Chapter Six
Viola had only been to Lakeside Chateau for a birthday party as a kid. Everyone at that party had spent the entire afternoon ice skating. There would be no skating today, however. A good portion of the lake was blocked off with signs warning that the ice was too thin.
Viola followed Holly toward the massive building where the wedding and reception would occur. Somehow, the chateau appeared much bigger now, and Viola wondered if the owners had added a wing or two since her last visit. Snow covered the manicured hedges and shrubs, and the bare trees on the lawn were strewn with fairy lights.
Viola craned her neck to take in the steeply pitched gable roof, the multiple chimneys with decorative caps, and the balustraded terrace. She wondered how much Holly and Nick spent to have it as their wedding venue.
At the front center of the building was a wide, cream-colored marble stairway that led to a broad veranda with a wrought-iron railing. The expansive entryway was accentuated with ten-foot-tall, paned-glass double doors. Beside the doors stood an elegantly decorated Christmas tree. As they approached, one of the double doors opened, and a statuesque woman with flame-red hair greeted them with a smile.
“Hello, Ms. St. Ives.” The woman shook Holly’s hand before offering Viola a handshake. “You must be Ms. Carver. I’m Susan Stettly. Please, come inside. I’ll show you to the kitchen.”
Viola felt as if she’d just been transported to a palace when they entered the building. The curved staircase in the entrance hall drew attention to the high ceilings, all lit by an elegant chandelier. Viola trailed after Holly but was distracted by the shiny marble floors, the stylish sconces adorning the walls, and the expensive-looking furniture.
Viola’s hands tightened into fists as she blew out a long breath. The prospect of taking on the job already overwhelmed her, but now, seeing the enormity and sophistication of the building—no, mansion —it was hard not to feel small and in over her head.
Come on. Pull yourself together. You learned how to do this. Now’s your chance to show your skills.
“Ms. St. Ives, I once again sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by our former catering partner,” Susan said.
They followed her through an elaborate dining room. Round tables were adorned with pristine white tablecloths and tall crystal vases filled with pastel pink roses.
Susan glanced over her shoulder as they approached a set of swinging double doors. “I’m afraid the decision to part with them was unavoidable. The timing, of course, is extremely inconvenient. As a gesture of gratitude for understanding, we will grant you a ten percent discount on the venue’s price. The establishment’s owner is on the way to greet you and personally apologize for the hassle.”
“That’s very kind,” Holly replied. “Thank you.”
“This is the kitchen.” Susan held one of the doors open so they could enter. “I hope it suits your needs, Ms. Carver.”
Viola gaped at the immaculate kitchen, which measured roughly one thousand square feet and was filled with silver appliances. She counted five working areas, the most important being the cooking, washing, and storage sections. There was also a station of worktops for food preparation and doors that surely led to a pantry. Everything appeared brand new.
“Certainly.” Viola nodded. “It looks perfect.”
Susan pressed the folder she was carrying to her chest. “Well, it’s all yours. At least until the first week of January, when the chateau hosts another event. Unfortunately for us, two other events that were to occur between now and then were canceled because of the caterer situation. They couldn’t make it work.”
“Oh, that’s a shame,” Viola said.
“Yes, it’s a pity.” Susan tilted her head. “But that means you’ve got the kitchen to yourself, so feel free to schedule your deliveries and invoices here.”
“Wow.” Viola cleared her throat, telling herself to act more professional. “I mean, thank you. I’ll do that.”
Susan smiled at her and then faced Holly again. “I’ve got the paperwork here to amend the catering event, so we can start filling that out while we wait for Mr. Brickman.”
Viola stiffened, unable to catch her breath. She stared while Susan took papers out of the folder.
Brickman? What are the chances?
Holly signed the documents, and Susan closed the file.
“Mr. Brickman should be here shortly.” Susan propped the folder in her arm. “I’ll put this in its proper place, but if you need anything, you can find me in my office.”
“You okay, Viola?” Holly asked once they were alone. “You’ve gone pale.”
