A Perfectly Imperfect Holiday by Kate Berberich

Author:Kate Berberich [Berberich, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC027020 FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2023-07-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Dan wiped his face and straightened his shirt while the call went through. The heat had most definitely not been fixed while they were exploring the market. He set the towel out of range and faced the screen just as the video connected.

Mr. Wilson looked relaxed in a cheery red sweater over an open-necked plaid shirt. The room behind him was comfortably elegant with a large Christmas tree bedecked with clusters of red glass baubles, shiny tin soldiers, and red satin bows looming in the corner. A pair of nutcrackers presided over an array of framed photos on the mantel—mostly of a younger Martha Wilson, first with an infant, then a gap-toothed toddler with golden pigtails, and finally a pale waif sporting a brave smile and a pink headwrap. A heap of presents wrapped in glossy white holly-print paper and tied with wide plaid ribbon bows flowed out over the floor beneath the tree, creating a perfect holiday card. “Hello, Dan. Merry Christmas.”

“And to you, sir.”

“I’m sorry it took me so long to get back to you. My little retirement project seems to be eating into my time more than the position I retired from. End-of-year reports, and proposals for future tours, plus all Martha’s holiday projects. I’ve read everything you sent me.” Mr. Wilson leaned forward, studying the screen. “Why are you sweating? Have you just come from the gym?”

Damn. He resisted the urge to wipe his face on his sleeve. “No, sir. The thermostat in our room is broken.” He shifted his backside on the modern whatever-the-hell-it-was he perched on and envied the older man his leather upholstered desk chair.

“Is this the same place where you had the broken door lock? Or was it rampaging soccer fans?”

“Door lock. Soccer fans was Amsterdam.”

“I must say, these aren’t the sort of experiences Dolce Vita is known for. You let me know what the hotel management does to make it right. I expect a nice dinner or a good bottle of wine at the very least—in addition to correcting the problem. And if they don’t, well, there are other hotels in the city.”

“It’ll be in my report.”

“And on the subject—Dan, much as I admire your dedication to your new post, I must point out—no one expects you to single-handedly solve the issue of crime in the tourism industry. Excuse me.” He paused and looked over his shoulder. “Yes, Martha, I will.” He turned back to his screen, mug in hand. “Martha says she hasn’t heard from Lacey recently. She wants to know all about the wedding, and of course, your current holiday.”

Not the damn wedding… “I’ll let her know.”

“Please do. I want Martha to take a break and sit for a while. We’re hosting Christmas Day at the children’s hospital and she’s running herself ragged with the gifts and the caterers and the celebrities.” He shrugged slightly. “I don’t recognize any of the names, but Martha has her sources, and she assures me they’re all very popular people.”

“I’m sure the families will appreciate everything.

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