A Family for Christmas

by Mona Ingram

  “Thanks for the offer, but you’re right.” Maddie ran her fingers up and down the stem of her wineglass. “I suppose with Christmas around the corner I could get something temporary. All the stores will probably be hiring.”

  “Retail clerk?” Lily’s perfectly shaped nose wrinkled in distaste. “At Christmas? You’d hate it after five minutes.”

  “You’re probably right, but speaking of Christmas, you’ll never guess who I met today.”

  “Come on, Maddie. You know I don’t like guessing games.”

  “Okay, okay. I met Chase Drummond.”

  Lily sat up a little straighter. “Chase Drummond as in Drummond Exploration?”

  “And the Drummond Building.”

  “That’s right.” Lily tapped her lips. “He owns the building you were working in. What’s he like?”

  Maddie thought for a moment. “Tall, dark brown hair, greenish gold eyes. Quite handsome, actually. And nice.”

  “Nice? No guy wants to be called nice.” Lily rolled her eyes.

  “Well, I only talked to him for a couple of minutes.” Maddie thought back to the scene in the elevator. “I butted in on his conversation. He was talking about buying a Christmas gift for a ten year old girl, and I put in my two cents worth.”

  Lily frowned. “I didn’t think he was married. His picture is in the paper a lot, and he always seems to have an attractive woman on his arm.”

  “The same one?”

  Lily lifted her shoulders. “I’ve never paid that much attention. So what about the girl? Who is she?”

  Maddie looked into her empty glass. She didn’t remember drinking the wine. “I got the impression that she’s a relative but he didn’t actually say that. He said something about it being her first year without her parents.”

  “And he doesn’t know what to get her for Christmas, and you offered to help.”

  Lost in thought, Maddie didn’t reply.

  “Well, did you?” Lily was becoming impatient.

  “Did I what?”

  “Did you offer to help?”

  Maddie shook her head. “Sorry, no. But you’ve got me thinking. How many people are there downtown who have no idea what to get their loved ones for Christmas? And if they do know what they want, they have no idea where to get it.”

  Lily caught on right away. “Not to mention the gift wrapping. Most men I know would rather eat worms than wrap a gift. And for the ones who have already bought a gift, you could offer a gift-wrapping service.” Her dark eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “You have such creative ideas when it comes to gift wrapping.”

  “It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing...” Maddie’s words trailed off. “What am I thinking? I’d need somewhere to set up a little shop. There’s not likely to be anything available at this time of year. And even if there was, they’d want top rates for it.”

  Lily splashed some more wine into their glasses, her brow furrowed in concentration. “You’d need somewhere downtown. I think that’s where your business would come from, agreed? Men mostly, who either hate the idea of Christmas shopping or don’t have the time.” Her gaze turned inward and she tapped a finger against her lips, the way she always did when she was trying to remember something. “Wasn’t there one of those little shops in the lobby of the Drummond Building? You know, the ones that used to sell cigarettes and chocolate bars and magazines?” She looked across the counter. “That would be perfect for you.”

  Maddie brightened. “You’re right. That would be an ideal spot. It was closed up before I started working there. Something about the new building owners not wanting to sell cigarettes. It’s been well camouflaged. They put down an area rug with some comfy seating and massive plants. You don’t even notice that it’s there. I suppose if they were willing to move things around, it could work.” She nodded to herself. “It could work very nicely.”

  “So. You’ll go and look into it tomorrow, right?”

  Maddie sometimes wondered if Lily made up for her small size by being so pushy. And yet she was right...there was no time to waste.

  “I have to go back to pick up my cheque tomorrow. I suppose I could ask David about it. He’ll know where to direct me.”

  “David?” Lily gave her a puzzled look. “Do I know him?”

  “No. David is the concierge. He has a desk just to the right of the entrance.” She nodded to herself. “He knows everything that goes on in the building.”

  “Then he’s your man.” Lily toyed with her wineglass. “I have a good feeling about this. You’ll go in the morning, right?”

