Chapter 16
Sadie
I watch as Zane handles the tree with a gentle grace that I’d never expect from a giant mountain man. He treats the tree with love and tenderness, talking to it under his breath as he digs. I’m not even sure if he realizes he’s doing it.
Deidre and Jack are adorable, and they’ve opted for regeneration, in fact, they were so ecstatic about the idea, they wanted to donate a tree to a family in need through the Lawless’ ‘Make a Wish’ fund they run every year.
“How did you do that?” Zane asked me on the UTV a few moments ago.
I glanced at him sideways. “How did I do what?”
“Know all that stuff?”
I shrugged. “I know bits and pieces, and I just mash them together. It’s about finding what makes people tick, and then delivering.
I’m a good salesperson. In fact, I’m starting to believe I was in the wrong job in New York City.
” I’d pondered my own genius for a fraction of a second, not even realizing what a great time I was having.
I can’t say I’ve had a brilliant day at work for the last few years.
“Well, keep up the mashin’, because that was pretty impressive.”
Woah, was that actually a compliment from Mr. Grump himself? Wonders will never cease.
Then I think about what the girls were saying last night and my cheeks flush.
Zane doesn’t have a thing for me. Even if some small part of me wished he did, it could never work between us.
He’s my boss for one. Plus, he hates New Yorkers, and I’m fairly certain he has an aversion to my bobble hats.
But then my brain reminds me he put snow tires and chains on the vehicle he’s loaning me so I can get around, strangely thoughtful.
But I can’t read too much into it. The one good thing is he hasn’t been hanging around ready to boss me into oblivion like most chiefs, so I guess that’s a plus.
The Lawless family lets you get on with things.
I mean, the job isn’t that hard. It’s just giving the customers prices and taking payments.
There’s some light office work like filing, following up on the residents who have accounts, invoicing the larger businesses, and some light cleaning around the office.
The phone has been pretty steady for most of the morning, but like I said to Zane, it’s all about finding out what makes people tick, and selling it to them.
It’s not that hard. It’s also fun. Wow, I know.
I never thought coming to work could be this much fun, but when I saw the look on the couple’s faces when they entered the farm gates, my heart kinda gave way.
Now they’re holding hands as they watch Zane manhandle their tree.
I swear I see a knowing look in Deidre’s eyes as I smile at her reassuringly. She just nods like she’s in good hands.
Zane doesn’t say much, but he isn’t rude.
“We haven’t had a family Christmas in almost five years,” Deidre tells me, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. “We had a family fallout, so this year is the first year we’ll all be together again.”
Jack pats her arm and passes her a tissue, which she uses to dab her eyes.
“That’s wonderful to hear you’re all getting together.” I give her a hug, feeling teary myself, and it makes me want to go and surprise my parents early. I know they’ll be happy to see me, and I’m sure more than surprised to find out I’m working here for the winter.
Once Zane has their perfect tree secured, we head back to the office.
I know not every transaction is like this; some customers this morning didn’t care about what the tree looked like, they were last-minute shoppers and in a hurry to put one up.
But it’s nice to take the time out and help others like this lovely couple.
It reminds me that this is what the Christmas spirit is all about.
After we’ve said goodbye to Deidre and Jack, Zane takes me to The Lodge to check if we can come over and view the staff accommodation.
Since seasonal staff come and go here, they never know what rooms will be available.
I’ve only got another week before Bailey’s parents arrive, and I still have to make sure Mindy will be happy with the accommodation. Not that she’s spoiled or anything.
The Lodge is like something out of Yellowstone. It’s magnificent with its stone and log fascia, and the backdrop of the mountains is second to none. Everything around here is a picture-ready moment just waiting to happen.
“Oh, honey,” Sylvia says when we arrive at the reception desk. “I’m so sorry, I know your father said there were plenty of rooms, but we had to shut off the east wing because of a back draft through the windows, it’s been terrible.”
“What?” Zane looks confused. “When did this happen?”
“Yesterday, when one of the cleaners went in to make the beds up. Those rooms have been vacant for a while, and then the heating wasn’t working properly, so we don’t want our staff to freeze.” She smiles pleasantly at me. Like her husband, Sylvia is welcoming and friendly.
“I’ll take a look at it,” Zane says.
