A Yuletide Affair by Monica Richardson

Author:Monica Richardson
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

She opened the white envelope with the red-and-gold monogrammed seal. It was a formal invitation with raised lettering, and a personal note inside.

Alyson,

I hope you can make it.

This is a great opportunity for you to meet my dad.

Pick his brain.

And bring that handsome man you’ve been seen gallivanting about town with. The sexy one...

Best wishes,

Jennifer Madison

She quickly slipped the note back into the envelope and placed the invitation on the table.

“What’s that?” asked Jasmine.

“Invitation to a fundraiser hosted by a client. It’s next weekend on Abaco.”

“You’re not going,” said Jasmine. “You can’t.”

“I am going. I have to. This is about my career.”

“We’re down to the wire with these wedding plans. Have to make sure everything is right. The caterers, the band, the men getting fitted for their tuxedoes. Christmas is less than a month away. And have you even gone to the final fitting for your dress?”

“Of course...” Alyson lied, but then dropped her head. “No. But I will. This week, I promise.”

“Alyson! What is going on?”

“Nothing.”

“There was a problem with Whitney’s dress, and the seamstress wasn’t sure if she could have it altered in time.” Jasmine placed her hand over her face and sighed. “I’ve been looking for you all this week! Where were you?”

“I had to fly back home to Miami. Had business there. I told you I have to split my time between the islands and Florida. My business doesn’t stop because you’re getting married, Jazzy. My work is priority.”

“I know that, but can you let us know when you’re going away? The people who love you also worry about you.”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve said something.”

“Yes, you should have. Instead, I have to see it on Twitter.”

“What?”

Jasmine handed Alyson her phone. There was a photo of Samson punching Drunk Man in the face. The caption read Washed up Illinois mayoral candidate takes his frustrations out on an innocent bystander. #SamsonSteel #MiamiHeat

“What the hell?”

“My sentiments exactly. Imagine my shock when I saw your face in the background,” said Jasmine. “Now again I ask, what is going on?”

“Oh, my God. Samson is going to freak. It was just one big misunderstanding. He was defending me against that creep, and the story got twisted.”

“As if he needs any more trouble,” said Jasmine.

“It wasn’t his fault,” Alyson defended him.

“I was just surprised to see you and Samson...in South Beach...together...”

“I know it seems strange, but...”

“Are you sleeping with him, Alyson?”

“Well...”

“You are!” Jasmine exclaimed. “When did this relationship go from dinner at the Rock House to a weekend rendezvous in Miami? Did he stay at your condo?”

“Eat your breakfast, Jazzy,” Alyson said, hoping to avoid any further conversation about her love life.

“I want to know every single little nasty detail. And don’t leave anything out,” Jasmine said.

Their sister Whitney walked up, saving the day.

“Well, if it isn’t my elusive big sister,” she said.

Alyson stood and gave Whitney a tight squeeze. “Good to see you. Missed you!”

“I can’t really tell, honey, because I’ve been on this island all week, and this is my first time seeing you.

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