Page 33 of Holiday Hoax

I nod. “She’s special.”

“I hope I get to meet her sooner rather than later.”

The urge to tell her that she already has, that she in fact probably knew her better than me up until we made our arrangement, is so strong. But I manage to contain it.

“I hope so, too. How long are you staying in the city?” I steer the conversation away from Mia.

“The California office is all set up and the new manager has taken over. Nico and I will be back here for the most part from now on.”

“Good. When I get back to the office, I’ll have Derrick reach out to your assistant and get a dinner put on the books for all of us.”

“That sounds great. I actually wanted to ask what you’re doing for Thanksgiving this year?”

“No plans yet. Mom and Dad will be yachting in the Caribbean.”

“Asher and Clara are having us over and extended the invite if you want to join? Maybe even volunteer at the shelter beforehand? I’m sworn to absolute secrecy, but Clara is going to make Nico and Ash wear reindeer costumes because she’s having Santa come to pass out gifts and necessities to the kids and families.”

“How can I say no to seeing that? Count me in.”

Nico and Stella started out as friends with Asher Bennett as the third person in their little trio. He’s one of the most uptight people I’ve ever met, so the chance to see him dressed in any type of buffoonery is something I’d never pass up. His wife has been humbling his uptight ass since the day they met.

After lunch Stella grabs a ride back to her office while I opt to walk again. I pull my phone out and pull up my text thread with Mia.

Dinner tonight?

The light changes, and I slip my phone back in my pocket. It’s not until I’m stepping inside the elevator that I feel my phone vibrate with a notification. I pull it out to see a response from her.

I can do that. What time?

I’ll pick you up at seven

Sounds good, see you then

I tap a finger on Derrick's desk as I pass. “Can you make reservations at Jasper’s for two tonight? Seven thirty?”

“Sure thing.” He drops what he was doing to pick up the phone.

“Also, reach out to Stella’s assistant and find a night for dinner for three.”

“Got it.”

“Thank you.”

I knock on Mia’s door at five minutes to seven. It was a challenge to not show an hour early, I’m so ready to see her again. I wracked my brain for a reason to reach out before today, but she would have seen through anything I could have come up with.

She opens the door and steps to the side for me. “I just need to choose my shoes, and I’ll be ready.”

I follow her down the hallway to her room and lean against the door frame. “Good thing you have options to choose from.”

She smirks over her shoulder at me. “I still think you're crazy for that, by the way. But I love them all too much to give them back.”

“Good. I’m happy to be of service.”

“Who are we dining with tonight?”

“It’s just us.”

She stills and looks over at me. “Oh.”

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