Page 47 of Santa Maybe
Rosie was running on fumes. Instead of indulging in happy hour at Pepe’s, she and the Damsels were preparing the breakfast room for their first “Festive Friday” event. They’d set up a hot cocoa bar with plenty of toppings: whipped cream, sprinkles, caramel sauce, crushed Oreos, marshmallows, and candy canes. The buffet was loaded with trays of cookies, gingerbread people, and butter tarts.
Kate arrived just before seven to help with the sing-along, carrying a guitar and a bulging tote bag. She was a wisp of a thing, barely five feet tall, but she radiated vibrant energy. Her outfit included a bright red dress embellished with sparkling white snowflakes and a necklace of flashing holiday lights. Atop her russet-brown curls was a makeshift crown made of holly.
Upon spotting Rosie, she drew her into a hug. “Rosie! I feel like I know you already. Drew’s talked about you so much.”
“Thanks. It’s great to meet you. I can’t tell you what a lifesaver you’ve been, providing all those craft items for our Saturday events.”
“I was glad to do it. I have so many supplies that Drew calls me a crafting hoarder. Speaking of my brother, is he coming tonight?”
Rosie couldn’t help but smile. “He’ll be here soon. He’s been a huge help.”
“I’m not surprised. That’s the kind of guy he is.” Kate gave her a conspiratorial grin. “To be honest, you’ve made him so happy that he enjoys doing it.”
A little thrill shot through Rosie, but then she wondered how much Kate knew. Had Drew told her they were pretending, or did she think it was real? Before Rosie could ask her, Charlie rushed over and gave Kate a hug.
“You’re here!” she said. “Thanks for coming to serenade us.”
“My singing voice isn’t the best, but my guitar skills are decent.” Kate pulled a thick packet of papers from her tote bag. “I printed out a bunch of song sheets for our guests, in case they don’t know the words.”
“Awesome, thank you!” Charlie flipped through them. “I’m so excited! I set up my keyboard over there in the corner. I can’t wait for us to jam together!”
When Rosie unlocked the doors at seven, about a dozen people streamed in. A few wore ugly Christmas sweaters, while others were casually dressed. Not as many guests as she’d hoped for, but the event had just started. She was about to check the lobby to see if anyone else was lingering out there when the sight of two familiar faces stopped her cold. Was that her mother? And her father? Though tonight’s event was open to the public, she hadn’t thought to mention it to her parents.
She stared in surprise as they walked into the breakfast room, followed by Jaime and Camila and then Isabella and her husband, who was carrying their daughter, Graciela, on his hip. Beside him was Drew, looking festive in a dark green sweater with a red-nosed reindeer on the front.
Mamá came over and embraced her. “Surprise, mija. We’re here to crash your party!”
Rosie hugged her back, inhaling the scents of vanilla and cinnamon, which meant Mamá had started her holiday baking in earnest. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t think you knew about this.”
“A little birdie told us.” Mamá looked back at Drew with a wink before returning her attention to Rosie. “You’re looking peaked. I hope you’re not working too hard.”
“I’m trying not to.” But all the concealer in the world couldn’t hide the bags under her eyes. “Once the holidays are over, I can relax.”
Or so she hoped. If she lost her job, she’d be more wound up than ever. But she wasn’t going to tell her mom that.
Isabella grinned at her. “Hey, Rosie. We’re here because of this guy.” She pointed at Drew. “He called yesterday and gave me the lowdown. Said it might be fun if we showed up.”
Drew gave Rosie a sheepish smile. “I hope that’s okay. I figured you might need a few extra guests to fill up the room.”
It wasn’t just okay. It was incredibly thoughtful, a gesture that allowed her to include her family in her work world. “It’s great. Thank you so much. I love your Rudolph sweater.”
“Thanks. Gotta represent that famous reindeer, even if he’s a total attention hog.”
As her family headed toward the buffet table, Drew leaned over and kissed her cheek. “By the way, you look positively delectable in that dress.”
On Charlie’s advice, she’d swapped out her usual business attire for a crimson sweater dress and dark red pumps. The appreciative look in Drew’s eyes confirmed she’d made the right decision. “Thanks. Do you want to come over tonight—after we’re done here?”
“I’d love to.” He lowered his voice, his breath warm in her ear. “I’ve been dreaming about you all day.”
Even if they weren’tactuallydating, there was nothing fake about the passion they shared in the bedroom. The last time he’d come over after work, they’d both been so eager that they hadn’t made it into bed. He’d taken her up against the wall, which was something she thought only happened in romance novels.
As her cheeks heated up, she pulled away and gave him a gentle nudge. “Behave yourself. My whole family is here, as well as your sister.”
He scanned the room and smiled at the sight of her. “I’m going to say hi.”
“Hang on. I have something for you.” She fished a key out of her pocket, attached to a key chain with the hotel’s logo.
“Sweet. Are we sneaking up to one of the rooms tonight?”
