Page 25 of Santa Maybe
“Yep. Sofia Sanchez. Better known by my handle, SoFood SoFia. I was psyched when Isabella reached out to me and said you needed help.”
“You’re friends with my sister?” When Isabella had mentioned she “knew” a few influencers, Rosie had assumed she followed them online, not that she was at their level.
“I’ve never met Isabella in real life, but she’s one of my favorite Latina mommy influencers on TikTok. Her videos are so insightful. And they’re funny, too.” Sofia patted her stomach, which showed the smallest hint of a baby bump. “I started following her when I found out I was expecting. I’m due in April, and I’m over the moon about it, except for the part where I can’t indulge in any holiday cocktails.”
Since when was Isabella a TikTok sensation? Rosie couldn’t believe she hadn’t heard about this. Maybe it was time she paid more attention to her family rather than just complaining about them.
“Congratulations on the baby,” she said to Sofia. “Our bartender can make you a holiday mocktail if you want.”
“Maybe later, thanks. Gotta say, Isabella’s invite came out of the blue. I usually like to plan a few months ahead, but my husband and I were already traveling to Seattle so that he could give a talk on Maya settlement patterns at the University of Washington. He’s an archaeologist. Like Indiana Jones, but way hotter.” She laughed. “Anyway, since your sister said you’d comp our stay, I figured why not extend our trip? So, we took the ferry here from Seattle.”
“Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it.” With rooms going empty, offering social media influencers free lodging was a no-brainer, especially if they could boost the hotel’s visibility.
“No problem. Victoria looks like a gorgeous city.” Sofia glanced around the breakfast room. “When do the families get here?”
“Very soon, I hope,” Rosie said. “This is our first time doing the event, so I’m not sure how well attended it will be.”
“That’s okay. I’ll do what I can. Take some video footage, talk up the hotel and its history. I did a little research, and it looked incredible in the 1920s. A total Great Gatsby vibe.”
Rosie sighed. “It was impressive in its heyday. Now—not so much.”
“Yeah, not gonna lie, my room feels outdated. The carpeting is worn, and the décor is kinda meh. But I’ll play up the good stuff. Don’t you worry.” She peeked over at the snack table. “I’m gonna grab a few cookies. Now that I’m in my second trimester, I’m hungry all the time.”
No matter how today went, Rosie would have to thank her sister. For all of Isabella’s teasing and nagging, she’d really come through. Rosie watched as Sofia flitted around the room, introducing herself to the others and checking out the photo booth.
At two, Rosie unlocked the door. To her relief, three families stood waiting. As she ushered them in, one of the teenage “elves” offered to show the children around. Sofia engaged with the kids immediately, asking them questions about Christmas. Even if no one else showed up, the families in attendance would have a great time.
Over the next twenty minutes, three other families trickled in. Rosie tried to remain optimistic. Six families meant they were off to a good start, but it wouldn’t satisfy her boss. She could already imagine the painful apology she’d have to make for not meeting his expectations.
Then, at two thirty, a sizeable clump of people—easily two dozen or more—entered the breakfast room. Charlie spoke under her breath. “Oh my God. The Restalls are here.”
“The ones doing that big family reunion?” Rosie asked.
Landing the Restalls had been a huge win. Usually, they stayed at the Grand Duke for their annual reunion, but since it was full, they’d booked rooms at the Duchess instead.
“Yeah. Today’s agenda included a carriage ride and a visit to the Butchart Gardens for their Christmas displays. I’m guessing the rain messed up their plans.” Charlie walked over to greet them.
Rosie wanted to bust out a celebratory dance. Maybe the Duchess hadn’t been the Restalls’ first choice, but she could make them feel like they’d made the right decision.
With the deluge of attendees, she and her staff were put to work. She radioed the kitchen to request more cookies, as well as any other snacks they could round up. At this rate, they’d have to restock before next Saturday, but that was a good problem to have.
At three thirty, Charlie told Rosie she would announce Santa’s arrival. She called the entire room to attention, then led them in an impromptu sing-along of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
When Drew burst into the room, clad in his full regalia—which now included a long white beard—Rosie was once again transfixed at the sight of him. Her knees literally buckled as he cast a grin her way.
How was she lucky enough to be dating the hottest Santa ever?
“Happy December, everyone!” he called out. “I’m thrilled to see so many good boys and girls here.”
Rosie wanted to run over and greet him, but she couldn’t make herself move. All she could do was stare as her Santa fantasies came back in a rush—including one where he’d stripped off his red suit, one piece at a time, like he was in a Magic Mike revue.
Laurel went over to his side and took his arm. “Hey there, Santa! So glad you could make it here from the North Pole.”
“Good thing Canada’s pretty close to the Arctic Circle.” His eyes twinkled as he smiled at the crowd. “But getting here wasn’t easy, since my reindeer prefer traveling in the snow.”
Laurel led him over to his corner. “Here you go. We even found a throne for you. I’m going to have the children line up, and then you can talk to them one by one. Is that okay?”
“Certainly!” Drew settled himself on the throne. “I can’t wait to get started.”