“Did she say Brickman?”
“Mm-hm, he’s the owner. Relatively new, I guess. Took over a year ago, I think.” Holly wrinkled her brow. “Why?”
It couldn’t be the same guy. Could it?
Viola shook her head. She wasn’t sure what to do with her hands other than clutch her notebook until her knuckles turned white. Her mouth was dry, and a muscle twitched near her eye.
Viola blew out a long breath at the sound of footsteps coming nearer in the hall. She wished her hands weren’t so clammy. If the owner turned out to be someone other than Jonas, she didn’t want to make a bad impression.
“A ten percent discount,” Holly whispered. “At least that’s something. I didn’t want to lose this venue. The ceremony is taking place in the enclosed winter garden—the one that leads out to the lake. It has a beautiful view of the mountains. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I can show it to you after we’ve spoken to Mr. Brickman.”
“You know Mr. Brickman was at The Gingerbread House the other day?” Viola asked. “At least, I assume it was the same Mr. Brickman.”
“He was?”
“But Nick didn’t seem to know who he was when he introduced himself.”
“Oh, yeah.” Holly shook her head. “No, we haven’t met him. We’ve always worked with Susan for everything.”
“I see. That explains it, then.” Now Viola felt even worse for ruining Jonas’s coat.
The door swung open, and Viola’s suspicions were confirmed. Jonas was typing something into his phone. The silver-gray suit he wore appeared to be freshly pressed. Viola’s memory of how handsome he was hadn’t lived up to the reality. Her heart skipped a beat. Was it because she was nervous? Or was it something else? Before Jonas lifted his head, Viola twisted away to catch her breath.
Jonas approached Holly, holding out his hand and flashing a confident smile. “Hello, Ms. St. Ives. It’s great to meet you. Sorry it has to be under such unfavorable circumstances. And again, thank you for understanding the special situation we’re in. I don’t want to trouble you with the specifics of the lawsuit, but I’m glad to hear you could arrange for another caterer.”
The pleasant scent of his cologne hit her nose. Viola breathed it in deeply, wishing she didn’t enjoy it so much. Or at all. She turned to face him, forcing a polite expression.
Jonas’s brow furrowed. “You?”
Viola’s small smile disappeared. “Me.”
Holly tilted her head. “Viola said you were at my fiancé’s café the other day, but I get the feeling there’s more to the story.”
“Your fiancé’s café?” Jonas asked.
“The Gingerbread House.”
“Of course. Nick Mason. I didn’t even put that together until now.” Jonas scrubbed at his chin, his eyes fleetingly landing on Viola. “You’ll have to excuse me. So much paperwork flies across my desk every day. I hardly have time to match up names and places.”
An awkward silence hovered in the room.
Holly looked from Jonas to Viola. “Am I missing something?”
“No.” Viola shook her head. “Nothing at all.”
“I thought you were a waitress,” Jonas said to Viola.
“I graduated at the top of my class in culinary school.”
“But have you catered before?” He crossed his arms.
“I worked on a crew during my internship, yes.”
He tapped his fingers against his arm. “Working on a crew and managing one are two totally different things. Do you have experience managing an event like this?”
His accusatory tone caused Viola to set her jaw. “Is there going to be a problem here?” Viola asked.
“Mr. Brickman,” Holly said, interrupting. “My fiancé and I have complete faith that Viola can handle the job.”
Viola was unsure if Holly’s words boosted her confidence or heightened her anxiety. She really didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
Jonas’s focus went between Holly and Viola for a moment. Then he smiled. “I see. I’m sorry to have doubted your judgment, Ms. St. Ives. And as I’m sure Susan has informed you, we would like to offer you a ten percent discount—”
Viola tuned out the rest of the discussion as the acid in her stomach swirled.
You can do this. Don’t allow this guy to let you doubt yourself. You were top of your class.
Viola straightened her shoulders, aiming to be confident. If only she could convince herself that she could be.