“Will do.” They were both quiet as Ann finished putting away the sodas. Emma emptied the last two boxes, and then started to head out to the garage.
“These cards, do they go in all of the rooms, even Celia’s?” Ann placed the envelopes in the box and waited.
Emma shook her head no and turned, holding a bag of trash. “No just the guests' rooms. Those are cards I bought, with a small print out of what the guests can expect. The times for dinner and the exchange of gifts, directions for what to do with dirty clothes, and what the procedure is if they need anything while they’re here.”
“That was nice of you. Or did Celia come up with that too?”
“No, that was my idea, but she did approve. I find that it makes things go a bit easier if the guests feel at home. This way they don’t have to feel embarrassed if they run out of toilet paper, or if they need an extra blanket.”
Ann laughed as she picked up the boxes. “That would be embarrassing. You’re great at this job. You think of everything.”
With that, Ann left the room. Emma turned, watching her go. If only Ann was right. Emma knew how to handle the small issues. The comfort of her guests, the planning of a good meal -- These things are a breeze.
What she didn’t know was, Where do I draw the line between helping one of my maids see the truth, and keeping my nose out of the boss' business?
Chapter 21
Shopping
Monday, around seven p.m., Martin stepped out of Stanton’s Jewelry and knew he was finally finished with his Christmas shopping. Thankfully, he’d done most of his shopping online. The majority of the gifts were at the house, wrapped and ready to be put under the tree. But the gift he’d bought Celia earlier in the month had now been returned to the jewelry store.
He'd replaced the Emerald ring with a 14k-gold necklace. Celia had hinted over and over that she wanted the ring, even picked it out, but it was wrong to buy her any kind of ring when he wasn’t ready to be engaged. It wasn’t that he’d meant to mislead her. It was more of a mistake on his part about his own feelings.
He’d wanted to be in love, wanted to have it all, a family, a wife, but it wasn’t to be. At least it wasn’t going to happen with Celia. The gold was in the small bag by his side. He had other gifts for Celia at the house, but the ring would have been his big gift to her.
He knew the time with his family would be enjoyable, but the rest of it would be just something to endure. Once the holidays were over he’d ask Celia to move out, and try to make her see that he wasn’t just stringing her along all this time.
Martin laughed when he thought about all of the money he’d spent on Celia over the last few months. Her feelings might be hurt, but she couldn’t complain that he’d used her and give her nothing in return. He’d spent lots of dough on that one, but he didn’t regret it. They had enjoyed each other’s company at times, but what they shared just wasn’t enough.
Thankfully, money wasn’t an object now, and no matter who he was dating he would lavish them with gifts. Women loved being pampered and Martin loved the fact that he was able to afford nice gifts for the women in his life and his family.
As he sat at the light he looked at the second bag on the seat, and a smile came to his lips. He hadn’t been able to resist the Jack Russell set, earrings, pin, and necklace he’d found at the jewelry counter.
The dog’s head was tilted to the left and the body of the dog was solid sterling silver plated in 14k gold. It sparkled with Swarovski crystals and shone like new money.
It had set him back close to two hundred dollars and he only hoped that Randi would accept the gift. She loved dogs, and he was sure she would love the set. He couldn’t wait to see her face.
He knew he was taking chances, not telling the truth, but he hoped once she knew who he was, she might understand why he’d delayed telling the truth. No matter. If everything was going to hit the fan, why not at least try to show he cared with a nice gift?
When both of the families started arriving she would find out, so he was mulling it over in his mind when he should tell her. Maybe right after he gave her the gift would be a good time. He hadn’t felt so nervous about anything in years and he hoped that was a sign his feelings for her were more than puppy love.
Now that his shopping was complete Martin had one more errand to run. He needed to return the script to Bill. He turned south on Maple, made a right onto Eighth, and drove into the garage.
He climbed out, locked his items in the trunk, took the script, and went to apartment 501. After a couple of taps on the door Bill answered. “Ah, Martin, come in. I’ll be off the phone in a few minutes.”
The apartment was spotless, and Martin was not surprised when Bill locked the door behind him, two dead bolts and a chain. He was a safety-conscious person, Martin guessed, and this was L.A., after all.
The phone conversation didn’t last long, and though he tried not to listen, it wasn’t easy. Martin paced, looked out the window, and then sat down. A couple of presents were in the process of being wrapped and sitting on the kitchen table. Tape, scissors and paper were scattered around.
Bill’s wife was out of town, but they were making plans to spend Christmas together. Martin was going to invite Bill to the party today, but from what he overheard, the plans Bill had with his wife would take him out of town. There was no use in even bringing up the invite.
Bill wrapped up the conversation and sat down, looking at his mess. He laid the phone on the table and smiled. “The wife and I exchange gifts every year. She complains if I don’t wrap them myself.”
“You look like you do a good job.” Martin crossed his arms and leaned on the table.
“Lots of practice.” Bill pulled a box closer and started wrapping. “I’ve arranged to get you a reading, but it won’t take place until after the first of the year. Good thing because I’m about to leave town.”
