Page 14 of The Holidays with Mr. Mitchell
“Oh? How did you know about her?” I asked.
She smirked, drinking her most-likely-spiked cider, “Honey, you don’t get to be where I am in real estate without knowing each and every elite soul who wants a slice of California property.”
“I was really hoping she’d take me up on coming to the center,” I said. “I just can’t win them all I guess.”
“They’re neveryoursto win,” Ash corrected me with the truth I needed to hear.
“I can confirm that the disgusting pig of a broker, who is Claire’s husband, was arrested on the domestic charges she filed. What’s more, many women from his firm are coming forward with accusations that do not bode well for him. So, let’s just say that after the lawyers and penal system are done with him, Claire will be livingquitewell financially.”
I covered my mouth in shock, heartbroken for Claire and all the other women who’d been degraded and abused.
Nat read my expression, “He manipulated their commissions in exchange for services, and that never lands well with a judge or jury. Spence and I have already taken action to save the company for Claire and merge it with my brokerage. And the moral of the story is, nice peopledo wineven when they can’t see it coming.”
I raised my cider cup, “Well, this is a time to celebrate a win for women who have been abused, and that the truth always comes out in the end.”
“Indeed,” Nat said. “Oh, shit. There’s Cat, the event architect I was just talking about. You girlsmustmeet her,” she said, waving her over.
I turned and saw a woman in an emerald silk dress who seemed entirely too glamorous for a fall festival. Her black hair was swept into a sleek knot, and her eyes were sharp, like she’d already redesigned my event before I’d said hello. She cut through the crowd like she owned it, then stopped directly in front of me with a smile that was equal parts polished charm and professional critique.
“Nat Spencer, you doll,” she approached, half professional and half sass to match Nat’s personality.
“These are my friends, Ash, Elena, and Avery. Avery designed this whole thing, and her husband’s decorator brought it all to life,” Nat said. “Girls, this is Catalina Veléz.”
“Wonderful to meet you all. Your festival is absolutely charming,” she smiled warmly. She looked at me and held out her hand, “Mrs. Mitchell, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
I blinked, momentarily thrown. “Nat was just informing us that you actually arrange these events?”
“Cat practically goes into battle mode to make sure everything runs smoothly, and one would never know there was a flaw,” Nat raved.
“Nat, you’re too much,” Cat chuckled. “Nat and I met when I was called in to salvage an elite event for her brokerage, a multi-million-dollar merger that had to run flawlessly. We pulled it off, impressed everyone, and people are still praising the event and donating,” she added, nodding toward Nat.
“You saved the fucking night, is what you did, the press arriving when they weren’t alerted before, fucking everything.”
“It’s what I do, sweetheart.” Cat looked at me, “I love your vision for your women’s center. If my dearest friend had dared to seek refuge in a place like yours, she would still be with us today. I am happy to meet the woman who is working tirelessly to continue to help women find the courage to leave toxic and sometimes life-threatening situations.”
“It’s a challenge at times, that’s for sure,” I said. “And I’m truly sorry for your loss. Sadly, it is something I often experience in this line of work. But instead of letting the sad stories overwhelm me, I try to let them inspire me to do more—to throw more festivals like this, so women can enjoy the simple things in life, or to do whatever else I can to help them reclaim their lives.”
“It’s a beautiful movement,” she smiled. “And thank you for your condolences. I don’t speak of her often, but I attended and donated tonight because I want this to expand and for more awareness to be made.”
“Perhaps with your vision and mine,” I said, “you can orchestrate my husband’s annual charity event. He hosts it every Christmas holiday for his company, and together, we can increase more investments for the charity.”
“I would gladly help,” she said, her smile igniting the love that I held for doing things like this.
It was a beautiful night with fall in full swing. Halloween was just a week away, with Thanksgiving soon after. The holidays always seemed to come so fast after Halloween. But, surprisingly, I didn’t feel the usual pressure that came with theholiday season. Instead, I felt ready to step into the holidays with open arms, to savor their warmth and cheer, and to let their energy fuel the work I loved and the cause I stood for.
SIX
Jim
“Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Mr. Mitchell,”my captain said as I turned to the steps to exit my jet.
“You do the same and extend my wishes to the rest of the crew, Leyster,” I said.
I didn’t have time for pleasantries with my crew right now. I was rushing back to beat the clock so I couldmake it in time to have Thanksgiving dinner with my family. The trip to Dubai took longer than planned, but shit, at least Spence and I nailed that bastard.
“Can we slow the fuck down a beat?” Spencer, my VP, said, scrambling to catch up behind me. “Jesus, Jim.”
“Evening, Mr. Mitchell,” my chauffeur acknowledged as I handed him my travel bag and slid into the backseat.
