Page 5 of Whiskey Kisses For the Mountain Man
Kendall grins. I imagine she finds me a bit much, but it’s nothing I’m not already used to.
“Between you and me,” I lean in, “I’m working on creating new Eden Ridge Christmas traditions that’ll go viral.” I take my medium mug of holiday cheer. “Follow me at LettieBells or#ChristmasQueen. I’d love to discuss a social spotlight for the Roasted Pine before the Festival.”
Kendall takes my message, promising to pass it along to her manager by the end of day.
Stepping outside, the cool December frost kisses my nose. I can smell it. First snow is around the corner. I taste my Gingerbread Cookie latte. Once I’m past the whipped cream, cinnamon, and red sprinkles, the bite of ginger and sweet shortbread becomes one with the roasted espresso.
“Oh, my-lanta, that is so good,” I moan, taking another taste as I venture north towardRebel Pine Events.
My maroon ankle boots clack on the cobblestone sidewalk. I greet passing locals and tourists alike, taking stock of where they stop, whether they’re shopping, and what they’re getting. All market research.
My previously shaken mood dissolves from my body as the memory of meeting Owen McKenna plays on repeat in my mind. I’m a city girl, through and through, so I’m used to the hot and cold personalities you come across. I’ve learned to bat my eyes and smile even at veiled insults in public. As the only child of Matthew and Bernadette Donovan, the role of the silver spoon is thrust upon you at birth.
The largely built, solid frame of that man when I walked in flustered me on sight. I instantly inhaled once he pulled out my chair. It was involuntary. That rich wood and sweet smoky fragrance clinging to his skin absolutely shouldn’t be embedded in my olfactory memory bank.
The gruff expression that tightened his full mouth and tattooed those haunting blue-green eyes should not have easily drawn me in, especially with the way his deep growl shook the walls when he declared he wouldn’t take the job Ezra appointed him.
Or was it just my inner walls his voice shook?
I fortify the tumbling jingle in my chest with another hearty sip of this divine drink—a reminder of what I’m doing here. Why I came. How much is on the line if I fail?
My steps falter before I straighten my shoulders and pull open the front door. Daniella peeks out of her office.
“Morning,” she smiles, but I notice the tension around her eyes. “How was the Hunter meeting?” With Nora heading out of town with her boyfriend, Mason, for the holidays, we’re both taking on a huge role for this festival.
“Fantastic,” I only partially fib. “Ezra Hunter and Zoe are delightful. The distillery is stunning. My mind is brimming with ideas.”
Daniella nods, softly laughing as her fingers sift through a stack of files. “I received the Festival budget from Zoe ten minutes ago. I forwarded it over to your new email.”
“Sounds perfect. Has Nora arrived yet?” I ask, already reaching into my magic bag, as my best friend, Tomlin, calls it, and take out a large, butterscotch candy cane. “For you,” I hand it to Daniella.
“You got more?” Her eyes are wide with wonder as she balances the files to eagerly take them.
“Just got a new batch delivered to the hotel yesterday.”
“You’re my magic elf. I’ll happily take any future bundles off your hands,” she laughs. “And no, Nora hasn’t gotten in yet. She texted, though, and is on her way.”
“Brilliant.” I point at the candy cane. “Enjoy,” I sing, heading back to my new office.
I open the app on my phone, turning on my festive lights before entering. I then switch apps and click play, choosing my office speaker via Bluetooth. I open my office door that faces a large back window with a view of the park where they set up the festivals year-round, and exhale. My Christmas haven until I move into my new home.
I hang my bag, grab my tablet, stock my snowman mug with various flavors of candy canes, and get to work.
Two sharp knocks on my open door.
I smile, “Morning, Nora.”
Her smile always gives no-nonsense, mischievous vibes. I respected her the moment I met her. I knew working for her would be honest work, and she’s passionate about her business, what she’s built.
Portland, specifically in my family’s circle, you should never trust those too-white, too-perfect veneer smiles. It’s why I ventured into freelancing, using social media as my marketing tool to garner clients outside of Portland society.
“I received your report. I sent you the list of vendors providing services and the various market stalls currently available. I’ll have the Emergency Backup list sent over tonight. As you’re well aware, a catastrophe can strike anytime, and we need to have options on standby. It is extremely important that you call and inform them of the estimated attendance, that way they can prepare enough stock should they need to step in.”
I type as she lists last-minute tasks before she heads out this weekend with her boyfriend.
“And again, do not hesitate to call me, Lettie. Daniella will be your go-to boots on the ground, but for any reason, someone attempts to hustle us, claiming they have to up our agreed price, I want you to tell me so I can call them and threaten their firstborn if they pull that shit on us.”
Pressing my lips together so I don’t laugh, I give a sharp nod. “I will not hesitate. I have everything under control,” I assure her.
