Page 76 of Holiday Hopefuls
Using my free hand, I rub my forehead and try desperately to avoid looking at Oliver. “I don’t think that’s information that he necessarily needed, Mr. Carson. But thank you for breaking the ice.”
Mr. Carson folds his hands together, ever the proper manager. Supposedly. “My apologies, Ms. Rutherford. I hope the madeleines will make up for it. Fresh from the oven this morning and ready for your arrival.”
Oliver’s brows shoot up. “The chefs make madeleines?”
Laughing, I shake my head. “Not the pastry chefs here, though I’m sure we could request them. But Mr. Carson makes them himself.”
“From scratch,” he amends, holding up a finger. “My grandmother’s recipe.”
“I should have known Oliver would find someone to discuss baking with.” John McNalley says from behind us.
Oliver breaks out into a grin. “Hey man.” They proceed to do that weird clap hugging thing that men do.
“Fancy running into you here. Hey Callie, how are you?” John pulls me into a hug.
“Good, thanks. What’re you doing here?”
John casts a glance toward Oliver. “I’m surprised it never came up. Cici and I have been coming to Aspen Point the past couple of Christmases. Rindy and Jo are coming up on Christmas morning.”
My brows dip in confusion as I look at the empty space beside him. “Um, does she have her invisibility suit on?”
John chuckles in response. “She loves the big tree over by the fireplace, so she’s busy counting ornaments while I get us checked in.” He points to the far end of the lobby where Cici dances from foot to foot, mostly concealed by the giant tree while singing and counting perfectly in order.
Talk about a proud teacher moment.
John looks between Oliver and I. “Ollie mentioned your family comes up here every year, but we didn’t see you here last Christmas.”
“Apparently, they stay here pretty regularly,” Oliver amends. He sends a sly look my way. One I’m used to from anyone and everyone growing up.
People who know the truth about my family’s affiliation with Aspen Point Lodge.
Mr. Carson clears his throat. “Ms. Rutherford’s family doesn’t stay in the main building, sir. The Rutherfords stay in the residences when they’re on campus.”
Oliver rears his head back. “Really?” Definitely forgot to mention that one.
John whistles, brows raised. “Schmancy.”
Stilted laughter chokes its way out. “Well, you know. With nine people, it’s just easier, staying somewhere off the beaten path.”
“Dr. McNalley,” Mr. Carson frowns, and I know he’s about to deliver the blow I’ve been trying to avoid. “The Rutherford family owns Aspen Point Lodge.”
John’s jaw drops just like a cartoon, gaze bouncing between Oliver and myself.
Oliver freezes, ratcheting so that he’s facing me entirely.
And my face feels like it’s fresh out of the oven.
“So it’s a good thing we don’t have to bother everyone else here while we stay in a different area,” I offer, turning to Oliver. “Speaking of, why don’t you give Mr. Carson your car key and he can have it pulled around so it’s right where we’ll be?”
My boyfriend blinks at me like he no longer understands the words coming out of my mouth.
“Oliver,” I say a little louder.
That seems to do the trick, snapping him out of whatever state of confusion he was hanging out in. Reaching into his coat pocket, Oliver produces his key, dropping it into Mr. Carson’s waiting palm.
“Very good, Dr. Rhodes,” Carson nods before turning to me. “Ms. Rutherford, I feel I should prepare you.”
“You’re never making madeleines again?”
