Chapter 12
Maya
It’s the morning after our spa treatment, and I’m still in a state of relaxation.
I probably look like a lunatic, driving to work alone and smiling like a fool.
I can’t help it. I had the best time at the spa with Eddie.
We were completely unserious, which was in sharp contrast to the relaxation technicians.
Obviously it’s the technicians’ job to make the mood peaceful, but their businesslike demeanor only made it harder not to crack up. Like when you’re in church and you know you shouldn’t laugh, but it just makes everything funnier.
Eddie and I together are a recipe for childlike chaos.
For example, I learned that Eddie’s feet are extremely ticklish.
He was legitimately giggling during the reflexology session.
The technician applied pressure to different areas of our feet that are supposed to stimulate healing throughout the body.
However, Eddie trying to hold in his laughter sounded like a hyena.
Search up what a hyena laughing sounds like.
You will not be disappointed, and you’ll understand why I was laughing so hard I was crying.
Then, to top it all off, I sneezed during the hot stone massage and made all the stones fall off my back.
Who knew laughing so much could feel the same as an ab workout? My stomach is still sore. I haven’t enjoyed myself like that…maybe ever.
There’s no denying that Eddie is good-looking, but his grumpy attitude was a huge turnoff.
However, yesterday, I met a whole new Eddie.
One that I want to get to know, not just because it’s part of my job but because he’s a fun person.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s still quiet and introverted.
But, I think that’s what makes him so funny.
You don’t expect all the quirks. Plus, he doesn’t give a smile to just anyone, so when you get a glimpse of one, you know he means it.
I’m looking forward to spending more time with Eddie today.
This morning, we have breakfast with Santa—the one that Lauren added to the schedule because Eddie left the Mingle Jingle event.
But after seeing how great Eddie did with the preschoolers, I’m feeling more at ease.
All he has to do is eat breakfast with a couple of young fans. I’m confident he can pull that off.
After breakfast, I’m going to see if Eddie wants to go snow tubing. It’s personally one of my favorite activities at Mynt Peak. We have a huge hill with a rope tow. My heart flutters imagining the smile on Eddie’s face while flying down the hill.
I woke up later than usual, which means I haven’t been able to update Holly. She texted me this morning though, saying she got a fun new assignment. I’m hoping for her sake that she gets to host a late-to-the-party hockey player.
I hurry to drop off my purse and coat in the locker room, then make my way to the lobby. Breakfast with Santa is going to be held in the ballroom at nine, but I told Eddie I’d meet him near the fireplace a few minutes beforehand.
I’m about ten minutes early, which is late for me. I expect that Eddie will show up right on time. However, I find him sitting in one of the oversized leather arm chairs in front of the fire.
“Good morning,” I say.
“Morning,” he responds with a small grin.
Today he has on gray joggers and another Mynt hoodie—this time in a navy blue. Forget what I said about white, navy blue is definitely his color. It accents his brown eyes perfectly.
“How’d you sleep?” I ask, forcing myself back into host mode.
“Really well, actually. I think the spa treatment worked. I feel very relaxed. How about you?”
“Same, although my stomach is sore from laughing.” I zip my lips to hold back a giggle.
Eddie scowls.
“Sorry, I’m just remembering your hyena sounds during reflexology.”
He shakes his head, but I can see a smile trying to appear. “I can’t help it, my feet are ticklish.”
“It’s true,” I reply, returning to a professional demeanor. “Will Roger be joining us?”
“I guess he tried snowboarding when we were at the spa yesterday. When I talked to him this morning, he said he’s stiff as a board. I told him to take the day off.”
I grimace. “That’s very common after the first time snowboarding. He might need a spa day too.”
Eddie nods.
I notice a swell of people heading to the ballroom and say, “Are you ready for breakfast with the kids and Santa?”
“I think so. I’ve never dined with Santa before.”
“The kids love it. First, elves serve us breakfast, and then Santa appears. Kids line up to sit on his lap and get their photo taken. Later he’ll come around with gifts.”
I lead him to the ballroom where other athletes, parents and kids are filing in. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” blares through the ballroom speaker. The smell of freshly-baked cinnamon rolls fills the air.
Our assigned table is near the stage. There are two young boys already seated.
“Hello,” I say. The boys look up at me and then quickly shift their attention to Eddie.
“Hi,” they reply in unison, still staring at the pro tennis player they clearly admire.
“I’m Eddie,” he says, taking a seat.
“Oh, we know,” the one with blond hair says. “I’m Colt, and this is my cousin, Asher. We’re huge fans.”
“Thank you,” Eddie replies.
Colt starts right in. “Remember at the Australian Open when you played Juan Ramiro? It went five sets, and somehow you hit that incredible passing shot around the net. I don’t know how you were able to play for almost five hours.
Plus, you were down two match points and somehow came back and won.
” He shakes his head and smiles at Eddie the whole time.
Eddie smirks. “That was a fun match. Do you both play tennis?”
“Yeah. We play a lot,” Asher joins in. “You have to tell us, what’s it like playing at Wimbledon? That’s my dream someday.” His green eyes light up, waiting for an answer.
Eddie tilts his head and squints at the boy. He swallows and then replies, “It’s amazing. The history and the atmosphere are incredible.”
Next, I see Eddie pull out something from his sweatshirt pocket. “I know it’s not Wimbledon, but if you guys would like to come to the next US Open, I’d like to pay for your tickets.” He sets an envelope on the table.
