Holiday with You

by Claudia Burgoa

  “This has been fun, but I have work to do,” she retorts, giving me an exasperated glare. “Unless you can freeze time, magically appear with the mystery woman I’ve been looking for, or you can figure out a way to sell me the B&B, I don’t have time to . . . enjoy the view. There’s a lot more to me than hunting ghosts.”

  I chuckle, leaning against the wall. “Listen, I’m here because you said you might be looking at everything from the wrong perspective last night.”

  “No. I said I plan on looking at it in a different light.”

  “Well, I’m here to help you do that,” I offer.

  She cocks an eyebrow. “Really? I’ve been asking for help all week, and you guys keep looking at me like I’m missing a screw. Today, though . . . today, you are changing your mind. Why?”

  “Fine, you caught me,” I say, tossing my hands up in the air. “I have the day off and would love to spend a part of it with you. I’m volunteering, even if it’s to help you look for someone who doesn’t exist.”

  Her eyes soften, and she smiles at me. I feel guilty because even though I didn’t lie, I hid a couple of truths.

  I believe that telling her because I am falling in love with you and want to convince you to stay is coming on a little too strong. She’s going to call an Uber, escape to LA, and never answer my calls.

  We can’t have that. I’m not giving up that easily.

  She finally pulls out a pair of leggings, her jeans, and a shirt. “I’m grateful Mom brought me some clothes, but I wish she had gone to the mall and not to Strippers-R-Us.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  Audrey shows me a see-through lace crop shirt I want her to wear, but I can see why it wouldn’t be practical to wear in the middle of winter.

  I burst into laughter. She joins me, shaking her head. “I love Mom dearly, but sometimes, I wonder what she’s thinking.”

  “You’ll look beautiful.” Absolutely gorgeous and edible.

  “I’ll catch pneumonia if I wear it,” she says, shaking her head. “I’m sure there’s a motive behind everything she brought me.”

  “May I see the rest?”

  She glances at her luggage, then at me, and shakes her head. “Definitely not.”

  “How is this going to help you?” I ask as I’m taking measurements of the kitchen.

  We arrived at the facilities at nine. Audrey and I decided that since my house was on the way to the hotel, we’d stop at my place. I needed a kiss, which she refused to do in public. She’s trying to avoid telling her mom that we’ve been . . . together. One kiss led to another, and well . . . we ended up naked, making love in the comfort of my house. The one place isolated from town where we don’t have to worry about my meddling parents—or anyone in my family, for that matter.

  If her mom is as intuitive as mine, Ms. Reed knows what’s happening between us. I’m not sure if that should bother me since it’s Audrey’s and my business, but it doesn’t. Especially since she seems to approve.

  “The possibilities are infinite,” she answers.

  “Enlighten me.” I scribble a few notes.

  “If Ms. Grant sells, I can give this proposal to Aurora.” She points at the walls. “Do you think we can get newer frames for the paintings?”

  “If you show me an example of what you’re looking for, I can make them,” I offer and circle back to the conversation. “How is the list going to help you achieve your primary goal?”

  She waves a hand. “It’s simple. Everyone knows your business in this town. If Ms. Grant gets wind of a person renovating the hotels, she’s going to come—”

  “I have to stop you there. You think she’ll appear because you’re measuring her place?”

  “Something like that,” she says, though her voice has lost a lot of force. She looks around. “To be honest, it’s not about making changes as much as giving life to the place. I bet if we switch the lights for something modern, change the carpet, and paint the walls a classy, elegant color, the guests are going to multiply.”

  “You genuinely like Winter Valley and are invested in this place.” My own words give me hope.

  Her cheeks turn slightly red as her smile leaves her pretty lips. One thing that stays is the joy in her eyes.

  “It’s a gorgeous place,” she confesses.

  “Not as beautiful as you are.” I pull her into my arms and give her a kiss.

  “Maybe I’m not doing it to get the owner to pop in and sell.” She rests her head on my chest.

