The Christmas Holiday

by Maxine Morrey

  I gave her another hug, wrapped my coat tighter around me against the biting wind, and headed towards the Tube station to catch a train back to our flat.

  Chapter Three

  The taxi made its way through the rain-soaked streets of London. The bright afternoon had gradually morphed into a grey one and ended as a decidedly damp, cold evening. The cab pulled up with a few minutes to spare. I quickly handed over my fare as the restaurant doorman held an umbrella over me for the two steps across the pavement to the glass-and-wood-panelled doors. I thanked him as he opened the door and I stepped inside, taking a deep breath as I did so.

  I can do this. I can totally wow the crap out of—

  ‘Excuse me.’ An American accent accompanied the request as a man made to pass by without bumping me.

  ‘Oh, sorry.’ I stepped a little more out of the way, glancing up with a smile as I did so to find myself looking directly into the piercing blue eyes of Bradley Cooper.

  ‘No problem.’ He gave me the amazing smile that helped keep his bank balance ridiculously in the black and I bit the inside of my cheeks in an effort to stop the biggest, most idiotic smile I owned bouncing onto my face. He headed off towards a table, and I concentrated on getting my heart rate back down, congratulating myself on the fact I hadn’t flung my arms around his neck, and squealed ‘Oh my God! Bradley Cooper! I love you!’ Points to me, I believe.

  ‘Madam?’ The maître d’ asked. I realised from the look on his face he was repeating himself.

  ‘Oh! I’m so sorry. I… I’m here to meet someone.’

  ‘Do you have the name of the party?’

  ‘Yes. It’s…’ Oh God. Was it in Sandeep’s name. Or Olivia’s? Or maybe even Hunter’s? Jeremy hated it when the paps bothered his daughter so I knew that sometimes they used different names. The man looked at me, a studied patience showing on his face.

  I smiled and relaxed my shoulders, projecting a confident air. ‘It’s in the name of Singh.’

  He looked down at his list.

  ‘Or maybe Spencer,’ I added, in case it was under Olivia’s.

  His gaze flicked up at me momentarily before returning to his records.

  ‘Or Scott. Or perhaps…Walker?’

  He’d stopped looking for names now and was just focused on me. ‘Madam. I’m afraid if you don’t have an actual booking—’

  ‘I do!’ I felt my face flush with indignation. ‘I’m just not the one who made it so I’m not entirely sure whose name it was booked under.’

  ‘I see.’ He didn’t look like he saw at all.

  ‘If you could—’

  ‘She’s with me.’ Hunter suddenly appeared at my side, looking at ease and pretty much edible in a beautifully cut, deep-slate-grey suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and contrasted with his eyes perfectly.

  ‘Mr Scott. I do apologise. We seem to be having a little communication issue,’ the maître d’ explained.

  Hunter gave him an easy smile and I clamped my jaw shut before I showed both of them just how bloody communicative I could be.

  I concentrated on trying to be calm again, smoothed a hand over my hair and straightened my dress. My coat had been whisked away but I still held my bag. Hunter glanced at me, his eyes flicking briefly to where I was gripping my bag like it contained the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

  ‘I don’t think you’re going to get mugged in here, Mia.’

  I gave him a tight smile and loosened my grip as he indicated the way with a tilt of his head.

  ‘Wasn’t sure if you were turning up,’ he said languidly as we walked towards the table.

  I spun round so fast that he bumped into me, knocking me off balance. His hands shot out and steadied me before immediately dropping back loose at his sides.

  ‘I was here on time. I was only delayed by that stuck-up waiter not being helpful and insinuating that I was trying to wangle my way in here.’

  ‘They have to be careful who they let in. Peter was just doing his job.’

  I rolled my eyes. ‘Just because you’re on first-name terms with him doesn’t excuse him for looking down on me.’

  ‘You’re being paranoid.’

  I glared at him. ‘Am I? Well, why don’t you just add that to your list of reasons why you think I’m not right for this job. Not that it will do any good. Because I am. And nothing you say, or do, is going to change that fact. You’re obviously far too busy and important to notice people lower down the food chain but I’m really good at my job. I know it, my boss knows it, and Olivia knows it. And those are the only opinions that really matter right now.’

