Page 37 of The Christmas Lodge
Lacy raised an eyebrow, looking confused. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Derek dropped into the booth across from her, blowing out a breath and laughing a little. “And here I thought we were in some kind of emergency mode.”
Lacy looked bewildered. “Why in the world would you think that?”
“Maybe because you sent me a text early this morning saying you needed to meet with me and that it was urgent.”
“If I recall correctly, I said it was ‘important’ not that it was ‘urgent’.”
Derek flushed a little and rolled his eyes with a chuckle. “Okay, but it came across as urgent. I’ve been worried sick!”
“Aww, you were worried sick about me?” Lacy tossed him a teasing grin that just about stopped his heart, although this time it had nothing to do with his earlier worries for her. “Seriously, though, I’m sorry I alarmed you. Sometimes when I get caught up in my work I’m a terrible texter and I miss cues that, you know, a normal human would notice.”
“Yeah, I got that,” Derek commented dryly. He leaned forward then, unable to rake her over the coals any longer and nodded at her open laptop. “So? What’s going on that’s so important?”
Lacy leaned forward, all excitement, ready to talk, when Becca came up to the table bearing two glasses of water with lemon wedges. “Oh, I wasn’t sure what you’d want to drink, so I just ordered water for you.”
“That’s fine,” Derek replied, entirely past the point of caring about what he would be drinking.
“Have you decided what you want to order?” Becca asked, setting down their drinks.
“Um… I’ll have whatever the special of the day is,” Derek replied, still distracted. “Lacy?”
“Same for me.”
“Okay, I’ll have that out to you in a jiffy.”
Derek rested his elbows on the table, leaning forward, giving Lacy his full attention. Lacy turned the laptop so he could see the screen as well. Images of grand Victorian–style rooms filled with guests in evening wear filled the screen. He studied the pictures, then looked up at her. Lacy was practically buzzing with excitement, but for no reason he could understand.
“Well?”
“Um… these are really pretty pictures.”
Lacy laughed. “I guess I should’ve given you some context.”
“Context is good, yeah.”
“Okay, so I’ve been thinking. When I was at Emma’s house, she mentioned that Nicholas would throw huge parties at the mansion every Christmas Eve. She went on and on about the music and the dancing and the decorations…”
Comprehension began to dawn for Derek, but he let Lacy continue, since she was clearly in her element now.
“Well, what if I were to throw the party this year? We could have sled races outside, music and dancing of course, and we could even have some booths in the front hall so local businesses like Sweet Thing could sell their wares.”
She paused to take in a breath and, suddenly looking a little vulnerable, tucked her hair behind her ears.
“I don’t know what will happen to the mansion afterward,” she continued. “I mean, I have some liquid savings, but not enough to get the place on its feet as an actual event venue without looking into business loans or cashing in some of my investments, but… I don’t know, it could be worth a try, right? When I show folks just how good the mansion is starting to look and throw a lavish party, they might see it with new eyes. Or, at least, that’s the hope.” She paused again, flushing a little. “Derek, please say something. Why aren’t you saying anything? What are you thinking?”
Derek gave her a half-grin. “I haven’t said anything because my mother raised me right and I know it’s rude to interrupt someone when they’re speaking,” he teased, pleased when she relaxed and laughed. “In all seriousness, though, I think it’s a fantastic idea.”
“Really?”
“I really do. Everyone loved the parties Nicholas would throw, and I know everyone in town would be beyond excited to attend another one, especially since you’ve been getting the mansion restored to its former glory.”
“And do you think they’d consider it as a viable venue for other events? Wedding receptions, galas, all of that?” Lacy looked vulnerable again. “I don’t usually feel this unsure of myself. I’m used to running my own business, but all of this… well, it’s personal for me this time.”
Derek reached out and took her hand. “And that’s why it’s going to be perfect. I have no doubt whatsoever that the mansion would make an incredible venue.”
Lacy blew out a breath that Derek suspected she’d been holding. “Thanks. That means a lot.” She suddenly sat up straight. “Oh, I can’t believe I almost forgot to tell you! When I was talking to Emma the other day, she said that Nicholas left a box for me in her care. She’s still looking for it, but apparently it’s locked and my grandfather left me the key.”
