The Christmas Inn

Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

Riley Sanders sipped a caramel latte as she walked back to her office. It was a little past three and all around her fat snowflakes swirled and danced on their way to the ground. The first snowfall of the year always gave her a thrill. It made her want to go home, curl up on the sofa, and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie.

But she couldn’t do that tonight. She and Jack had dinner plans. They were going to their favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant, which was a good thing, because it was close to home. There was barely a dusting on the ground now, but it might get messy later.

Riley turned onto Madison Avenue and walked half a block to her building. She said hello to Gerry, at the security desk, and took the elevator to the fourth floor.

“Boost Marketing, please hold.” Marissa, the normally bubbly front desk receptionist, paused when she saw Riley. “They’re all in the conference room. Hank said to tell you to join them as soon as you returned.” She looked serious, worried even.

Riley dropped her purse on her desk, then went to the conference room where the entire content team of eight people was gathered. In January, she had been promoted to a senior content manager role, which came with a nice raise. She’d loved the role so far, as her responsibilities were still writing related—and included writing content for their website, social media, email, and print. They were also expanded to managing a small team and working more directly with several of their top clients. Hank looked up and nodded when he saw her. He wasn’t smiling. Hank normally always smiled. He was the director of the group and was one of the most upbeat managers Riley had ever worked for.

“Riley, come on in. You haven’t missed anything.” Hank cleared his throat. “Well, I’ll just come right out and say it. I’m afraid I don’t have good news. We’re laying the content team off, effective immediately. Myself included.”

The room was silent. Riley was in shock. She glanced around, and everyone looked equally confused. Finally Sheila, the most senior-level person on the team, spoke. “I don’t understand. I thought the company was doing so well. We just landed two big accounts.”

“The company is doing better than ever. But apparently we are replaceable,” Hank said shortly.

Sheila’s jaw dropped. “AI?”

Hank nodded. “Yes. Half of the copywriting team is being laid off as well. Those who remain will oversee all content work done by the AI tools.”

“Terrible timing, so close to Christmas,” someone else said. It was barely December and normally it was Riley’s favorite time of year. This put a huge damper on things.

“Please feel free to use me as a reference,” Hank said. “I’m hopeful that we’ll all easily find new jobs. I don’t think every company is embracing AI the same way. We still have plenty of value to offer.”

They all went back to their desks and started packing up their belongings. Riley was just about done when her phone rang and she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw who it was. “Hi, Jack.”

She was looking forward to their dinner even more now. After such unexpected news, she welcomed the chance to get out and vent about it.

“Hey, Riley, I can’t talk long. I need to cancel for tonight. This case is a killer. I won’t get out of here until nine or ten.” Jack was a senior associate on the partner track at a big law firm. He was smart and very successful, but he worked long hours. It wasn’t unusual for him to cancel last minute like this. Riley understood, though it was a disappointment.

“No worries. Another night.” She didn’t want to talk about the layoff over the phone, especially since her cubicle was in an open area where others could overhear. Even though she knew they’d be sympathetic, she valued her privacy.

“Definitely. How’s tomorrow? I’ll be out early and we can have a nice long dinner, anywhere you like.”

Riley smiled. “Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”

All of her personal belongings fit easily into the cardboard box that had appeared on all their desks while they were in the conference room. Marissa nodded sadly as Riley said goodbye as she walked past the reception desk on her way out.

She sighed as she stepped into the elevator and pushed the button for the ground level. It didn’t seem real yet. Thankfully, she had enough savings to tide her over until she landed something new. Riley wondered how easy it would actually be to find another job. She enjoyed her work, which was mostly writing company blogs, newsletters, white papers, website content, and social media posts. She hoped that Hank was right and there would be plenty of companies that would still hire people to do the work.

Her one-bedroom apartment was a fifteen-minute walk from the office and she didn’t even mind that it was cold and snowflakes kept falling on her face. Riley walked along in a daze. It didn’t seem real that they’d all lost their jobs. It was just starting to sink in by the time she reached her apartment. She let herself in and dropped the box onto the kitchen table, hung her coat up, and rubbed her hands together to warm them.

“Meow!” Lily, her beautiful silver-and-brown Maine coon cat, hopped down from her favorite perch by the window that overlooked the busy street below and ambled over to say hello. She rubbed against Riley’s leg, purring loudly. Riley bent down and scratched her behind her ears. Lily then threw herself onto the floor and rolled around so Riley could scratch her back and pet her belly. This was their daily routine. When Lily’d had enough, Riley fed her, then stared blankly at her empty refrigerator, wondering what to make herself for dinner.