“Really?” The boys’ eyes bulge. “Thank you!” they both say in unison. Then they high five each other and tear open the gift. I feel my eyes welling up at their excitement.
“You’re welcome,” Eddie says casually, then pushes his chair back. “I’m really sorry boys, but I’m suddenly not feeling well. My agent Roger will touch base with your parents with details.” Then, he stands and heads toward the exit.
Colt and Asher are so stunned by his gift, I’m not sure they’ve registered his parting words.
Before I can problem solve Eddie’s sudden departure, I hear a familiar voice ring out over the microphone. “Welcome to Breakfast with Santa!”
I follow the sound to the stage and see Holly decked out in a sparkly-red ball gown. She is drop-dead gorgeous with her blonde curly hair flowing over her shoulders. She’s smiling from ear to ear. This must be the new assignment she mentioned.
Sparkly Holly continues, “The elves have been busy preparing. We need to sing their favorite song to let them know we’re ready to eat.
Does anyone know Jingle Bells?” Hands shoot in the air and cheers ring out.
“Oh good! Sing with me!” Holly is the perfect person to emcee.
As much as her beauty is radiant, her fun-loving personality is what really shines.
The swish of jingle bells begins, and soon kids are singing at the top of their lungs. I’m tempted to get caught up in their joy, but then my eyes land on Eddie’s empty seat. I tell the boys, “I’ll be right back,” then make a swift exit before I’m whisked away in a current of tray-carrying elves.
Reaching the doors, I look back to see I made it just in time.
It’s like watching a Christmas production of “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast. Servers dressed as elves flow in harmony, dancing and dolling out drinks and food.
Then, fake snow begins falling around the perimeter of the ballroom. More “oohhs” and “ahhs” erupt.
I’m so tempted to stay and enjoy the magic of breakfast with Santa.
There’s nothing better than seeing the joy on kids’ faces as they create core memories.
That’s what I love about the tourism industry.
You’re giving people a chance to connect, to escape their busy schedules and to remember what life is truly about.
As I’m taking in the bliss, I spot Lauren with a radio in hand.
She’s scanning the festivities, making sure everything is going according to plan—which means I need to find Eddie fast. This time, I have a much better idea of where to look.
Just to cover my bases, I sweep through the lobby on my way to the elevator.
When I reach the fifth floor, I head straight to Eddie’s room. Before knocking, I take a deep breath. I don’t know why I’m nervous, I guess I’m having flashbacks to night one, when Eddie disappeared.
I tap lightly on the door with my knuckles. When I don’t hear anything, I say, “Eddie, it’s Maya.” The sound of footsteps reassures me he’s heading my way. I just don’t know what his mood will be. Is he truly sick, or just sick of Christmas activities? Worse yet, is he sick of me?
The handle turns, and when the door opens, I see Eddie walking away from me. I follow him, assuming that he’s okay with it.
When I reach him, he’s sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. I kneel in front of him. “Eddie, are you okay?”
He shakes his head no.
My heart rate increases. “There’s urgent care nearby. I can take you.”
Again, he shakes his head no, still not looking up.
I put my hand on his knee. “Is there anything I can do?”
At my touch, he meets my eyes, and I see his are rimmed with tears. My stomach drops. “Did something happen?”
This time he nods yes. “The boy, Asher, at breakfast. He looks so much like my younger brother.”
I don’t know how to respond. I simply tilt my head, inviting him to share more.
“I saw him at the Mingle Jingle event the first night. I was rattled, that’s why I left.
” He moves his gaze past me to the picture window.
“Then today, seeing him again. I couldn’t do it.
Sitting across from him was like looking at my younger brother, Joey.
” He closes his eyes. “Joey was killed in a car accident when he was nine.”
A lump rises in my throat.
After a brief pause, with a shaky voice Eddie continues, “Mr. Mynt wants to interview me about my life story. He wants me to share about the accident…It was twelve years ago, but I still don’t know if I can do it.” He hangs his head.
Seeing Eddie this upset feels like being stabbed in the chest. The guy who usually shows no emotions is suddenly flooded with them.
To my surprise, he starts talking again.
“It was the first week of December. We were coming home from my tennis tournament. We were always traveling to my tournaments. Joey was such a trooper. He was my biggest fan. I was six years older than him. He wanted to be a tennis player, just like me. I should have protected him.” I scoot closer and wrap my arms around him.
I feel water, hot and wet on my shoulder.
“We were at a red light. The driver behind us was distracted by her phone. She rear ended us, pushing our car into the intersection. My mom, dad and I all had cuts, bruises, and broken bones, but Joey…”
He finally lifts his head and a tear slides down his cheek. I want so badly to wipe it away for him, to wipe the whole accident away. But, I don’t move. I can’t.
“We were twenty minutes from our house. Twenty minutes…” he trails off.
After a moment, I whisper, “It’s not your fault. You know that, right?”
That’s when he stands. “It was my tennis tournament. We stayed late. I lost in the championship match. I was so mad on the drive home. I was so rude to everyone. The last thing I told Joey was that I was quitting tennis. He had tears in his eyes. That’s my last memory…Disappointing him.”
Eddie grabs his wallet off the coffee table and walks toward the door. He turns back and I feel like I’m seeing the old Eddie. The Eddie from day one, with furrowed brows and dark clouds in his eyes. “I need some time…alone.”
The door clicks shut.
I’m frozen, sitting on the floor with my back against the couch. I stare out the picture window, trying to wrap my head around what just happened.