s voice cut through the tension.
“Is there a problem here?” Julie appeared from the back hallway, her expression sharp as she took in the scene.
“Julie,” Pamela said, her tone shifting to something falsely sweet. “I was just explaining to your... employee... that Jack and I have lunch plans. But she seems to think she can tell me what to do in my own daughter’s home.”
“This isn’tyour daughter’shome,” Julie said coldly. “This is the Christmas Inn, and you are not welcome here, Pamela. I’ve told you that before.”
“But Jack—” Pamela started.
“If Jack wants to meet with you, he’ll do so off the property,” Julie interrupted. “Now, please leave before I have security escort you out.”
Pamela’s face flushed with anger, but she held her composure. “Fine. Tell Jack I stopped by. Tell him I have information that could help him save this place, if he’s willing to listen.”
She turned on her designer heel and stalked out of the inn, the door closing sharply behind her.
Holly let out a breath. Her hands were shaking slightly as she gripped the edge of the desk.
Julie came around and put a gentle hand on Holly’s shoulder. “Are you all right, dear?”
“I’m fine,” Holly said, though her voice wavered slightly.
She squeezed Holly’s shoulder. “Let me tell you something about my son. Jack was single all these years, not because he was holding onto Pamela. He was single because he had a daughter to raise, and he devoted himself tobeing the best father he could be. Then his business collapsed, he had to get a job in a firm he wasn’t happy in to support Jane, and he’s spent the last year trying to save this inn.” She smiled warmly. “He never had the time to fall in love again.” Julie’s eyes were kind but firm.
“I know,” Holly said with a nod. “I just can’t believe the Jack I know would’ve fallen for… her.” She pointed to the empty doorway.
“That’s why he is drawn to you. Because you are the total opposite of that viper.” Julie glanced toward the door before continuing. “Holly, you’ve given my son more than hope that he can save our home. You’ve opened his heart again. You’ve shown him that he can have more than just duty and responsibility; he can have happiness, too. Don’t let Pamela’s poison come between you.”
Holly felt tears sting her eyes. “Thank you, Julie. I needed to hear that.”
“Of course, dear,” Julie said warmly. “Thank you for looking after the front desk for me. I think Trinity was looking for you.”
Holly nodded, hugged Julie, and went to find her granddaughter, trying to wipe out the last remnants of nagging doubt from her heart.
7
GABE