She hadn’t planned anything because she’d thought she was going out to eat. She found a can of pea soup in a cupboard, and while it heated on the stove, she toasted an English muffin and buttered it liberally. She ate in her small dining area and searched on her laptop for her resume. It had been five years since she’d last updated it. Riley sighed, dreading the start of a new job search. She felt numb with the shock and disappointment of the layoff. She’d finally earned her dream job only to have it snatched away too soon.

She stared at the old resume, which needed a major rewrite. She didn’t have the energy to do that yet. She closed her laptop, and decided to deal with it all tomorrow. Tonight she was going to pretend that all was well and get lost in a cheerful Christmas movie.

She changed into comfy pajamas, made herself a cup of cinnamon tea, and settled on the sofa. Lily jumped up next to her and Riley picked up the remote as her cell phone rang. It was her sister. Which was odd, Amy almost never called Riley in the evening. They usually spoke in the morning, though it had been a few days since they’d talked.

“Hey, Amy, is everything okay?”

“It’s Mom.” Amy sounded stressed and a bit shaken. Not at all like her usual calm and annoyingly organized sister. “She broke her leg a few days ago. Is there any chance you could come home for a week or two? She won’t ask you—but she really needs some help.”

“What happened?”

“She fell off a ladder. She was trying to change the lightbulb in the foyer and lost her balance.”

“Oh no. She’s okay, though, otherwise?”

“She is. But she can’t put any weight on it for at least a month. So, she’s going to need help at the inn. I can help a little for a few days, but it’s really impossible to do more than that with the girls—they need me at the same time Mom does.”

Riley thought for a moment. “Lily and I can drive home tomorrow and stay for at least a few weeks, maybe longer.”

“That’s great. You can take that much time off work?”

Riley chuckled. “I can now.” She told her sister about the layoff.

Amy sounded furious on her behalf. “That’s just awful. Can they actually do that? It doesn’t seem right.”

“There’s no law against it. I’m sure I’ll be able to find something else. As Mom always says, everything happens for a reason.”

“Well, I’m sorry it happened, but I’m so glad you can take the time to come home. It will be nice to hang out. It has been way too long.” Riley had only made it home twice in the past year—at Christmas and for a long weekend over the Fourth of July. She’d meant to get back again but the weeks seemed to fly by.

“It really has. I can’t wait to see the girls, too.” Amy had twin girls that were four years old. Bethany and Emily were adorable and Riley looked forward to a reading session. The girls loved when Auntie Riley read to them. They’d snuggle together on the sofa, a girl on each side, and Riley would read book after book until the girls fell asleep.

She looked forward to seeing her sister in person, too. Amy was four years younger and they’d always been close. Though with Riley living in Manhattan and Amy and her family in Chatham, they didn’t see each other often enough. And of course, Riley looked forward to seeing her mother, too. Her parents had divorced years ago, when Riley was twelve, and her father remarried a year later to someone less than half his age. Her father lived in Maine, and they didn’t seem him often, maybe once a year, if that.

But they had a much closer relationship with their mother. After the divorce, it had felt like the three of them against the world. Her father hadn’t worked steadily back then because of a back injury, so child support was minimal. Her mother had worked for two different restaurants, waitressing the lunch shift and often the dinner shift, too, to make enough to pay the mounting bills. She always managed, but there wasn’t much left over.

When her grandparents on her mother’s side passed, they left everything to her. It wasn’t a fortune but it was enough that her mother was able to pay off her mortgage and buy a bed-and-breakfast that was walking distance to her home. That was about five years ago and her mother finally seemed happy and more relaxed.

Not that running the Chatham Coastal Inn was a relaxing job—it definitely had its stresses—but it was a different kind of stress. Her mother had explained that it was exciting to own the business and do everything her way. She’d always loved taking care of people and the guests enjoyed the extra attention to detail. There were only ten rooms, so it wasn’t overwhelming. And she had help now to do the cleaning. She’d done it all herself at the beginning and that was definitely too much.

Riley called home as soon as she hung up with her sister. Her mother didn’t mention the broken leg right away and Riley didn’t want it to seem like Amy had called to ask her to go home. She wanted to have it come up in conversation so she could just offer to and her mother wouldn’t feel that she’d been forced into it. Her mother always worried about being a burden, which was the furthest thing from the truth. So, instead Riley shared her news about the layoff.

“Oh, Riley, honey, I’m so sorry. I know how much you loved that job. And right before Christmas, too.” Her mother sounded as disappointed as Riley felt and her supportive sympathy made Riley’s eyes unexpectedly well up.