  Maddie knew better than to argue. “Yes, I’ll get right on it.”

  “Good. I could eat something. How about you?”

  Maddie was surprised to realize that she was hungry. “Yes, but I’m not sure what we have.” She slid off the stool.

  “It’s my turn to cook.” Lily pulled open a drawer and pulled out a handful of takeout menus. “How about some Thai food? It won’t be as good as my mother’s but it will do.” She picked up her cell phone, scrolled through her numbers and was soon ordering.

  MADDIE STUDIED HER reflection in the mirror the next morning. Her eyes sparkled with an enthusiasm that had been missing for some time now. She turned sideways, studied her profile, then turned back to face the mirror. Confident. That’s the image she wanted to project. She had no doubt that the requirements for renting space in the Drummond Building were fairly stringent. It might be an older building, but it was in a prime location, and commanded some of the highest rates in the city.

  Her long auburn hair hung down her back in a single braid. Lily had assured her that her hair was perfect for this style, and had encouraged her to leave a few strands loose. She fussed with them now, a sure sign that she was nervous.

  The truth was, Maddie didn’t need to work. Her parents had died suddenly while on a river cruise in Europe, victims of a virulent strain of food poisoning that had affected everyone on the boat. Her parents and three others had died. In an effort to minimize publicity, the cruise line had paid a large amount to the estates of the victims. Shortly thereafter, Maddie had realized that she couldn’t live in the family home. Memories of happy times spent there with her parents haunted her in every room. Each time she entered the kitchen, she expected to see her mother, and she couldn’t bring herself to go into her father’s office, where the scent of his cigars still lingered. Real estate had been at an all-time high, and her father’s financial consultant advised her to sell the home. As a result, she had more money than she ever dreamed she would have, but being rich was no consolation. No amount of money could replace her parents, and it became a matter of pride to be self-supporting. Irrational perhaps, but she felt strongly about it, and this recent setback had done nothing to change her mind. She checked her appearance one last time and headed downtown.

  “GOOD MORNING, DAVID.”

  The concierge smiled when he spotted Maddie. “There you are, my girl. I heard about CCA.” He glanced up at the clock above the elevators. It was well past her usual arrival time. “I take it you were caught up in that.”

  Maddie was touched at his concern. “I was, yes. But after the initial shock wore off, I realized that accounting wasn’t really for me.” She stepped aside as someone asked him for directions.

  “So tell me, what are you going to do now?” The observant eyes didn’t miss much. She wore a flared cape over slim slacks that were tucked into tall boots.

  “That’s partly why I’m here.” She gestured to the corner of the lobby where the smoke shop used to be. “I’m hoping to rent that little shop for a couple of months.” She raised an eyebrow in question. “Do you think the powers that be would consider it?”

  The concierge frowned. “The smoke shop? I don’t know. All I know is that the Drummonds didn’t want the tenant to sell cigarettes, and when his lease was up, he refused to stop selling them, so they countered by refusing to renew the lease.” He gave a wry smile. “It made the papers.”

&nb
sp; “Huh. That was just before I moved to Calgary.” She tapped her fingers on the desk and looked thoughtfully in the direction of the former shop. “Who should I see about renting it?”

  “That would be Mr. Drummond.”

  Maddie couldn’t contain her surprise. “Are you serious? Surely he doesn’t take care of the rentals. He must have someone who does that.”

  David shrugged. “Those are my instructions. Hey, didn’t I see you talking to him yesterday?”

  “Yes, but I didn’t know it was him at the time. I was making some silly comment about liking the revolving door.”

  David grinned. “He’ll have enjoyed that. He fought to keep the door in place.”

  “Did he?” Maddie glanced at the door and then back at the concierge. “Maybe he’ll remember me.”

  David wiggled his eyebrows. “Oh I don’t think there’s any question about that.”

  Maddie laughed. “Thanks, David. You know how to make a girl feel special.” She turned to walk away, then turned back. “I’ll let you know how I make out, okay?”