“Honey, you have enough to do, but we need new windows. Dad can’t fix it, he’s already tried, and Roger can’t get out here for two weeks, he’s snowed under, pardon the pun.”
“Well, what is Sadie gonna do?” Zane asks. “She has to be out of Bailey’s next week.”
“It’s fine, I can totally couch surf,” I say, not really envying that idea. Bailey’s place is small, and I don’t want to be a nuisance, living on her couch for the entire season.
“Nonsense,” Sylvia says. “Zane, you have a perfectly good spare room. I know it’s not ideal living with your boss, but it would only be temporary.” She glances at me.
My eyes are wider than they’ve ever been. Share accommodations with Zane? I don’t know why my temperature soars and my heart races in trepidation at the same time.
“Oh, no, really, I don’t want to impose,” I say. “It’s honestly fine, I’ll figure something out.”
Zane clears his throat. “I’ll try in town,” he says quickly. “I’m sure one of the lodgings or the motel will have something for a few weeks until we can get everything back to normal.”
“At this time of year?” Izzy puts in, sliding into the chair next to her mom. “I don’t think so. Plus, it’ll be a short commute for Sadie, if she can put up with your bad habits.”
“Butt out,” Zane tells his sister. “I’ll take a look at the east wing before I go. I’ll figure it out. And I don’t have that many bad habits.”
Izzy scoffs. “It shouldn’t be any trouble for you Zane, you only eat and sleep there, anyway.” She shrugs.
Sylvia is oblivious, but why do I get the feeling Isabelle Lawless looks a little smug at the idea?
“Your father wasn’t happy,” Sylvia says in a quieter voice. “Grandpa wasn’t much better, but unfortunately things happen. It’s an old building, and some of the staff rooms are the original part of the structure, hence the electric and wiring being worn. It’s harder to replace at short notice.”
“I know that, Mom,” Zane gruffs.
“I was explaining to Sadie,” Sylvia says with a pointed look at her son.
“It’s really no trouble,” I interject again. “I’m sure I can find something.”
I don’t know what exactly, but it’ll be fine.
I’m sure couch surfing won’t be all that bad, and there are late cancelations all the time.
There are plenty of bed-and-breakfast places scattered around this thriving little town; then again, the cost almost brings me out in hives.
The Lawless family aren’t going to fork out a hotel stay for a new staff member when there’s a perfectly good room at Zane’s for free.
But surely I’m not really expected to share a house with my boss… am I?
I don’t dare risk a glance at him because seeing Zane in his natural environment might just send me over the edge.
My mind wanders: how is he in his own home?
I heard he’s a good cook, and then there’s all those dirty images that I’ve been conjuring up — no thanks to Jo-Beth and Bailey — that involve Zane chopping wood, shirtless and sweaty with joggers on. Get a freaking grip already!
It’s then I realize everyone is staring at me. Uh-oh, missed something.
“I’m sorry,” I say sheepishly. “I was having a moment.”
Izzy snickers, and Sylvia smiles gently. “That’s okay, Sadie, I just wondered if you’ve made dinner plans over the weekend? We’re having a little shindig at our place and we’d love for you to come. You can meet Frank’s mom and dad.”
I blink, unsure how to answer. I mean, it would be rude to turn down an invitation. Plus, it could be a good opportunity to get to know the family. Mingling is my speciality.
“That’s very kind of you,” I reply. “Thank you.”
“Hey, I’ve got a great idea, why don’t we all get together to decorate the tree and then have dinner after? Bailey can come too,” Izzy sings.
I don’t know, but I’m fairly sure Zane just rolled his eyes. “Mom, Iz, don’t push decoratin’ and dinners on unsuspecting people. Boundaries.”
Sylvia looks affronted. “Sadie’s new in town, I’m sure one little dinner and putting some baubles and tinsel on the town tree isn’t going to upset the apple cart or make her run away, right, Sadie?”
It’s funny seeing Zane being told off by his mom. I want to laugh out loud.
“Not at all, Mrs. Lawless, I’d love to come. Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” I say.
Her smile broadens. “See. Sadie’s going to fit right in here, I just know it.”
I can’t be sure, but I think I hear Zane mutter something about the women in his life driving him crazy. Neither his mom or sister care, nor do they pay him any attention. Instead, they start chattering about the weekend’s festivities, and I smile despite myself.
I think I’m really going to fit in here after all.