Riley took a deep breath. “The timing isn’t the best,” she agreed. “But I’m sure I’ll find something else easily enough. I haven’t taken any time off in ages, so I’m looking forward to a little break. I thought I might come and visit, if it’s a good time?”

“Of course! It’s always a good time to see my girls. Actually, I had a bit of an accident the other day.” She told Riley about the fall and the broken leg.

“Oh no! Are you able to get around at all?”

“I’m on crutches. I can still get things done, I’m just slower. At least I have help for the cleaning. And Amy has popped over with the girls to visit. She’s manned the front desk while I read to the girls. We’re managing.”

Riley smiled. Her mother always looked on the bright side even when things were challenging. “Well, I can help, too. I’ll be looking for things to do to keep busy. I thought I’d head home tomorrow, if that works for you?”

“That’s perfect. I’ll see you then, honey.”

Beth felt pensive as she ended the call with Riley. She was relieved that she hadn’t had to ask Riley to help—she hated to do that as it wasn’t like her daughter lived nearby. She didn’t want to have her use vacation time to help out. She was excited to see her but also worried to hear about the layoff, especially at this time of year.

As she glanced at the clock, there was a knock at the door. It was exactly seven. She hollered for her best friend, Donna, to let herself in. Donna entered the room holding a big bag of takeout from their favorite Thai restaurant and a bottle of Pinot Noir.

“You didn’t have to bring wine, too,” Beth said as Donna set the bag on the counter and fished around in a drawer for a wine opener.

“We don’t usually drink Pinot, but the guy at the wine shop said it goes well with Thai if you prefer red. So let’s see.” She poured them each a glass and Beth went to get up to help her with the food, but Donna shot her a look.

“Don’t be silly. I’ve got this. I know where the paper plates are.”

Beth laughed and sat back down as Donna handed her a glass of wine. She took a sip. It was smooth and light and a bit peppery. Donna returned a moment later with paper plates, napkins, and utensils and she put all the boxes of Thai food on the coffee table, within easy reach for Beth. They loaded their plates with pad Thai, spring rolls, and Massaman curry with rice. As they ate, Beth told her that Riley was coming the next day. Donna looked thrilled to hear it.

“That’s awful about the layoff. But great timing. I’m glad she’s able to come and stay for a while. We don’t see enough of Riley these days.”

That was true. Riley was busy with her job and boyfriend in Manhattan and made it home just a few times a year and usually just for a long weekend. It would be nice to have her around a bit longer.

“She doesn’t seem worried about finding a new job, but it seems like a tough time of year for that,” Beth said.

“If she’s not worried, I wouldn’t be. Riley is good at what she does. She’ll find something soon enough. And it will be nice for you to have company this time of year especially.”

Beth nodded. Donna was right about that. She was one of the few people that knew that Beth suffered from mild depression, mostly around the holidays. Every year, ever since her marriage ended a week before Christmas, Beth had struggled with the blues at what should be one of the happiest times of the year. She hid it well and forced herself to go all out for the holidays. It kept her busy and she’d created some wonderful memories with Riley and Amy.

Beth had always tried to make sure that the girls never had any idea that this was a tough time of year for her. The heaviness usually lifted a few weeks after the New Year. And over time, it seemed to lessen some. But it was still there. When she broke her leg so suddenly, it was all she could do not to give in to the self-pity and wallow in it for a few days. But of course, she couldn’t do that.

“How’s Bill?” she asked. Donna’s husband was traveling for work this week. Donna was an attorney and had a thriving practice right on Main Street. Many years ago, Bill had been one of her clients and they’d been attracted instantly. Once her work was finished for him, he asked her out to dinner and that was it for them. They married six months later. Beth liked Bill. He was fun to be around and she often went out to dinner with the two of them.

“He’s good. He’s not crazy about the food in Louisiana, though. At least not the fried alligator. Says it does not taste like chicken!”

Beth laughed. “At least he tried it.”

“True. Speaking of trying things—have you given any thought to putting a profile up and trying online dating? Don’t you want someone fun like Bill to do things with?”

“I do. I’d love that,” Beth said. “But I don’t think I’m ready for online dating. I’m not sure I ever will be.”

Donna sighed. “Well, I’m keeping an eye out for you as I always do. But you know all of our friends. I ask Bill all the time if he knows anyone but he says they are all married or people he wouldn’t want his friend dating.”

