Hailey came over and said, “Thanks again, Santa. I’ll see you in Seattle next week.”
Troy nodded to her, wishing he could talk over the details with her.
The auctioneer looked at his signature. “You’re signing as Santa,” he said warily. “Look, if this is a joke, we just lost some very decent bidders who were serious about this property.”
It was because he was signing as Santa. He nodded. “I understand your concern, but I’m keeping the purchase of this property quiet. I have a business for my Santa Claus … job. It’s filed in the State of New York. My business will be buying this property.” He added “LLC” after the Santa Claus name.
The auctioneer blew out his breath, checking the bidding number again. Bidders were vetted ahead of time, and thankfully his assistant had taken care of all of it. He turned the paper to get the specifics on Troy’s bid number. “This is highly unusual,” the auctioneer said. “But your name is listed as Santa Claus and …” His eyes widened and his voice dropped to an excited whisper. “This says you’re approved for a purchase up to fifty million?!”
Santa put a finger to his lips. “That is classified information that no one else except you needs to see.”
He nodded. “I don’t know where Santa would get that sort of money …”
“A snow bank?”
Chapter 25
Troy woke up early the next morning. He’d packed his suitcase the night before, and he wanted to leave before the rest of the hotel ate breakfast. Last night at the Forest Festival had been amazing. At the front desk he turned the plastic room key card into George.
“I saw you on the morning news,” George said conspiratorially. “The Forest Festival was an amazing success. Congratulations.”
George had known that Troy was working with Hailey on the Festival, but hadn’t been given the memo that all of that had changed this week. “You must be mistaken,” Troy said, pointing to himself. “I didn’t actually attend the Forest Festival.”
George grinned, seeming to get a joke that Troy hadn’t said. “Ah, right.” He lowered his voice. “Santa made the headline news. He was incredible. Bidding on the prize house like that.”
Troy’s eyes widened. This was not good. He didn’t want publicity for it. In fact that was the very last thing he wanted. George put a tablet onto the counter, allowing Troy to watch the thirty second clip about him in between the camera panning around the entire Forest Festival. The bottom left-hand corner of the screen revealed the footage was caught by a local news station. That was fine.
More than half the town had attended on just the last night alone. They’d already seen first-hand what had happened. The interview of Hailey started, but George removed the tablet after the spot about Santa was over. Troy wanted to see the rest of the program. But with the name of the news station in his head, he’d be able to pull it up when he was in the comfort of New York City.
* * *
Troy was almost back to the City when a phone call came through. For a moment he allowed himself to believe it was Hailey, but even after leaving text messages and voicemails, he hadn’t heard anything from her. He answered the call.
“You didn’t report in for your last week.” Kyle’s voice came through the car’s speakers.
“That’s because I had Cara relay the message that I was done with the competition.”
“Did you get my response from your assistant?” Kyle asked.
“I did, which is why I decided not to follow through with quitting,” Troy conceded. “But there’s nothing to report—not really.” He didn’t want to go into the last week. Everything was still too raw.
“I’m pretty sure you prespending the winning amount of the competition is something to report,” Kandice said, her voice laughing.
“I didn’t … How did you …” He wasn’t doing that as part of the competition.
“It’s all over the news. Congratulations, Mystery Santa. You’ve created quite the stir. Everyone wants to know who you are and what you’ll be buying next. Tell us about it.” Kandice sounded interested.
“Mystery Santa?” he asked.
“That’s what they’re calling you, since you played Santa at the Historic Forest Festival. I guess people have interviewed most of the volunteers who ran the tables, including Hailey, and the auctioneer. The other bidders have put in their two cents about it too. Anyway, the whole thing has been blowing up my feed online, and we’re in Dallas.”
“I wasn’t doing it for the attention, or for the competition,” Troy said.
“I suppose it could be a coincidence that it’s the exact amount for the winner,” Kyle conceded.
“I was trying to make sure Hailey got a fair price for her house,” Troy said, then proceeded to tell the entire story of the week. He explained about how he and his assistant had been talking, and how Hailey must have overheard enough to assume she was part of the bet. He told them about backing away from the role of Santa and Hailey agreeing to it. But then in a strange twist of fate how she’d reached out to him as the Santa she’d met when he was trying to surprise her in costume. His assistant had encouraged him to take the part of Santa. None of it had helped his relationship with Hailey. And from the talks he’d had with her as Santa, she wasn’t as broken up about the relationship ending as he was.
“It sounds like you’ve had an … eventful week,” Kandice said.
“It was definitely that,” he said.
“Would you change anything if you could go back and do it over again?” Kyle asked.
“I’m so glad I don’t have to do it over again,” Troy said, remembering the acute torture of being around Hailey, but not really being able to talk to her the way he wanted. She only saw the perfect Santa Claus in front of her.
“So you’d keep everything the same?” Kandice clarified.
“I’d have to. If it wasn’t for the competition I never would have met Hailey. I hated that the bet got in the way of our relationship. I still don’t think it’s solvable, but doing what I did as Santa at least lets me leave the situation the best that I can.”
