Page 25 of The Holidays with Mr. Mitchell
“I can’t compete against my own children.”
“Neither could I,” he winked and kissed me on the cheek. “So, you probably should’ve thought of that before you planned with Cat and possibly all the wives, to form a holiday coup and takeover my company this year.”
“Our girls are really okay with losing? I don’t think so,” I said. “You’re bluffing.”
He smirked, and I knew I was screwed. “Allow me to increase the budgets for the holidays this year, offer the usual bonuses, and we’ll end it all here.”
I arched an eyebrow. “That’s yourone playto get out of this?”
“No,” and for the first time, he seemed taken off a beat.
“We’ll go over terms and details later, love,” I said, looping my hand through his arm and proceeding to walk through the grand lobby of Mitchell and Associates’ tower with my husband.
“Hey, Cat,”I said after my newest friend and Christmas-war crime partner picked up my call.
“Hey, Av,” she answered. “Let me guess, we’re changing the corporate yacht into a snow globe over the Pacific while fireworks light up the Los Angeles skyline?”
I chuckled, recalling how I had thrown every impossible Christmas idea at the woman and wondering if she thought I was like the rest of the billionaires’ wives out there, using her extreme talents for social status as well.
“Could it be done, though?” I just had to ask.
“Anything can be done, sweetie,” she laughed. “Ice skating rinks on the deck, a crystal dome blanketing the entire vessel, ice sculptures?—”
“I’m so happy Nat introduced us,” I smiled, stepping into the Rover. “Well, it’s not turning a floating boat into a snow globe, but I am calling to change up how we’re going to work all of this.”
“I’m all ears,” she said. “Do you want to meet in my office, or go over the details over the phone?”
“Depends on where you are. I’m getting ready to head to Ash’s office to meet for afternoon coffee. There’s a cute bakery nearby where we usually go to take a break or unwind. It’s in Malibu.”
“I’ll be there in twenty. Text me the name of the place, and we’ll start planning as soon as I arrive.”
“What can I order for you?”
“Spiced cider sounds intoxicating right now,” she said. “I’ll see you there.”
I hit the group chat before starting the car, added Cat, and notified anyone available to join us because plans had changed after Jim suddenly decided to go to war.
The bell jingled as we stepped intoVelvet Crumb,and fall practically smacked me in the face. Cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice—it was like inhaling a cozy sweater. Garlands and velvet pumpkins lined the shelves, caramel and maplegleamed from the pastry case, and for one blissful second, I forgot I was at war with my husband.
“Girls!” Marquee called from behind the counter, her big, brown eyes sparkling and curly brown hair forming the perfect, messy bun. “You’re just in time. First batch of cinnamon-pumpkin rolls just came out.”
Nat leaned in with a wicked grin. “Marquee, those things nearly gave me more pleasure than an orgasm last time.”
Marquee snorted. “If only I could get you to write that as a review, I’d double my business overnight.”
“Business is already booming,” Nat shot back. “I tell everyone I know.”
“And that,” I cut in, eyeing the full café, “is probably why we don’t have a table.”
“Not a problem.” Marquee tipped her head toward the patio. “Just finished a remodel—awning, pumpkins, ocean view. It’s all yours.”
Before I could answer, Cat’s voice floated in behind us. “Afternoon, Marquee. Your desserts were perfect for the Halloween benefit. Thank you again.”
“My pleasure,” Marquee said warmly.
I chewed my lip, realizing Cat was already familiar with this bakery, and then asked the question I shouldn’t: “Marquee, you do big events, too?”
“Of course. Worked with the University culinary team, baked for thousands. Why?”
