The Rainbow Advent Calendar is my opportunity to share a free holiday story with you. This year it’s the story of Hugh. He’s sick of pretentious people, sick of everyone’s expectations, and most of all he’s sick of people trying to set him up. But this Christmas, a set-up may be just thing to lift Hugh’s spirits.
Make sure you check out the master post to get the links to the stories from the other participating authors.
And if you’d like to download or read last year’s Rainbow Advent Calendar Christmas story, Fleeting Moments, click here.
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The Christmas Set-Up
CHAPTER ONE
โIโll do my best, Wayne, but you know how it is this time of year.โ Hugh flicked through his schedule trying to find even a spare half an hour.
โYeah, yeah.โ Wayne huffed into the phone. โEveryone wants stuff done before they head off on holiday. I guess itโll need to wait for the new year.โ He trailed off with a resigned sigh.
Hugh rubbed his temples. He knew how his brother felt. He was overworked, tired and looking forward to his own break over Christmas. Thank God the office closed for a couple of weeks and heโd be able to recharge his batteries before the real estate market kicked off again in the new year. He scrawled a note in the margin of his plannerโheโd try to fit Wayne in. After all, it wasnโt often he asked for a favour.
โSend the documents through, Wayne, and Iโll take a look as soon as I can.โ
In a way, although it meant more work, it pleased Hugh that Wayne wanted him to read over his expansion plans. Wayne rarely consulted with him, no doubt because he thought Hugh was deficient in his own business. He accused Hugh of not having enough ambition, of missing an opportunity by only having a single real estate office. In Wayneโs opinion, Hugh should have expanded by now and had a whole suite of branches. The idea of expanding his business into a chain made Hughโs skin crawlโhe was happy with what heโd built. Hugh enjoyed work most of the time, was good at what he did and made a decent profit. He owned a near-new car, had amassed a small portfolio of strategic investments and had nearly paid off his house. He didnโt need moreโmore material possessions or more stress. He rubbed his temples again and flipped the planner closed.
โThanks, little bro. Anything you can tell me about those commercial properties would be much appreciated. So, Iโll see you at Mum and Dadโs on the big day, yeah?โ
Hugh tensed at the reminder of Christmas lunch. Donโt be an arsehole, itโs only one day a year.
โWouldnโt miss it.โ He tried to force some cheer into his voice but had no doubt he came across as sarcastic. He wasnโt a fan of his parentโs over-the-top formal Christmas. Why couldnโt they have a simple barbeque like so many Australian families instead of all the pomp and ceremony?
โMum asked me to tell you that the Donnellyโs will be there.โ
โOh, great.โ Now he was definitely being sarcastic. His mother had been trying to set him up with Grace Donnelly since their university days. