Page 25 of Holiday Hoax

Henry Jameson was kind, if distant, but Delia was a different beast altogether. I know we’ll probably end up seeing them at one point or another while we continue our charade. Hopefully she’ll have forgotten who I am all together. That’s unlikely, though, considering her daughter is married to my brother.

I need to stop by my apartment before I meet the installation team at his penthouse. I won’t change clothes, but I do want to change my shoes. My heels were nearly healed, but I broke out a new pair of boots this week that ended up cutting open theskin again. I knew they would as soon as I slid them on, but they looked too good to take off. Plus, I found them on a clearance rack at Bloomingdales; fashion over comfort when it comes at a steep discount.

I stop in the mailroom to check my box and find a delivery ticket informing me of having a package behind the front desk. Odd as I know I haven’t ordered anything for myself in a couple months. Amanda, the assistant to the property manager, lights up when I hand her the slip.

“I’ve been dying for you to come pick these up.” She disappears in the back room with a huge smile.

My jaw drops when she exits carrying four huge bags stuffed full of what appears to be shoe boxes. “What is all that?”

“Girl, I don’t know, but I’m so excited for you. A man came by earlier today and dropped all of these off for you.”

I glance down into one of the bags I take from her and notice a Chanel logo. “Are you sure they’re for me?”

“Yes.” She pulls a card out of one of the bags and shows me my name printed on it. “Mia Mattia.”

My brow furrows as I wrack my brain trying to make sense of it all. “Thank you,” I say as I walk away dazed.

Did Ian do this? What is happening here? My mind continues to spin until I close my front door behind me and drag the bags into my living room.

Tearing open the card I scan the words quickly, shock and pleasure mixing together with growing confusion.

Mia,

I hope you aren’t put off by this, but I simply can’t have you walking around Chicago in shoes that don’t fit you properly. I had mypersonal shopper go out to replace the shoes I tossed. Keep any and all that fit and you love.

-Ian

This man is bonkers. I pull out a box of Louboutin heels, and actual tears spring to my eyes because they’re so beautiful. Another box of Manolo Blahnik pumps. Tory Burch flats. Jimmy Choo strappy heels. Every pair is a work of art.

His personal shopper is worth every penny. Each pair would easily transition from business attire to evening wear. They range from black to nude, with a few metallics thrown in for good measure.

I search around under the strew about boxes and tissue paper to locate my phone. Who knows what time it is where he’s at, but I have to thank him right this second. It’s so kind, so generous.

Thank you so much! It’s beyond generous.

Text bubbles immediately show him replying.

You’re welcome, I couldn’t have those beautiful feet of yours hurting

I don’t feel worthy of this treatment if I’m being honest but I’m keeping each pair

You are more than worthy

Have I missed anything big while I’ve been away? Is Sloppy Simms staying away?

Sloppy Simms?

The guy in the cheap suits that doesn’t know how to take a hint

Cheap suits?Who is he talking about? I collapse back against the couch and force my brain to work through the high of all the shoes.

Eric Simms? The guy from the gallery?

Yes

Haven’t seen him since you purchased your art

Is Ian jealous? No. He couldn’t be. It must be the big brother protective instinct coming out in him.

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