Page 37 of Christmas Mittens Murder

Add the eggnog, Amaretto, vodka, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a shaker filled with ice. Shake the mixture.

Strain into the cocktail glass. If necessary, add a little more cinnamon to taste.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

TWO CHRISTMAS MITTENS

Lynn Cahoon

Chapter One

The Lodge Culinary Department holiday party was the one event that Frank Hines allowed to be catered by an outside company. Unfortunately, a newer catering company out of Sun Valley had been given the contract instead of Mia’s Morsels. Mia sighed as she watched the trays being passed around the large, dimly lit ballroom. She adjusted the black slinky halter dress she’d let Christina talk her into wearing tonight. Mia had to admit, it made her curly hairdo work, especially with the jeweled hair combs she’d slipped into the updo. A matching necklace and black heels finished the outfit. Now all she had to do was hang out with her coworkers for the next two hours and try to have fun and not judge the food Frank had contracted.

As the Lodge’s new catering director, Mia had been part of the decorating team that had planned the festive decorations that went up right after Halloween every year. Now, a month and a half later, the Santa and friends décor would need refreshing after this weekend before the Christmas parties started in earnest. She’d suggested three different décor setups. One for a more general holiday theme for the Thanksgiving groups, one for Christmas parties, and then a refresh between that and the New Year events. But Frank had vetoed her suggestion for the large ballroom. Just like he’d vetoed Mia’s Morsels as the caterer for this event. It was beginning to be a habit.

Christina Adams stood next to her and took a stuffed mushroom from the server. Christina was Mia’s roommate and worked with her at Mia’s Morsels when she wasn’t finishing classes at the college in Twin. Christina shone as bright as her personality in a silver dress with a large tulle skirt. With her blond hair down and pulled away from her face with a small tiara, the girl looked like a princess tonight. Christina had plenty of appropriate party clothes, since she’d never worn anything twice when she was under her mother’s roof. She sniffed at the mushroom. “We would have rocked the food at this party. Probably for less than what this place charged.”

“I know, but Frank was concerned about my connection with Mia’s Morsels. He thought it might look like I had the inside track.” Mia shook her head at the server holding out the mushroom tray.

“Our proposal had better food and a lower per-person cost. So instead of choosing us, he hires the catering company where his girlfriend works.” Abigail Majors also waved away the tray. Abigail was currently managing Mia’s catering business while Mia worked for the Lodge. The arrangement had been the only way to keep Mia’s Morsels going after Frank had torpedoed their catering for the Lodge. “That seems fair. Not.”

Mia smiled at Abigail, who not only worked for her but was also Mia’s boyfriend’s mother. Sometimes in a small town the connections got a little close. Especially when you added in the fact that in Magic Springs, Idaho, members of the local coven outnumbered the number of normal people in town. Even tonight at the Lodge’s Christmas party, Mia recognized many of the coven members. Most had tried already to bring Mia and her grandmother back into the fold to rejoin the coven. Mia blamed her work schedule, but that excuse wouldn’t work forever. She needed to make a decision. And soon.

Abigail wore a burgundy pantsuit that shone in the twinkling lights. She pulled her phone out of one of the front pockets and sighed. “It’s Thomas. He’s checking up on us. The boys are supposed to be scouting new tour sites for his company, and yet he has time to call just when the party gets good. He’s afraid I’m going to fall for one of these business suits and leave him.”

Mia just laughed. “I don’t think so. He probably just wants to see how beautiful you look tonight. Let’s make sure we get a picture of all four of us in front of the tree. If we can pull Grans away from that guy she’s been talking to all night.”

Abigail stepped away to take the call out in the hallway.

Mia scanned the room. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, but very few of the trays were being emptied. She’d been right about the food. It was sub-par. Next time she’d insist that Mia’s Morsels be given a fighting chance. Maybe have a tasting contest before the contract was awarded. No one in their right mind would choose this garbage.

Christina pointed to a man near the doorway. He was talking with a woman in a red dress that sparkled even in the dim light. “That’s one of my professors, Geoffrey Brewer. He knows your boss from when they went to school together. He says Frank’s a jerk.”

“He’s in the Culinary Department?” Mia hadn’t met any of Christina’s professors because the school was in Twin Falls, a town about two hours away.

“Hospitality, actually. I guess he used to manage a bunch of hotels before he took on the teaching job.” Christina waved at the man, and when he recognized her, she waved him over. “I guess he’s coming over to meet you. He’s super nice.”

“Okay, just make sure he knows I didn’t cook this food.” Mia grinned and then turned to meet Christina’s professor.

“Well, at least the company is entertaining tonight.” Geoffrey waved away a catering staff member who was now trying to get them to take a cocktail wiener on a stick. “Frank always was about going with the cheapest bid. Although, I’ve heard that most of the Lodge’s events serve top-notch food.”

“That’s because Mia is usually in charge.” Christina took Mia’s shoulders in her hands. “Professor, I’d like you to meet my boss and friend, Mia Malone. She owns Mia’s Morsels and is the Lodge’s catering director.”

Mia held out a hand. “And just to clarify, the Lodge didn’t cater our own event this year. And neither did Mia’s Morsels. A mistake I hope to not repeat next year.”

“Well, not expecting staff to work during a staff party is at least a good notion on Frank’s part.” Geoffrey shook her hand. “I’ve heard great things about Mia’s Morsels. Why did you take on the unfortunate position of working for Frank?”

“You know how small businesses are at the beginning.” Mia tried to skirt the issue and not bad-mouth her boss. Geoffrey was doing it enough for both of them. “Christina talks a lot about you and the program. I’m afraid she’s going to graduate in June and be swept up by a much higher paying job as soon as they know she’s available.”

Geoffrey hugged Christina and spilled a bit of his wine on her skirt. “She’s the best student we have. She should bring in amazing job offers.”

As he wandered off to refill his glass, Christina dabbed at her skirt. “Good thing he drinks white wine. I think the dry cleaners should be able to get this out. I’ve never seen him tipsy before.”

“I would hope not. I hope he got a room nearby tonight and won’t be driving back to Twin.” Mia watched as he went over to the open bar. The bartender who worked for the Lodge shook his head and offered the professor a cup of coffee. At least he wouldn’t be getting any more alcohol at the party.

“Oh, Professor Brewer has a house in Sun Valley. His wife works at some Hollywood film studio. Everyone says he works just to keep busy.” Christina dropped her voice a little. “Mom keeps harping at me to invite him to the Boise house to meet Dad. She’s looked up their investments, I guess.”

“Well, if they have a house in Sun Valley, then your dad is probably dying to get him and his wife as clients.” Christina’s dad was a lawyer, and her mom was always on the lookout for new, wealthy clients. Unfortunately for the Adamses, both of their children had gone into the hospitality field, with Isaac, their oldest, working as a culinary director for the most prestigious hotel in the Boise area. And now, Christina worked for Mia. A job her mom would say was beneath her. But people had to eat, right? Mia’s gaze caught her grandmother moving their way from across the room. “Here comes Grans.”

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