  Chapter Three

  AS THE ELEVATOR APPROACHED the top floor, Maddie took in a long, steadying breath. By the time the doors opened, she was smiling and composed.

  The reception area for Drummond Enterprises was discreetly elegant. Brass letters mounted on the wall behind the reception desk spelled out the company name.

  Maddie had taken the time to Google Drummond Enterprises last night. The company had been started in the 1940s and ’50s by Chase Drummond’s grandfather. According to reports, the man had a nose for oil, a skill which he passed on to his son, who had gone on to multiply the family fortunes. The present CEO of Drummond Enterprises, Chase Drummond, had continued his father’s practice of diversification. It seemed that the company had a stake in virtually every facet of the oil business. As a result, they were one of the most successful privately held companies in the province of Alberta.

  An attractive receptionist greeted her with a smile. “May I help you?”

  “I’d like to see Chase Drummond, please.” Maddie knew that it was unlikely he would see her without an appointment, but she had to try.

  “Is Mr. Drummond expecting you?” The receptionist’s gaze darted to a young girl sitting in the reception area, then came back to rest on Maddie.

  “No, he isn’t.” She watched the receptionist key in something on her computer. “My name is Maddie LaRocque. I understand that Mr. Drummond handles rentals in the building. We met yesterday.”

  Was that a flicker of interest on the receptionist’s face? Maddie wasn’t sure.

  “Mr. Drummond is in a meeting right now, but you’re welcome to wait if you wish.”

  “Thank you, I think I will.” Maddie walked over to the waiting area and sank down in one of the comfortable chairs. The young girl looked up, and Maddie could tell the child was going to be a beauty when she grew up. Coppery red hair hung down from a straight part, and eyes the colour of caramel looked at her gravely.

  The child closed the magazine she had been reading, but Maddie noticed that she marked her place. “Are you waiting for my uncle?” the girl asked.

  Mr. Drummond is your uncle? Yes. I suppose it was foolish to show up without an appointment, but I thought I’d try.”

  “He’s a very busy man.” The young girl let out a resigned sigh. “He wasn’t expecting me either. There was a gas leak at school, and they evacuated us.” She pulled out a cell phone and looked at it. “I called my uncle, and he sent Declan to get me. We’re going to have lunch together.”

  “That should be fun, but it sounds like you might have a long wait.”

  “I don’t mind. My uncle takes me to the neatest places, and in the meantime, I can read my magazine.”

  Maddie tilted her head. The girl was reading Marie Claire. “You like fashion magazines?”

  The child’s smile lit up the reception area. “I read them every chance I get. There’s so much to learn if I’m going to make it in the fashion industry.” She opened the magazine.

  Maddie had to work to keep a straight face. “I understand it’s a very competitive business. What part of it interests you?”

  “I’d like to get into design.” She looked intently at an ad for a couture dress, and her small finger traced the lines. “I want to design clothes that people can actually wear.”

  “You mean like Donna Karan?”

  “I wish.” The eyes that looked at Maddie were surprisingly mature. “I’d love to be as good as her some day.”

  “I think she’s fantastic.” Maddie settled back, aware that the girl was studying her.

  “I like your outfit.”

  The remark made Maddie smile. “Thank you. You know, my roommate is in the fashion business. She has a silk-screening studio out by the airport. For the first few years, she concentrated on producing fabrics, but this year she’s branched into designing and has come up with a line of resort wear.” She glanced at her watch. “As a matter of fact, she’s showing a few of her pieces at the monthly fashion show at Draper’s. You know, the store just down the street.”

  The young girl edged closer to the edge of her seat. “Are you going?”

  Maddie gave her a wry smile. “Afraid not; I have some other business after this. But I saw the show last month, and her stuff was really popular.”

  “What’s her name?”

  “Lily Hsu.”

  “Lily Sue?”

  “H-S-U.” Maddie corrected the girl gently. “Her father was born in Taiwan.” She stuck out a hand. “My name is Maddie, by the way.”

