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And when they’d mentioned spending Christmas in New York, there had been a miscommunication. They thought he was inviting them to a party. What was he supposed to say to that?
He’d known that this was his chance to solidify their relationship so of course he had to invite them to his big Christmas gala. The only problem was he didn’t have one planned. His company never held or sponsored holiday events. And now Graham had exactly eighteen days to plan a huge Christmas party.
He thought of handing it off to his assistant, Mary, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do that to her—even though he knew she wouldn’t have complained. She was a newlywed and she already had her hands full picking up some of his work while he was working from home.
He would deal with the party himself—something he’d never done in his life. He figured he’d start with the location but that was proving impossible. Venues large enough to hold such an event had been reserved a year or two in advance.
It was late in the afternoon when Alina stopped by his place. “The restaurant was busy all day and I had not one but two Christmas parties. I just came home to change my clothes before heading back.” She gestured to a large red stain on her white blouse. “It was a rough day.”
He stared up from where he was sitting on the floor leaning back against the wall with papers scattered around him. “You’re going back so soon?”
She shrugged off her coat, then draped it over her arm. “It’s fine. It’ll slow down after the holidays. How was your day?”
He closed his laptop, giving her his full attention. “I’d rather hear about your day.”
She studied him for a moment. “What’s the matter?”
“Why would you think something’s wrong?”
“Because you get those little lines between your brows when you’re worried about something.”
“Wait. Are you saying we’ve spent that much time together that you can read me?”
“Yes. Now, tell me what’s wrong. Is it Merryweather? Is he giving you a hard time?”
“No. I picked him up some cookies on the way home from the office and he loved them. It has nothing to do with the building.”
“That’s a relief.” She resisted the urge to point out the fact that he’d referred to the Stirling as his home.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I have a problem at the office.”
“Anything you want to discuss?” She sat across from him on one of his new chairs. It would be nice to focus on someone else’s problems for a change.
Graham hesitated. “I have potential clients coming into the offi
ce the week of Christmas and I really need to impress them.”
“You’re the best at what you do and your offices are beautiful, so I’m not seeing the problem.”
“It’s not enough. I know a couple of other companies are courting them. So I need this visit to stand out in their mind.”
“I take it we’re not discussing your business presentation.”
He shook his head. “That’s already under control. But I sort of invited them to a Christmas party that doesn’t exist.”
Her mouth gaped. “How in the world did you do that?”
“I’m not exactly sure but now they’re making plans to return for this impressive Christmas gala.”
“Graham, do you know how close it is to Christmas? People make these plans months or a year in advance.”
His frown deepened. “Now what am I supposed to do?”
“You have a nice apartment. You could throw an informal party there.”
He shook his head. “They’re flying in from Phoenix. They’re expecting something spectacular. Not a little dinner party.”
“Hmm... I see.” She racked her brain for an easy solution. “I can’t even offer the Christmas Café. It’s booked solid.”