  We were whispering but there was no doubt about the fact we were also arguing. I saw a few interested glances flick our way. Apparently, Hunter did too.

  ‘Let’s go and sit down. Making a scene in front of a client isn’t my usual style.’

  ‘You started it.’

  ‘Real mature, Mia.’

  Shit. Since he put it like that, it did sound childish and that wasn’t how I’d meant it to sound at all. Double shit.

  ‘At least I’m mature enough not to try and get my ex booted off a job. Thanks for that, by the way.’

  He caught my elbow and I looked up into the pools of blue I’d lost myself in so many times before. But the look in them now was entirely different.

  ‘Getting you booted off, as you put it, has nothing to do with your being an ex. It has to do with the fact that I don’t think you’re the best person for the job.’

  ‘And your current girlfriend of the week is, I suppose?’

  ‘She’s not my girlfriend. Actually, she’s an ex. Which rather disproves your theory, don’t you think? Ah, here we are.’ He stopped by a table before I could reply. A couple were sitting, hands entwined, so wrapped up in each other they hadn’t noticed us.

  ‘Hey, lovebugs,’ Hunter interrupted, ‘people are trying to eat here.’

  The two looked up and their faces broke into smiles at the sight of him.

  ‘Scott, how are you?’ Sandeep shook Hunter’s hand and they did a quick man-hug thing. Sandeep then stood aside to allow Olivia to say hello – something she did with a big hug and kisses on both cheeks.

  ‘Hunter, I know I shouldn’t say this after you broke Ilana’s heart so callously – but we’ve missed you! Where have you been?’

  Hunter hugged her back and smiled. ‘Oh. Here and there. And I’m pretty sure Ilana’s well over me. She was wearing a rock as big as a car tyre on her left hand last time I saw her and she looked pretty damn happy.’

  ‘She cried for a week when you broke it off.’ Olivia raised an eyebrow at him.

  ‘Well, then I’m truly sorry. I never meant to hurt her, and I do hope she’s really happy with this guy.’

  Olivia flapped her hand, ‘Oh God. She’s over the moon! He lets her get away with everything – unlike you – and treats her like an absolute princess.’

  Hunter grinned, giving a flash of even white teeth. ‘He sounds perfect for her.’

  ‘Totally.’ Olivia turned to me. ‘I’m sorry. Listen to us going on! You must be Mia. I recognise you from your byline photo.’ She held out her hand. ‘Daddy’s told me so much about you.’

  I smiled and hoped Hunter hadn’t added anything to that information. ‘It’s so nice to meet you both.’ We all shook hands and took our seats.

  ‘Shall I order some wine? Anything you prefer, Mia?’ Sandeep asked.

  ‘Oh! Oh no, I think I’m just going to stick to water this evening, thanks.’ Hunter was looking at the menu but I saw his mouth twitch as he hid a smile. He knew that if I had wine, it wouldn’t be long before I’d be eyeing the room for a convenient place to take a nap. It irked me more than it should that he knew these little things about me. Of course, he knew a whole lot more about me than that, but I wasn’t going anywhere near that. I crossed my legs and accidentally kicked him under the table. ‘Sorry. Was that you?’

  He levelled his gaze at me. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Oops.’


  ‘So, Mia, I hope you’re excited about the trip! I knew you’d be right for this as soon as we discussed getting it documented. I didn’t want it to be sloppy and gushy but I didn’t want it to feel like a dry old travel journal either. The weddings section is the first one I read as soon as the paper drops through the door! The stories are all so romantic. I love the way you write.’

  ‘Thank you,’ I said, which seemed a little inadequate in response to her bubbling enthusiasm.

  Olivia smiled at me. ‘I can’t wait to see what you write about our wedding day too. I’m so excited. Have you always written this sort of thing?’

  ‘Umm, no, not really. I used to work for a regional paper, and covered all sorts. A few years ago, I came for an interview with your dad. I’d actually been going for a travel position but it had already been filled. Jeremy said he still wanted to hire me and there was another section he wanted to pep up, if I’d be willing to take that. It wasn’t what I’d been hoping for when I went for the interview but I knew I was lucky he was giving me a foot in the door.