“I heard.” Martin’s brow shot up. “It was hard not to hear.”
“Hey, the wife and I are happily married, and we don’t mind showing it. Sorry, if I embarrassed you.” Bill smiled and shrugged.
“That’s fine, it’s just not common for—”
“People our age to talk like that? Hey, I know I’m not young anymore, but that doesn’t mean I can’t act how I feel. When you fall in love, and I mean really in love, you’ll know what I mean. Love doesn’t get old. Our bodies get older and can’t do what they used to, but the heart still beats as wildly for the ones we love.”
“I hope to find that out on my own some day.” Martin said.
“You won’t if you stay with Celia. I know, I know, it’s not my place to butt in, but she’s not supporting you and a future wife needs to support her husband-to-be.”
Martin nodded, “You’re right, and I’m going to try and break it off after Christmas.”
“Taking my advice? You won’t regret it.” Bill added a few pieces of tape to his gift and then started adding a bow. “Marriage is hard enough when you both are head-over-heels in love and on the same page. It will never work if the lady in your life doesn’t understand your occupation.”
“I hate to admit I picked the wrong woman again. But I did, and I can see now that you’re right. Celia enjoys the money I make, but she looks down on what I do, and I don’t like the way it makes me feel. I want a woman that supports me, and cares enough about me to show it.”
“Don’t give up, Martin, she’s out there. You just need to give it time and don’t rush things. When you stop trying so hard, love will find its way to your door. Who knows? She might be on her way already. We plan on love, look for it, hope it’s coming, and then when we’re not paying any attention, it sneaks right up and steals our heart, whether we want it to or not.”
Martin rose and both men walked to the door. They shook hands. Bill unlocked the deadbolts and Martin stepped out into the hall. He paused and decided to say what was on his mind.
“Well, for a change I’m ready, and I didn’t think I’d ever se
e the day when I was looking to find a woman to settle down with, but I am. It may sound strange, but I’m excited and looking forward to it, and I have to say I just can’t wait to see what happens.”
“Have you met someone, Martin, other than Celia?”
“Kind of, but we’re just talking.”
“That’s how it starts, talking, walking, holding hands, then that first kiss. Beware, Martin. You have that smile on your lips that shows a bit more than you intend.”
“I’ll be careful, but it’s not just her. My family is coming in and I love this time of year.”
“Yeah, right,” Bill said, laughing as he closed the door. “You can act, Martin, but you can’t act that good.”
Chapter 22
Lights Out
The tree in the great room looked so much better with presents under its branches. Randi stood, arms crossed, admiring the sight. Emma had let her know earlier in the day that the tree would only be turned off during the morning hours. Celia wanted it burning all night long and that suited Randi.
Trees looked their best when all of the lights in the house were out, and she couldn’t wait to come back and look at the tree around midnight. This would be the last night before the family started rolling in and the end of the peace and quiet.
Celia’s side of the family was bringing in five kids under the age of sixteen, two siblings, two aunts, their husbands, and Celia’s parents. Martin’s side of the family was his parents, one sister, two aunts, and their husbands.
Turning from the tree, Randi glanced at her watch. It was ten-thirty, and the only thing she needed to do was go over the checklist. She had promised Emma that she would double-check everything, making sure nothing had been forgotten.
Randi reluctantly turned from the tree and went to the kitchen. A smile crossed her lips. The kitchen was spotless, but she could imagine what it would look like tomorrow. Celia’s family was due first, and of course the two sisters with the kids were supposed to arrive first, just after one p.m.
Emma had left the list on the table so Randi picked it up and started looking it over. She’d made sure all of the rooms upstairs were ready and the linen closets were well-supplied, so she checked those off the list. Then she looked at the list to see what kinds of sodas needed to be available, cold and ready to drink.
This took about ten minutes. She then checked off the over-the-counter medicines and dietary needs, lactose-intolerant items, digestive supplements, and vitamins. Were these people coming for a visit or moving in? She shook her head and went on with her work.
The rest of the items were in the large pantry and after she checked for shampoos, toiletries, extra trash bags, and kitchen supplies, she decided she was finished. Now she was ready for a leisurely shower, some reading, and then off to bed.
Randi was alone again. Anna was staying with her friend for one more night, taking a well-deserved break before the families piled in. It was nice to have this huge house seemingly to herself, so Randi enjoyed it while she could. Tomorrow, with kids running about, it would seem a lot more like work.
Her dark hair was thick and took a while to dry, so she sat reading while using one of those old-fashioned bonnet hair dryers that slipped over her head.
She felt like she got fewer frizzes this way and it wasn’t as hard on the ears. Finishing it off with the hand dryer thirty minutes later, she slipped into blue sweats and a blue nightshirt.
The house felt a bit cool after the hot shower, so she was sure to wear socks and she was thankful for the long sleeves on her nightshirt. She smiled as she looked in the mirror. The shirt had a two cuddly bears and said, ‘Let's Snuggle.’ It was an early Christmas gift from her mother and she just loved it.
She glanced at her watch. It was almost midnight. Everyone would be in bed and the alarms set, so she slipped out to the kitchen.