Beth smiled. “I appreciate that. I’m not even thinking about any of that right now… might be a little difficult to date at the moment anyway.” She glanced at her leg, which was propped up on the ottoman. The cast was heavy and it itched occasionally. She couldn’t wait to get it off. But until then, she knew she had to be careful so she didn’t reinjure herself.

“True. It will be fun for you having Riley around at least. Do you two have anything planned?”

“Just the usual holiday things. It will be a huge help just having her with me at the inn during the day.”

“And next weekend with the Christmas Stroll, I’m sure you’ll be extra busy,” Donna said.

Beth took a sip of her wine. “This is actually very good with the Thai food. We’ll have to remember that.” She took a bite of a spring roll. “I’m actually not as busy as I was last year at this time. I’m hoping Riley might have some marketing ideas for me.”

Donna frowned. “You’re not sold out for next weekend?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Hmm. Well, hopefully you fill up at the last minute with people that couldn’t get to the Nantucket Stroll the night before.”

“Maybe. We’ll see.”

Donna looked at her quietly for a moment, then smiled and lifted her glass, tapping it lightly against Beth’s. “Well, cheers to a happier holiday season than usual.”

Beth grinned. She was looking forward to spending more time with her girls this year. “Cheers to that.”

Riley got up early the next day and packed her biggest suitcase with a wide assortment of clothes—lots of layers as it was the time of year when the temperature in New England could be all over the place. She’d rented a car the night before. After breakfast she’d scoot back to her apartment, and as soon as her rental arrived, she’d grab her suitcase and Lily, and head to the Cape.

She met Jack at seven thirty sharp at their favorite bagel shop. She’d texted him the evening before to share the news about her mother and her trip to the Cape and suggested they meet for a quick breakfast before she left. He was there already when she walked in, which didn’t surprise her. Jack was always early. He smiled, and she saw that he’d already ordered for both of them.

“Tall, black, no sugar, and an everything bagel toasted with chive cream cheese. How’d I do?” The flash of annoyance that he hadn’t waited to see what she wanted faded when she realized that it was exactly what she would have ordered.

“Perfect, thanks.”

“So, you’re heading to the Cape today? The agency didn’t mind a last-minute day off?” Jack asked.

Riley sighed and told him about the layoff.

His eyes radiated sympathy as she finished recounting the events of the day before. She noticed as usual that not one of his hairs was out of place. Jack was always dressed and groomed impeccably. Today’s suit was black with pinstripes, a crisp white shirt, a charcoal-gray tie, and his thick, wavy black hair had just enough gel to give it a polished look and keep the waves under control.

“That’s rough. It’s not entirely surprising, though. We expect to see more of this now that AI can be used in so many ways. Have you thought about shifting gears a little and doing something slightly different, maybe more analytical or strategic? Something the AI can’t easily take over?”

Riley nodded. “You’re probably right. I thought I’d take some time to mull that over and see what other skills I have that might be a good complement to the writing. I’m looking forward to not thinking about it at all for a week or two and just helping out my mom and relaxing on the Cape.”

Jack frowned. “Don’t take too long. The sooner you get back out there the easier it will be to find something new. You know companies hate gaps on resumes.” Riley knew he was right. She also knew Jack had never had a gap to worry about.

She smiled. “Of course. This tends to be a slow time of year for hiring. Lots of hires are put on hold until after the holidays. It always picks up in January.”

Jack didn’t look convinced. “It’s still a good idea to get the ball rolling.”

Riley felt a rush of annoyance. She hated when he lectured her—especially when she knew he was probably right. “I need to update my resume. That’s the first step.”

Jack checked his watch as it beeped with a new text message.

“I need to run. I have a client call in fifteen minutes. That was just my reminder alert. Text me when you get to the Cape safely.”

Riley stood. “I will. Good luck with your case.” She gave him a quick kiss goodbye and they walked out together, then turned in opposite directions as she headed back to her apartment.

Her rental car was delivered at ten, so she could avoid rush hour traffic. She quickly brought her suitcase and tote bag with cat food and her laptop down first and put it in the back of the small Honda SUV. Then she ran back upstairs for her purse and for Lily in her soft pink cat carrier. Lily was already not happy about the situation and was meowing in protest as Riley carried her downstairs and settled her onto the passenger seat. Riley climbed in, and turned on the ignition.

Riley’s stress about the layoff eased up some as she stepped on the gas. In a few hours she’d be crossing the bridge to the Cape Cod Canal and that always brought a sense of peace, knowing that she was almost home. She was looking forward to relaxing and spending time with her mother and not thinking about her job search for at least a few days.

“Okay, Lily, we’re off.”