  ‘And you enjoy it?’

  ‘I do. Well, mostly. I cover births, marriages and deaths and I have to admit I’m not so keen on the obituaries bit, if I’m honest.’ I looked up and saw their faces, and then, realising some of this could get back to Jeremy, quickly elaborated. ‘Only because they make me a little sad. Some of these people achieved so much, were clearly so loved and then… well, they’re not here any more.’

  ‘But surely one should be happy they had a good life, and achieved what they did?’ Sandeep asked.

  ‘And I am! I just…’

  ‘It makes you sad,’ Olivia said. ‘That’s perfectly understandable. I wouldn’t even be able to think about writing that stuff. I’d be a mess before I even started!’ Sandeep looked at her in a way that made it clear to every other diner just how he felt about her. His eyes were filled with utter adoration. To my horror, I realised Olivia’s were filled with tears. Perfect! I’d made my client cry. Hunter glanced up from his menu and saw the same thing. His gaze slid to mine momentarily and I could tell he’d just found yet another reason why his girlfriend, or whoever she was, should have got this job and not me.

  ‘Olivia, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you.’

  Across the table, she waved her hand. ‘I’m fine, honestly! Not your fault.’

  Sandeep lifted her hand and briefly kissed it. ‘My fiancée can be a little emotional.’ She gave him a shy look under her lashes. ‘Yet another facet I love her for.’

  I smiled at them. They really were adorable.

  Hunter made a throwing-up sound. I glared at him and Olivia threw her napkin across the table.

  ‘Just because you’re a cold-hearted wretch doesn’t mean the rest of us have to be,’ she admonished him. ‘Honestly, whatever will Mia think of you?’

  He shrugged. ‘I really don’t think it’s important what Mia thinks of me. I’m here to do a job. And I’ll do it well. Just because I don’t believe in all this stuff doesn’t mean I can’t capture what you two have.’ Olivia was twiddling her engagement ring, her face showing hints of doubt. I wanted to feel smug that, after all his banging on about how I wasn’t the right person for this trip, it was actually him Olivia was now having doubts over. But I couldn’t. I’d only just met them but I already really liked this couple and I wanted everything to be perfect for them. Obviously their first choice had been Hunter, but now…

  I shot him a glance. He held it a moment before looking away and I knew he understood. Reaching over, he covered his friend’s hand. ‘Liv, I promise. All right?’

  She looked at him. ‘All right. But it’s a good job I know you. Otherwise I might begin to think you weren’t right for this job.’

  He screwed up his face. ‘But you don’t know Mia at all. How do you know she’s right for it?’

  Seriously? He was still trying to get me off the job? Un-bloody-believable!

  ‘Because I read her stuff every week, and I love it! I’ve no doubt thatshe’ll see and capture all the romance and love of our story in her words.’

  ‘So why doubt I can do it?’

  ‘Because you’re not a romantic.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘Mia clearly is.’

  Hunter gave a shake of his head, blew out a sigh and emptied a large proportion of his wine glass down his throat. Before anyone could say anything else, a waiter appeared and we busied ourselves in ordering.

  As the evening progressed, I found myself relaxing a little more, despite the fact that Hunter only spoke to me when he really had to. He was civil but that was about it. Olivia and Sandeep, however, were absolutely lovely and I found myself falling a little in love with both of them. Their feelings for each other were so clear to see and, despite what Olivia had said, I knew Hunter could see it too.

  We said goodbye outside the restaurant, Olivia and Sandeep both wrapping me in a big hug before their private car arrived, purring at the kerb as the doorman saw them in. It pulled off quietly and Hunter and I stood on the pavement, watching the tail-lights turn off into traffic and disappear. Once they had, I looked up at him.

  I was about to speak when the door opened behind us and Mr Cooper himself emerged. He noticed me and smiled. ‘Hello again.’

  I smiled back. Partly because, well, it was Bradley Cooper, and partly because, from the corner of my eye, I could see the look on Hunter’s face and it was absolutely priceless.