“How will you work closing on the house? You’ll have to be there for it with her.”
“I’ve thought about that,” he said. “The whole reason she pulled the house deal from me was because she was mad at me. She was going to only receive thirty percent of what I’d originally offered if I hadn’t helped drive the price up in the bidding. I think it’s better if Santa buys the house and fades from her life. She’ll get the money and she’ll be happy with the donation. And it will be much better than her realizing that I’ve lied to her. Again.”
“Did you lie to her about bidding on the house?” Kandice asked.
“She thinks Santa bought her house,” Troy said slowly.
Kyle laughed. “I doubt she thinks that the actual Santa bought her house.”
“The competition is officially over for you. We’ll let you know on Christmas Eve what the results are. The other two are still finishing up their projects for the next week. You’re not bound by the contract anymore. You can explain it to her.”
“I’m not sure she’d listen,” Troy said.
“That’s tough, man,” Kyle said.
“Ugh. I can’t take this anymore,” Kandice said. “Troy, you’re going to listen very carefully because I’m not going to let the competition be held responsible for your broken heart.”
Troy turned up the car volume, moving through the green light as he headed into the City. “I’m listening.”
“Here’s what you’re going to do.”
Chapter 26
Hailey walked into the grand ballroom at the Summers Resort in Seattle, Washington with her final checklist. She’d originally handed this party off to her assistant, until Santa’s Elf, Cara, had called to let her know that Santa required Hailey to attend both parties for him to make his appearance.
It was a small price to pay for getting the Santa that had made National Headline News and had gone vira
l over the last week. She wondered if there would be a security detail for him. The press had been hounding her for inside information on how to locate him, and she was glad that she’d only had his assistant’s phone number and no address. She was sure if the Mystery Santa wanted to be found, he’d be able to contact the press himself.
Her phone buzzed and she lifted the papers on her clipboard to see her screen, but it wasn’t Troy. He hadn’t called her since she’d left New York after the Forest Festival. His texts had slowed down to every other day. She’d wanted to respond. He’d said that he could explain in person. Her heart ached to know, but she hadn’t had the courage to text back. Not after the way she’d uninvited him from the Forest Festival. It was all too painful.
The message was from Santa’s Elf. Santa had arrived earlier that day, and had checked into the hotel. She breathed an audible sigh of relief.
Her assistant, Janelle, heard her. “You’ve been mopey this whole week. I can handle this weekend of parties. Go home and sulk in front of the TV.”
Hailey shook her head, trying to give a genuine smile. It fell flat. “I’m sorry. I’m trying.”
“I’ve really got this party,” Janelle said.
“I know, but Santa specifically asked that I be here,” Hailey said, and they finished the rest of the checklist. “I’m going to go change.”
Her assistant nodded. “I’ll meet you back here in fifteen minutes, and we’ll confirm with the caterers about the timing for the evening.”
Hailey agreed, noting how confident Janelle sounded after Hailey had been away for a couple of months. Emotions swam through her. Hailey loved that she built a business that could be sustained when she was away from it, but her heart ached at the idea that she didn’t belong here anymore, that somehow she wasn’t needed to run her business.
She pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the fact that Santa had asked that she specifically attend. That was something, though it was probably just for a friendly face in the different city. She headed toward her hotel room to change into her red sequined gown for the party, so she could blend in with the company instead of stand out as she monitored the mingling. Back to back parties at the same hotel made it so much more convenient to stay overnight.
When Hailey returned to the ballroom, Santa was already in the room. He stood up from the chair on the far end of the room, smiling at her.
“Here’s our ‘Mystery Santa,’” Hailey said when she came closer to him.
“Shh. I definitely don’t want people making a big deal about it while I’m trying to help you with this party.”
“It was a big deal though.”
He shrugged. “It didn’t need to be,” he said.
“You’re dressed as Santa and making a huge donation, it was bound to catch people’s attention.”
He looked around. “You mentioned I’m giving out presents while I’m here?”
Hailey nodded toward the stack of them. “Everyone gets a present from the company. I believe it’s the same box for everyone, so it’s just a matter of handing them out to everyone.”
“How will I know if I’ve given them a present already?” he asked.
“I believe they will give you a card with their name on it.”
Santa nodded. “I can handle that. Should I put them in my sack?”
Hailey nodded. “That might be fun.”
“No posing for pictures with children at this party?”
Hailey shook her head. “Tomorrow there may be a few children, but tonight, it’s passing out the presents, and then announcing dinner.”
“Do I stay in the chair during dinner? Or do I leave before that?”
“Stay until the end if that’s okay. That way if you miss anyone for delivering presents, then you’ll be able to catch them at the end.”
“Easy enough.”
Soon guests filled the ballroom. Christmas music played softly under the chatter that started. Caterers walked around with appetizer trays. Hailey watched from one corner of the room.
Santa came over to her. “Is now a good time to give out presents?” he asked.
She nodded. “It will be great. Thank you.”
