Dear Santa, The Cat Did It … by Beaton Francine

Author:Beaton, Francine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Francine Beaton
Published: 2023-12-31T00:00:00+00:00

The day was crazy and it was only shortly past midday. Sloan hurried up the stairs to the second floor, his phone against his ear as he tried to finish one thing before the next demanded his attention.

He ended the call as he reached Nicole’s office and pushed the phone into his jacket pocket. He looked up, straight in Marisol’s face. He shuddered as he noticed the coquettish way she leaned against her desk to study him.

The South African mannerism he picked up in Cape Town came in handy. He clicked his tongue in disgust and stormed into Nicole’s office. He almost bumped straight into Nicole, but at the last second, she stepped aside, so he brushed against her.

“And now? You look like a deer in the headlights.”

Sloan muttered, “Rather like a bull at an auction.”

“Sorry?”

“Marisol. She looked at me as if I was a bull on show.”

Nicole laughed. “Now I understand why you almost fell into my office.”

She turned back to her desk. “I’m glad you’re here. I received the final menu from Erin. If you can approve that, she can start with the shopping.”

Sloan took the paper and studied it. His mouth watered, even though he had lunch half an hour ago. He nodded, satisfied with what he’d seen. “It looks perfect, but that’s why I’m here.”

When he hesitated, Nicole lifted her brow.

Sloan was now used to that. He hurried to explain when his phone vibrated in his pocket. “I met an old schoolfriend. I haven’t seen Aiden for a while and invited him and a partner on the spur of the moment. Will it be possible to accommodate two more guests?”

Nicole nodded. “I have discussed it with Erin last night. She reckons there will be enough food for six more guests. The table is big enough. Uncle Reuben had up to twenty guests at some of his functions. Two more won’t be a problem.”

“Thank goodness,” Sloan grinned. “I should’ve asked you first before I invited Aiden.”

“Do you know who his partner will be?”

Sloan shook his head. “Not a clue. I don’t even know if he has a steady girlfriend. He’s been living in LA these last seven years. But it won’t matter if he attends alone, will it?”

“No, not really.”

“Okay, will you give the invoices to Penny? She’ll pay everyone and give you the keys. The place is at your disposal the whole day. I’m meeting Riku in Chicago, then we’ll both return on Saturday afternoon. I’m sorry. I know I’m cutting it fine, but if you need any help, ask Penny.”

“Relax, Mr. Maddison. I’ve organized everything. I checked all the arrangements a few times.”

“I know. I don’t doubt your abilities. I want it …”

“To be perfect. I know.”

Sloan laughed. “That’s true.”

“Do you want to impress anyone in particular?”

Sloan didn’t have time to reply as his phone rang again. He retreated to the door and fished for the phone in his pocket. “Let me know if there is anything else. I must go.”

In the same breath, he pushed the button to answer.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.