  ‘Hello.’

  I saw him glance across at Hunter, then back at me, before a sleek, dark Mercedes, its windows tinted, pulled up and he and two others got into it, Bradley giving a little wave to me as he did so. I could have kissed him.

  ‘Didn’t know you two were friendly,’ Hunter said in a flat tone, giving the Mercedes another momentary look as it drove off.

  ‘There’s a lot about me you don’t know.’

  The fact that I wasn’t remotely friendly with any A-list actors and had done nothing more than be in Bradley Cooper’s way earlier this evening was neither here nor there. For some reason, it seemed to irk Hunter and, after his behaviour today, I was going to take full advantage of that fact.

  ‘I just wanted to say I’d appreciate it if you’d stop trying to get me bumped from this now. It’s an opportunity that might not come again so I’d be grateful if you didn’t do your best to try and ruin it for me.’

  ‘I don’t know what you mean.’

  ‘What I mean is that we’re both on this job now and obviously that’s not ideal. But it is the case and while you get to pick and choose your assignments now you’re Mr Big Shot, I still have to grab an opportunity like this with both hands. And that’s made ten times harder when there’s someone trying to yank it out of them!’

  He’d been looking off into the middle distance, and now drifted his gaze back to me. ‘Are you done?’

  ‘Are you?’

  He shrugged. ‘Fine. Liv and Sandy can’t say I didn’t warn them.’

  ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

  ‘It means I think there are better people for this assignment but I can’t do anything about it.’

  ‘I don’t think it’s got anything to do with them or the job, Hunter. I think it’s because the thought of having to spend time with me clearly isn’t one you relish.’

  ‘Or maybe it’s both,’ he said, sticking his arm out to hail a black cab.

  ‘Right,’ I said. ‘I see.’ I swallowed hard and made a show of busying myself with my scarf as I took in his blunt statement. A cab pulled up alongside us and I got in, directing the driver to London Bridge station. I would have been happy to get the Tube, but Olivia and Sandeep had insisted I get a taxi. The flat was close to the station so it was always just easier to get one to there.

  ‘I’ll share if you don’t mind,’ Hunter said, jumping in the cab after me. ‘I’m heading that way myself.’

  ‘I’m surprised you’re not getting a separate one, seeing as how spending any sort of time with m
e is clearly so repellent to you.’

  ‘I never said you were repellent.’

  ‘Neither did I! I just said the… oh, never mind.’ I slumped back in the seat.

  He gave me a look and seemed about to say something, but stopped. ‘This way we only have to bill the client for one cab ride. I like Liv and Sandy. Yes, they’ve got pots of money between them but that doesn’t mean I take advantage.’

  ‘And I suppose you think I would.’ It wasn’t a question and I didn’t have any energy left to argue with him. I was mentally exhausted. I was ecstatic over the job, and ordinarily I’d have been bursting with excitement, but it was hard to get excited when the person you were going to be spending the next couple of months with couldn’t stand the sight of you.

  ‘I don’t know, Mia.’

  I stared at him for a moment, shocked he really did think I was that low. Turning my head, I looked out of the window, opting not to answer at all.

  He frowned momentarily. ‘We haven’t seen each other in five years. Time changes people.’ He paused. ‘But no, I don’t think you would.’

  I kept silent. The cab pulled up at the station and I handed over the money quicker than Hunter could. The driver gave me a receipt in return. I stepped out one side and Hunter got out the other. Keeping my cool, I pushed the door closed on the cab as Hunter strode around the car. His eyes flicked over me.

  ‘Mia, yo—’

  ‘Please don’t say any more, Hunter. This has been a difficult enough evening for both of us. I just hope that now we can…. Arrrrgh!’ The cab pulled away with a corner of my scarf caught firmly in its door. It yanked me to the side and I overbalanced. Hunter wrapped one arm firmly around me and with the other banged on the roof of the cab. It halted immediately. The window buzzed down and an assortment of colourful words tumbled out. Hunter held up his free hand and quickly explained the situation. The tirade stopped and my scarf was set free. I croaked an apology. The driver nodded and pulled away again, this time uninterrupted.