Page 59 of A Holly Brown Christmas
“That seems to be the theme of this party,” Anna joked. “The employees are coming out of curiosity, Mom and Dad out of curiosity, I mean…it’s kind of funny. Or sad, really. We should be celebrating Christmas and instead it’s turned into a soap opera!”
“And not even a good one,” Kat said dryly. “And it’s certainly no Hallmark movie, that’s for sure.”
“Ooh, I wish this were like a Hallmark movie,” Anna said wistfully. “That would be much more preferable to this.”
His sisters then started an entire conversation about their favorite Hallmark movies while he and Holly exchanged glances. He knew he was wishing this whole thing was over so the two of them could just focus on themselves rather than this nonsense, but…they had a few more days to get through.
“Remember the one where this couple was getting married, and the maid of honor and best man—who used to date or something—were in charge of setting up the family cottage?” Anna rested her hand over her heart. “I love that one!”
“Me too! I swear I watch it every time it comes on!” Kat agreed. “What about the one where…”
“What on earth have you done? Who gave anyone permission to decorate my house?” came a shrill voice that echoed through the two-story entryway.
“Oh, great. Mom’s here,” Anna murmured.
“And here we go,” Lucas thought.
Sixteen
Things got wild fast, and Holly wasn’t sure what exactly she was supposed to do.
All the kids ran over to their grandmother and hugged her before quickly running off and essentially disappearing.
Something she wished she could do right now too, because it felt awkward to be standing in the middle of a not-so-warm family gathering.
“Is someone going to explain whose idea it was to go against my wishes and not only decorate my house, but also still have the company party here?”
Camille Brooks was usually a very sweet and serene woman. But right now Holly was seeing a side of her she didn’t quite know what to do with.
“I told you I did not want a party this year, Lucas! And then you send me that invitation and video as if you’re mocking me! Why would you do that? Are you that upset about me finally finding some joy in my life that you felt the need to rob me of it?”
To his credit, Lucas stayed completely calm.
“I’m not robbing you of anything, Mom. You were the one robbing us of our traditional Christmas,” he said levelly. “You know this party is a big deal to our employees, and to us.” He motioned to his sisters. “The fact that you and Dad decided to do all this right before the holidays was pretty selfish.”
“So I’m not allowed to have a life?” she cried. “I should stay in a loveless marriage just so your holiday isn’t ruined? I think you’re the ones being selfish. All three of you!”
“Mom, I think we all need to sit down and talk about this calmly,” Anna carefully said as she came up behind her mother. “The kids are all upstairs and occupied, and…”
Suddenly, Mrs. Brooks spotted her.
And not with the pleasant smile she usually did. It wasn’t quite a sneer, but Holly knew it was forced, if nothing else.
“Holly,” Camille said cordially. “It’s lovely to see you. I’m not quite sure what you’re doing here, but this is a family matter and…”
“Holly is the one who helped me with the party, Mom,” Lucas said as Camille’s eyes narrowed at her.
“Really?” she asked coolly, but then seemed to dismiss the fact that Holly was even there. “I won’t discuss this with the hired help in the room.” Then her smile was a bit smug. “You understand, dear, don’t you?”
“Oh, um…”
“Mom…” Lucas warned, but Holly stopped him.
“Why don’t all of you go inside and I’ll clean up and go when I’m done?”
“Holly, no. That’s not…”
“It’s fine,” she quietly assured him. “Your family is more important. We’ll talk later.”
