Page 19 of Just Home for the Holidays

And he’d make sure Chloe thanked him for doing so.

He checked the time and her schedule, then chose the rule that would die first.

* * *

Alicia Brett’s apartment,where Chloe and Mandy had spent their teenage years, had more square footage that most people’s houses. There were only four bedrooms, but each and every one of them was bigger than the entire apartment Chloe shared with two other F5F West employees in San Francisco. It was two stories tall on the corner of an old building with high ceilings on the Upper East Side, coincidentally the same building that the family had lived in when Chloe and Mandy were small. They’d had a much smaller and less luxurious apartment then, although it had been nice. This one had a sweeping staircase between floors and it was easy to forget that it was an apartment, not a house.

Her mom had completely redecorated the apartment, acquired with her direction after her second marriage, and Chloe would never forget Cooper’s expression of astonishment when the bills began to arrive. She’d always wondered whether her mom’s ability to spend large sums of money had contributed to his final massive coronary. He’d adored Alicia, though, and always joked that he just had to make money faster to keep her happy.

The apartment was perfectly decorated and filled with antiques. It had been featured in all the big decor magazines. There were quarters for live-in staff, since her mom had bought an adjacent apartment and had it incorporated into the floor plan. The apartment had always made Chloe feel uncomfortable with its lavish dimensions and furniture. It dripped with expense, and to her, it felt like a house of cards, doomed to collapse.

After all, that had happened before. She knew her mom was better at spending money than keeping track of it.

Of course, the same doorman was there, Mr. Patterson, and he swept her into the building with his usual paternal protectiveness. He carried her bag and asked after her health, welcoming her home.

Was this home? Chloe wondered as she rode the elevator, and that made her think about Hunter again.

Her mom came to meet her at the door, bestowing air kisses even as she guided Chloe into the living room. She was already dressed to go to the carol service at the church and hurried Chloe along without a lot of subtlety. The fire was lit as was the Christmas tree and every corner sparkled with holiday decorations. Carols were playing softly in the background.

“You’re late!” her mom chided. “You just have time to freshen up, then we have to go.”

Chloe knew it was true. She’d lingered too long talking to Hunter at the club. “There was traffic near the park,” she said and her mom waved her onward.

“Of course, there was. It’s always busy there.”

The carol service at the church started in fifteen minutes. The cab ride would take at least twelve.

“Mr. Patterson has a cab waiting,” her mom added, putting on her coat. “And fortunately, our family pew is reserved. Hurry!”

“Aunt Chloe!” the girls cried in chorus. They’d grown since their visit to San Francisco the previous summer, and Daphne evidently was still in her tiara phase. The choice of the day was studded with cut glass emeralds. Alex’s hair was cut shorter, making her look even more like a boy than usual. Both girls wore matching green velvet dresses, obviously a gift from Grandma, but only Daphne looked thrilled with hers. Chloe barely had time to hug Mandy and change. She dropped her bags in her bedroom, changed her blouse and hurried back to the foyer.

Her mom ran a stern eye over her. “You can fix your hair and lipstick on the way,” she said. “Honestly, Chloe, I’ve never seen you so disorganized. What is California doing to you?”

Fortunately, she didn’t expect an answer. Chloe saw Mandy roll her eyes, then they all hurried out to the elevator. Her mom ranted the entire way about tardiness and a lack of consideration, but nothing had started when they reached the church. They slipped into the family pew as the organ music swelled. The minister smiled at Chloe’s mom and she nodded back, making Chloe wonder whether they’d been waiting on her mom. The lights were dimmed, the candles glowed on the altar, then the choir came down the aisle, singingIt Came Upon a Midnight Clear.

It was beautiful. Just perfect. Chloe heaved a sigh, smiling that her vacation was beginning in truth.

Her phone chimed that she had a text message. Someone tsk’d, her mom glared, and Chloe quickly silenced her phone. Mandy was fighting a smile, and Alex, who was sitting beside Chloe, was trying to see who had called.

Of course, it was from Hunter.

Hadn’t he read the list?

Just wanted to let you know my new suit will be ready tomorrow.

Chloe stepped on her exasperation, decided it was thoughtful of him to let her know that he’d taken care of that detail, and replied.

Good.

You’re breaking rule #4, btw.

She smiled at her mom, who was giving her a death glare, then put the phone in her pocket. It vibrated almost instantly. She winced. Of course, it would be Hunter again.

Chloe had a moment in which she believed she could ignore it, then it vibrated again. Insistent and persistent, just like Hunter.

She had to look.

One down, twelve to go.

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