She didn’t steal a late-night snack tonight, for she’d already brushed her teeth. She frowned, looking at the fridge and thinking of the rich-looking pudding, but passed and instead took a drink of water.
As she started back to her room she turned out the kitchen light and paused, smiling. She could see the glow of the tree from the kitchen.
She slipped passed the long, winding staircase and took one look up. No one was in sight. Creeping across the cold tile floor in her fuzzy socks she made her way to the tree and peeked around the corner.
She sighed and leaned against the doorway, looking at the tree. One of the presents looked out of place so she stepped down and picked it up, looking for a better place to lay it. She read the tag in the dim light. ‘from Martin to Celia.’
Where was this elusive man? she wondered as she placed the small gift on top of one of the larger boxes. As she looked at the gifts, a slight bit of regret came over her. She was giving up spending time with her own family for this position.
It paid well, and she had to admit she was glad she’d taken it, but she would miss opening presents with her family. If she chose she could take three hours off Christmas day, to go home and see her family, but it just wouldn’t be the same.
She crossed her arms and inwardly shrugged. The money she was making would help her with a down payment for that bike, or an apartment of her own. It was just too hard to pass up. She could live with missing one Christmas, especially if she could see the handsome Mike again.
A vision of Mike standing by the tree, mistletoe in hand crossed her mind and she couldn’t help but smile. He would make a nice present, and she knew she was taking a big chance in trusting him, but she was tired of being alone. It was time to take a few chances, but still keep her senses in place.
Randi hugged her arms and rubbed her shoulders, the cold bringing her out of her thoughts. She hoped when the company came someone would turn the heat on at night. Pretty tree or not, she was ready for the comfort a warm bed.
She was turning to go when she saw a shadow move into the kitchen. At first she jumped and moved back out of sight. Then she calmed, thinking about all of the alarms in the house. No one would be able to slip in unnoticed. As she peeked around and the kitchen light came on she was even more assured that all was well.
Not really wanting to be caught wandering around the house at this hour she sat down in the huge chair by the door and waited for the person in the kitchen to go to bed. She heard the oh-so-familiar sound of a pop can opening and waited.
She could hear the sounds of water running, a cabinet or two opening and closing, and then she saw him. A man stepped into the doorway, turning the can of cola up, taking a long drink. She spoke before she thought.
“Mike?”
Chapter 23
Christmas Wishes
Martin couldn’t sleep. He knew the family was coming the next day and it was just starting to get to him. How in the world was he going to tell Randi the truth? He didn’t think there was any way that he could drag this on any longer.
Once his mother arrived it would be over, that was for sure. She would drag him by the ear into the kitchen, or wherever Randi was, and make him tell the truth. What was it about mothers that, no matter how old you were, they could bring you back to being a child in an instant?
Martin rose from the bed, pulled on a T-shirt, stepped into his jeans, and went to the kitchen. Christmas was supposed to be a wonderful time, not a stressful time. He was guessing this would be his worst Christmas on record. He flipped on the kitchen light and went to the refrigerator, taking out a cola.
He went to the cabinet looking for sleeping pills. He went to one, and then the other, and couldn’t find any. Just as well. He didn’t need to start taking drugs to get some rest. The idea of getting the Bible out and reading Leviticus crossed his mind. It was his mother’s sure-fire way of finding sleep.
His brow furrowed. That would be one of the first things his mother asked. "Marty, when was the last time you read your Bible?" He ran his fingers through his hair and vowed to take it out, reading something, so he wouldn’t have to lie when she asked.
Taking another drink, he leaned against the counter. There on the table sat a new centerpiece. His eyes drifted about the room. Little Santas and the baby Jesus now decorated his home. He loved this time of year, and hated that he’d created a mess for himself.
If Christmas was so magical maybe he could wish something good to come his way. He looked at the Santa and shook his head, then moved to the baby Jesus. Praying came to his mind, but he doubted his mother's God would have much to do with him. He didn’t go to church, didn’t pray, or read the Bible. He wasn’t even really sure he believed.
He tilted his head a little, raising a single brow, considering a quick prayer. He’d been raised praying, but drifted away from it as he reached his teens. A half-hearted ‘a little help here would be nice,’ slipped through his lips, and then he walked to the door.
He turned the can up, recalling the last time he left an empty can in his room, and all of the ants that came looking for it. He drank down the rest and was about to turn and toss it into the trash when he heard something. He tilted his head, unsure, and then it hit him.
The word echoed through his head like a reverb. "Mike?" But he wasn’t Mike now, he was Martin, and he’d been so worried about his company that he’d not thought about running into Randi. He’d guessed that after all of the hard work she’d done over the past two days that she’d be sleeping.
He tossed the can into the trash, forgetting about rinsing, and the ants that would follow as he turned toward the sound of her voice.
He could barely make out a silhouette sitting in his favorite chair. He walked on across to the room and stood on the top landing, looking down at one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen.
“What are you doing here so late?” She didn’t stand, but leaned back so she could look him in the eye. The well-lit tree helped him to see a smile that was playing on her lips.
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