  The way our bodies mold together makes me believe this can be a lot more than just a winter fling.

  “I never dreamed I could own a place like this B&B and manage it. I’d make it somewhere between professional chic and I went to visit my childhood home. Maybe the guests will make this their second home.”

  She wiggles her nose and says with conviction, “Home away from home.”

  I inhale deeply because her words sound a lot better than what I was expecting.

  They give me hope that this can be home for her. Because for the first time in my life, I can see a longer-term vision where, like I had with Oliver in New York, I might be able to form a new business partnership. The woman in front of me has incredible talent and vision. Can I use this day to help her see this vision too?

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Colin

  My sisters rock.

  I complain about them often because they are nosy. However, when I need them to do me a favor, they always come through. The hotels in the Aspen area are at full capacity. When I called to make an appointment at a spa, no one had an opening. Thankfully Clarissa, who knows everyone, was able to get Audrey and her mom in at one of the most exclusive spas in the area. I have to give her my season tickets to the Broncos in exchange, but it’s a small price for something invaluable.

  Or so I thought.

  My plan is working, except I didn’t see the flaw while I was organizing it. I have to drive Audrey and her mother to Aspen. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Audrey’s mom has motion sickness and needs to sit in the front seat—next to me.

  Joy.

  She’s lovely. However, I feel like I’m in the middle of a job interview with constant questions.

  “Are you planning on having more children?” She fires a question immediately.

  “Mom!” Audrey’s screech makes me snort, trying to hold in the laughter.

  This might be uncomfortable for me, but she has a bad case of secondhand embarrassment that might push her to jump out of the car.

  “It’s a simple question,” she defends. “There’s traffic. This is almost like the 405 in Los Angeles. Why is it congested?”

  Who knows? I-70 bottlenecks in this area during lunchtime and Sundays when everyone from Denver is trying to drive back. It’s yet another oversight and huge flaw that’s making my plan suck.

  “Talking about his future isn’t just making conversation. Surely, you have other things to discuss, Mom. How are your book club friends?”

  “Donna’s daughter is having another baby,” she answers. Audrey grunts in response. “Did I tell you Harmony is pregnant?”

  “Who is Harmony?” All these names get mixed up in my head.

  “Nobody,” Audrey says.

  At the same time, her mom answers, “Stan’s fiancée.”

  Audrey’s jaw twitches, and she’s giving her mom an angry glare. Is it because she’s dumping information that’s not relevant or because she’s still in love with her ex? An unfamiliar sensation burns in my chest. I squeeze the wheel, trying to calm myself. But it’s so hard. She’s not over him, and here I am, trying to show her that even though this is too soon, it’s meant to be. She’s making me believe there’s a chance for me to love again while she’s pining for an asshole who doesn’t care about her feelings.

  I’m angry with her mother too. Why is she doing this?

  “By the way, she got a new engagement ring,” her mom adds. “Someone told her you designed the one she had.”
>
  “Mom, we discussed this before. I don’t want to know about them,” Audrey says firmly. “We have to set boundaries. I love you, and I don’t want our relationship to collapse because you can’t let go of Stan. It’s over, and he’s not a part of my life. He shouldn’t be a part of yours, and you should respect me.”

  The moment is awkward, but I’m so damn proud of Audrey for putting her foot down. Now, if she can just do the same with her boss. That’s something I’m going to push for, and this is exactly why I’m dropping these women in Aspen. If Audrey leaves without glancing back, I want to give her options.

  The drive back to Winter Valley took half the time. The eastbound interstate was almost empty, leaving plenty of time to drop by Mr. Reynolds’s shop. He doesn’t have what I want, but he points me to a store in Denver that carries exactly what I’m looking for. Elisse promises to pick it up tomorrow before they leave the city. Family issues between Audrey and her mom have put a snag in my plan. Hopefully, that’s the only problem. I pray that everything I’m doing won’t be in vain.