  “I’m Annie.” The girl shook hands. “Annie Campbell.”

  “And Mr. Drummond is your uncle?” This must be the ten-year-old Chase Drummond had mentioned last night. She’d been more accurate than she realized when she’d said that ten was the new thirty. This child was definitely mature beyond her years.

  “Yes.” Annie sighed. “I wish he would hurry up.”

  A man came hurrying out from the offices and spoke to the receptionist. “Marilyn, could you please get maintenance up here? One of the faucets in the men’s rest room won’t turn off.”

  “Right away.” The man walked away, and the receptionist spoke into her mouthpiece, nodding as she listened to the other side of the conversation.

  Annie slid off her chair and placed her magazine carefully on the coffee table. “I’m going to go to the restroom,” she announced. Her fingers lingered on the magazine. “Don’t let anyone take my magazine, okay?”

  “I’ll guard it.” Maddie watched the child walk down the hallway. Annie was so different from Allan’s son, Connor. Whereas Connor’s dyslexia had caused him to be insecure and a bit defensive, Annie was quite possibly the most self-possessed child she’d ever met.

  She picked up the magazine and was starting to leaf through it when the elevator pinged. A man stepped out, carrying a worn canvas tote bag, and suddenly all the oxygen was sucked from the room. Either the accounting office had never needed a maintenance call or she had missed it, because she certainly would have remembered this man. From the scuffed work boots to his sandy hair, she took in every inch of him in a few seconds and liked what she saw.

  He strode confidently to the reception desk and motioned toward the back. “Back there, right?” His voice went perfectly with the rest of him. It was a bit raspy, as though he’d been too long in the cold outside air, and yet she suspected that was his normal sound. She wasn’t quite sure how a few words could unleash a flood of desire, but they did. Maybe she’d been buttoned up too long, she thought, as he disappeared through a set of doors she hadn’t noticed before.

  Maddie stared after him for several long seconds. It wasn’t possible to be attracted to a man this quickly. She knew that, and yet the sight and sound of him was indelibly imprinted on her brain. The long, lean legs encased in faded jeans that had seen better days, the strong forearms sprinkled with blonde hair below the rolled-up sleeves of a faded denim shirt. The one- or t
wo-day old beard that gave him a wild, edgy, sexy look. She was surprised that he was allowed to work here, looking like that and yet, based on the self-assured way he carried himself, the question of his shaving habits probably never entered the picture. What would that beard feel like against her skin? Would it tickle as his mouth claimed hers, or would it be rough, tormenting her sweetly as his lips trailed down her body?

  “Excuse me, Miss LaRocque?”

  Startled, Maddie needed a moment to regain her composure. The receptionist was looking at her oddly. “Mr. Drummond’s secretary just called. Something’s come up, and he’s going to be at least an hour longer, perhaps more. But he promises that he will meet with you if you’re willing to wait.”

  Maddie glanced at her watch. “I appreciate that, thank you. In the meantime I have something to take care of in the building, so I’ll do that and then come back.”

  Annie appeared as she was picking up her bag, and the receptionist relayed a message from her uncle.

  “Okay.” The girl seemed accustomed to waiting. She walked over to Maddie and held up her iPhone. “I Googled your friend’s fashion show.” She showed Maddie the screen. “Is that her?”

  Maddie looked at the familiar face, framed by some of Lily’s most popular fabrics. “Yes, that’s Lily.”

  Annie stared at the image on the screen. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, she is. Listen, I have some business a few floors down, but I’ll be back. See you later, okay?”

  “Okay.” Annie settled in to wait.

  MADDIE WAS GRATEFUL that the Human Resources department of CCA Accounting was separate from the general offices. She had nothing against her co-workers, but there wasn’t much left to say, and she wanted to pick up her cheque with the least possible fuss.

  The company had generously paid her until the end of this week plus the two weeks separation pay, as required by provincial law. It was a bit more than she had expected; she tucked the cheque into her purse and left with no hard feelings.