Santa moved around the room, handing out presents to each of the employees. The company had a nice touch using a Santa for delivering their Christmas gifts.
She connected with the caterers through her headset, giving instructions on when to make another round with the appetizers, but other than that she had very little to do. Her assistant really had pulled off her job without her there. It was encouraging to know that she could put so much trust in her, and that things would work out.
After dinner, Hailey checked on Santa. She’d offered him food, but he’d made his apologies, not wanting to eat while he was in his suit.
As the party wound down there were only a few presents that he still needed to hand out. Hailey had him stand by the door as they exited, giving the last few gifts away.
Hailey breathed in a deep breath and talked to Janelle, downloading a few last-minute things for tomorrow’s party.
Janelle nodded at everything Hailey said. “You know I’ve taken care of everything for tomorrow,” she said. “Now you need to go upstairs, find something to watch and drown your sorrows in something chocolatey from room service.”
Hailey lowered her voice, not wanting to be overheard, though only Santa stood remotely close enough to hear. “I’m fine.”
Janelle laughed. “You’re most definitely not fine. And I want details. Whoever this guy was that broke your heart must have meant a lot if—”
“It’s in the past. I’m fine.” She turned back to see Santa reaching into his pack. “Thank you so much for coming all of this way,” she said, smiling widely and trying to sound cheerful.
“It was my pleasure.” Santa paused, like he wanted to say more.
Hailey raised her eyebrows, waiting for him to continue.
“You’re sure you want to sell the house?” he asked.
Her eyes snapped to his. “Why would you ask that?”
“I saw the way you looked at the projection of it. It looks beautiful.”
“It is beautiful.”
“You also watched the bidding very closely.”
Hailey nodded. “There was a provision in the auction that it had to at least make it to the fair market value. I suppose I was a little worried that it wouldn’t make it that far.”
“But you had an offer on the property, prior to the auction. You could have always gone back to that.”
“Maybe,” Hailey said, though she doubted Troy was interested in it now. He’d never really said why he wanted the property, but after her conversation with Santa she could accept that he’d had his reasons.
“Do you want to keep the house?” Santa’s eyes looked straight into hers.
Hailey mustered up a smile. “Not as much as I want the donation for the hospital.”
“I’d donate the money without the sale of the house,” he said. “You can keep it.”
Hailey shook her head. “I want the house to be used. It’s for a good cause. I don’t want to go back on the deal.”
“Why are you buying this house anyway?” she asked.
“Do I need a reason?” he asked.
She shrugged. “Maybe not, but I assume you have one. I’m getting a much better end of the deal—not that I’m trying to talk you out of it. It’s all going to the Children’s Hospital.”
“I bought it for someone else,” he said. “I knew that she really wanted to … own it.”
“Your wife?” she asked.
“I don’t have a wife.”
She nodded her head. Maybe it was for another relative. He didn’t seem anxious to give her the information so she stopped prying for it.
He nodded. “We’ll sign the paperwork after Christmas then?”
“I’ll be out there just before the New Year, between parties.”
He nodded. “I can make that work. Let me know when you solid
ify your plans.”
“I just have to be back by the day before New Year’s Eve. It’s a big day for throwing parties.”
Santa nodded. “I’m closer travel wise than you are. I’ll be there when the realtors work it out.”
She stood and shook Santa’s hand. “Thank you,” she said. “For buying my aunt’s house and for coming all of this way to help with my parties.”
“Merry Christmas, Hailey,” Santa said.
“Merry Christmas, Santa.”
Santa moved toward the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Hailey nodded. “Thanks, Santa.”
Hailey and Janelle walked toward the elevators. “I’m serious. I’m ordering chocolate and you’re going to spill all about this guy from Red Oaks.”
“I told you, he wasn’t from Red Oaks, I just met him there,” Hailey said.
Janelle waved her hand in the air. “See, already more details.”
The woman at the front desk stopped Hailey. “Ms. Waters, a package just arrived for you.”
“For me?”
“My instructions were to give it to you personally. A special delivery.”
Hailey expected to see something for the Christmas party tomorrow, but instead the woman handed her a smaller, flat box wrapped in a dark wine-colored paper with a hunter green bow. “Thank you,” Hailey said, taking the present. She opened the gold notecard that was wedged between the ribbon and bow. Inside there were only two words: For Hailey.
“Aren’t you going to open it?” Janelle asked.
Hailey nodded. She unwrapped the present and gasped. It was a crystal star ornament—the one she’d admired from the antique store—the one that had been sold in the time they’d gone from the front of the store to the back.
She touched the delicate gift, then held it up by the thick, velvet ribbon. The light caught the color in the ornament making the ornament appear brighter than when it was laying in the box. Her heart thudded. Only one person knew how much she’d admired the ornament. Troy had lingered behind, and she’d been the first to head toward the back of the store. Had he purchased it then? She moved the tissue paper out of the box and found an envelope with her name on it.
The Billionaire’s Christmas Miracle: The Billionaires’ Christmas Gifts Romance Page 19
