The Holiday Sweet Spot by Sophia Knightly

Author:Sophia Knightly [Knightly, Sophia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780998909493
Published: 2020-01-25T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

The next morning, Pilar started the day with the decision to give Jake a second chance. After he went out last night, Emily had assured her that Jake had gone to see Jessica’s parents earlier that day solely out of courtesy. He’d known them for years, and he got along well with Jessica’s father. When Emily mentioned it was possible that Jake had wanted to visit with him because he was missing his own father, Pilar felt badly about second guessing his motives.

After reflecting on it, she realized it was possible that Jake was telling her the truth about not having romantic feelings for Jessica. She didn’t want to continue distancing herself from him, especially since they were living under the same roof. It felt awkward, and it would distress Emily. She was grieving for her husband and shouldn’t have to witness drama between Pilar and her son.

With the employee dinner party looming tonight, Pilar needed to stay focused, and put her personal life on the back burner. Good thing Aletha Kostas, Emily’s housekeeper, was a delight.

Working with her, Pilar noticed two things. One, she was a one-stop giggle machine with unbounding energy. She’d been slinging one-liners and wisecracking zingers all morning, keeping Pilar in stitches. And two, she’d worked for the Radcliffe family for years and adored them. The diminutive but strong woman had spent the last hour laughing, her round belly jiggling under her apron, as she recounted Jake’s naughty escapades as a kid.

“That little rascal was always up to something. If it wasn’t starting a new business like selling stray kittens, it was chasing after the pretty girls. Even as a kid, the girls loved him. How could they not? He was a real heart stealer.” She nodded vigorously. “Still is.”

Pilar gave her a breezy smile, not wanting Aletha to know she agreed with her. Too bad Jake had stolen her heart—and others—including Jessica’s.

“Isn’t it time for you to get ready for the party, honey?” Aletha said. “What are you going to wear?”

“A long-sleeved floral dress. Since we’re having a Mexican feast, I figured I’d dress the part,” Pilar said. “And you’re right. I need to wrap things up, so I have enough time to shower and get ready for tonight’s dinner.”

“I’ll set the table while you’re—” Aletha stopped and let out a guttural squeal of delight. “Jake Radcliffe, come and give your old nanny a hug. My Lord, you get handsomer each year! Just look at that scruff on your jaw. Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm,” she chanted between peals of laughter. “I remember when you didn’t have a hair on your skinny little face.”

“Nice to see you too, Allie.” The corners of Jake’s mouth kicked up in a fond smile as he came forward and lifted Aletha clear off the ground in a bear hug.

“I was just telling Pilar how naughty you were as a kid. Turned my black hair to gray prematurely,” Aletha said, when he put her down. Her chubby hand covered her mirth when Jake shook his finger at her.

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