Page 30 of The Holidays with Mr. Mitchell
Ash nearly dropped her copper cider mug. “Trees. Ineverysuite? Are we talking mini hotel lobby trees, or full Rockefeller knockoffs?”
“Eight-footers,” Cat said coolly. “Aspen spruce. Flown in, dressed, and lit. The tree sizes will complement the rooms and bring more Christmas into their worlds. Also, this is going to be mentioned in the invitations so the guests know they will have a tree for Christmas morning, should they choose to celebrate.”
“Jim mentioned the company’s jets were already booked for Christmas when we got into this silly argument that started this war to begin with,” I said.
“Not all of them,” Cat confirmed. “There were plenty available for the domestic flights.”
“What about the international employees?” I asked.
“We’re using Stonecrest Aviation for international flights,” she confirmed without batting an eye.
“I have to say that this is the first massive event that I’m planning for the company, but shit, renting out Paramount’s lot just for a Christmas event?” I laughed nervously. “Jim is going to put me in Scrooge’s grave.”
“Don’t forget, he’s being charitable alone with who you both are choosing to hire for your events to be brought to life. And he’s doing this for his employees, just like he did for his medical staff at Saint John’s on the yacht. But, more importantly,” sheflashed a sly grin, “if it makes Jim walk into his party looking like the Scrooge he’s trying not to be? I say it’s worth every penny.”
“I guess that’s my favorite part, teasing him about who he was acting like before I stepped in to ensure his company had their usual parties and bonuses and not cheeseboards.
Right on cue, Jake strolled out to the patio. “I heard the name Scrooge? You ladies must be talking about my brother?” He glanced at Cat, then at me, then grinned slowly. “Go on, ladies. I already like where this is going.”
I looked at Jake, “Are you here to spy for your brother?”
“Never,” he responded. “That dipshit tried to screw me out of my bonus this yearwhilegiving me a membership to his lame ass version of the Jelly of the Month Club.”
I narrowed my eyes. “He hasn’t tried to get you on his side with this whole Mitchell Family Christmas war he started?”
“I’m not as easily convinced as your daughters,” he chuckled, sipping the beer he brought out with him and reclining next to Ash. “That old bird hasn’t even mentioned a word of this to any of us guys. And if he did? I’d never join the side of the man who had me shitting in the woods last Christmas.”
“Okay, fine. I have a fantastic idea, then,” I looked at Cat. “Jim will likely use his driver and the Bentley to arrive. He always does for these benefits.”
“You should make him walk,” Jake snickered.
“Even better, and I’m going to need you and Collin for this one, but if you do it, neither of you can utter a word around the girls or anyone else. It can’t get back to Jim.”
“What is it you’re needing?” Cat chuckled.
“I want Cousin Eddie’s RV from the movie,Christmas Vacation. Jake and Collin will kidnapthe bossand bring him in front of all the people he tried to screw out of Christmas this year.”
Jake choked on his beer, “You’re shitting me, right?”
I looked at Cat, “Can we get a replica?”
“We can get anything you need, babe,” she laughed, “and I think that little prank is fantastic.”
“I’m shocked you thought of it before me,” Jake said.
“Dear God, this is going to be hilarious,” Ash laughed.
I stood. “Okay, Cat, let’s get shit happening. I’m heading home with the girls before Jim gets there. I’m curious what he thought aboutphase onewhen he saw it on his desk.” I shouldered my purse and laughed.
“Phase fucking one?” Jake questioned. “I was hoping for just a party, dinner, and my bonus. What the hell is really going on?”
“You just worry about playing your role,” I eyed him. “I’m a trusting woman, but I trust no one in the Mitchell family when it comes to things like this. Jim can’t know a damn thing.”
“The Scrooge shit?”
“The joke I’ve been teasing him with,” I smiled. “Now, it’s going to be the holiday theme of the event, so I’m not saying anything more.”
“God, woman,” Jake said. “It doesn’t need to be an all-out event.”