  When I arrive at my parents’, everyone is in the dining room. Morgan sets up the laptop to connect with our sisters.

  “And he’s here,” Colt says. “What’s so important that you had to call everyone—again?”

  Morgan glares at me. “I understand you’re falling in love, but if you called us to convince us to sell, it’s a no!”

  “Morgan!” Mom scolds him.

  My brother glares at her. “Fine, let the prodigal child brainwash us and convince us to give up a place that’s belonged to our family since the beginning of the last century.”

  “And people swear women are dramatic.” Clarissa sighs.

  “None of us has time to manage the Bed & Breakfast,” I begin. “Colt dropping baked goods and preparing coffee isn’t enough.”

  “You need to replace the coffee maker you broke. Yesterday, I was able to convince Becky to lend us her machine for a couple of days, but if the main one breaks, we have to return it,” Morgan reminds our younger brother, who grunts.

  “Can we concentrate for once?” I ask because every time we have a meeting, we talk over each other or divert the conversation. “What I’m trying to say is that none of us has the time to give to the place. I can fix whatever breaks after the guests leave, but it’s just a Band-Aid. The building needs more than the little maintenance I give it. We’re talking about new flooring, toilets, furniture . . . we have to redo the plumbing.”

  While Audrey and I were there, I assessed more than just the cosmetics. The structure has a great foundation, but it’s falling apart, and we need to do something soon.

  “We can’t afford to do that,” Mom says. “I won’t sell it either.”

  “I can pay for it,” I insist. “However, none of us has the time to oversee a project of that size. Also, once the place is back to its glory, someone has to run it. None of us has the time to do it, and we’ve proven that.”

  For the next thirty minutes, I describe everything that can be done, including a garden for weddings. My sisters are excited about the prospect of having their own venue for events.

  Mom smiles. “Mom and Grandmother will be happy to look down on that from heaven.”

  “If everyone agrees to this project, I want to offer the job to Audrey,” I tell them. “As I said earlier, I will pay for everything. The renovation and Audrey’s salary.”

  “Is telling her worth the risk?” Morgan asks. “We’ve been avoiding this issue for years. They aren’t the first hotel chain to try to acquire us.”

  “That’s the other part,” I continue and look at Mom. “You have to fix the deed to that place. I know you have another hundred years to live, but when you leave us, it’s going to be a headache to ensure the building stays in the family.”

  My grandmother was from Winter Valley, but she left for Denver when she was eighteen. She went to college, married Grandpa, and they had Mom, naming her Anna Beth. But everyone called her Betsy. When Mom’s grandma died, she left the Bed & Breakfast to her granddaughter, Anna Beth Grant. My parents were close childhood friends and fell in love during college. When Mom came to Winter Valley, she was Mrs. Betsy Bradford. Even though she owns the place, she’s never taken the time to change the name on the deed.

  “Are you telling me that you’re keeping the B&B for yourself?” Elisse asks. “I’m not being greedy or getting upset. I just want to understand what’s happening.”

  “The place belongs to our family.” I remind her what our parents have told us since we were young. This is our legacy. “To preserve it, we need to make some changes. Our parents don’t have the financial means to do it. I am stepping in to bring some life to the place and, hopefully, give someone passionate about it the chance to start a new dream.”

  “I knew this Audrey was more than just a pretty face to you.” Clarissa grins. “I'll chip in too. Let’s work up the numbers and figure out how much we need.”

  “I’m in too. We can completely transform the gardens out back. It'll be perfect for all kinds of gatherings,” Elisse says, rubbing her hands together.

  "I'll work on the website and reservations software.” This is the most excited I've seen Colt about the B&B . . . well . . . ever.

  And I’m glad we're working as a family, like always.

  Morgan gives me a strange look and nods. “I vote for yes. I'll throw in some cash too. You can play with your hammer and her toolbox.”

