Page 86 of Five Days of Christmas Spice

“Holly, have you seen the news?” My assistant’s voice is rung with worry, and I curse myself for being off-grid.

“No, Meg, what is it?”

“Xander Durand’s kid broke his leg skating, and he’s refusing to go back on set until the kid is healed.”

“What?” My mind kicks into work mode.

“Yeah. He made a social media post about it.”

“I’m flying home tomorrow morning. I will call him.”

“I tried and couldn’t, but the producer said Durand better be there on Monday.”

“Got it. Thanks, Meg.”

Reality crashes back into me as my mind whirls, wondering how I am going to get Xander Durand to listen to me. He’s snobbish and egocentric but also one of the first clients I signed that is making the agency gobs of money.

His show is number one in the rankings.

Somehow, the man has to be in L.A. to resume shooting.

I Google, “How long does it take to heal a broken leg?” and curse.

“Holly, can I help?” Noel snaps me back to the present.

“I have to…I have work to do. I’m going to leave in the morning.”

I say this as much to myself as to him because I’m pretty sure I can’t get a flight out tonight.

“I know. Can we spend this night together?”

My heart breaks because I want to, but I don’t know what it will cost me if I say yes.

I have to look after my client and get back to the real world.

“I don’t know…I have calls to make.”

“Okay. You know how to reach me if you’re done with your calls and want company.”

“Yes, okay,” I say.

“Holly.”

I turn to look at him. He has his shirt back on.

“I used to be a workaholic, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I think having a balance of work and other things…” He raises an eyebrow. “Is a better way to do it?”

“Maybe,” I whisper.

“Good luck with your phone calls.”

“Thanks.”

There is nothing more to say. I watch as he leaves, gently closing the door, and I stop myself from chasing after him.

Pressing Xander’s number, I go to the tea service and put the kettle on, smiling as I remember Noel showing it to me on that first day, correcting me.

“Hello?”

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