  “Don’t be crude,” Dad chides. His attention turns toward me. “I like your idea. Your mom and I would love to see the B&B thrive like in the old days. But what happens if Audrey declines the position?”

  My shoulders slump because that would be a tragedy within a tragedy. However, I think the B&B deserves more than what all of us have given to it.

  “In January, we’ll hire someone for the job.”

  Mom takes my hand and squeezes it. She doesn’t say a word, but her reassuring look gives me the strength to continue with the plan.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Audrey

  “This is exactly what the doctor ordered.”

  My mother has her eyes closed as Pierre works on her shoulders.

  “Colin isn’t a doctor,” I say smartly. I’m still wound tight from the ride over and her insistent reminders of Stan. What’s the use? Even if I wanted him back, which I don’t, he’s engaged and having a baby.

  Does she want me to insert myself into that drama?

  Stan was squeamish about picking up dog poop. What is he going to do with a baby?

  Colin took on responsibility for Perry as both parents. I didn’t have to be around back then to know he did everything for his daughter with enthusiasm and love . . . including changing diapers.

  I can hardly picture Perry having tantrums since she is such a sweet child, but if she did, I’m certain Colin was amazing. He has this soothing way about him.

  Even when I’ve been stressed to the max, he’s managed to calm me. He’s solid. Strong. Grounded. Someone to build a life with.

  I tense.

  “Did I hurt you, miss?” asks the woman attempting to work out the knots in my neck. Good luck, lady. If she had Aurora for a boss, she’d have this permanent tension too.

  Mom opens her eyes to check on me. “I like the Bradfords.”

  Do all mothers have that mind-reading ability thing? Then again, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out I’m constantly thinking about that family . . . especially two of them.

  “They’re fantastic.”

  She smirks. “I’m glad you’re moving on.”

  My mouth drops open. “Then why do you constantly bring up my ex?”

  “To motivate you to get out there. Your work is your life. It was when you were in a relationship with him too, but it’s been worse since the breakup.” She waves her hand awkwardly toward her shoulders. “Harder, Pierre.”

  Ugh. I never want to hear those words coming out of her mouth again.

  “I thought
you wanted me to get back together with him. Why do you still talk to him?” Sometimes my mother makes no sense.

  “Of course I don’t want you with Stan. He’s slime. Do you honestly think I’d like someone who treated my daughter the way he did?” She looks mystified that I’ve believed all this time she’s had a relationship with him. “I figured if you thought I was talking to him a lot, you’d hurry to find someone new. When you get mad, you get off your behind.”

  If I weren’t naked under this sheet, I’d get up and strangle her. “I’ve had to listen to you drone on about how great and fun he is since we broke up,” I shriek.

  The hands kneading my neck pause for a second before they resume. This Zen music isn’t helping calm me much.

  “Work. Work. Work. Work. Work.” Mom makes a talking motion with her hand. “You need a life beyond that. I know you’ve had a bad experience yourself, and what your father did was despicable, but you have to stop hiding behind the wall of your job.”

  I want to scream, especially since she’s right. I’ve thrown myself into work because I can count on it. My job won’t leave me for another woman. My job won’t hurt my feelings. My job gives me something to focus on.

  However, I am beginning to hate that job.

  But what will I have left?

  Mercifully, Aurora hasn’t called in a couple of days. Maybe she’s already fired me. I’ll show up at the office and my desk will be cleared . . . or already occupied by someone else.

  At one time, that thought would’ve angered me. I’ve fought, scratched, and kicked to get where I am. For what?

  Am I even happy?

  I had a stronger emotional tie to my work than I had to Stan. Now that I have some distance from our split, I realize I wasn’t upset he left me. It’s what he represented that is gone. And the feeling of not being good enough—worthy—of someone’s love.

  I’ve only spent a fraction of that time with Colin, but I know when it’s time to leave, it’s going to hurt. A lot. I can’t just forget about the Bradfords and Winter Valley. Not like I would have Stan if my mother hadn’t constantly reminded me of him.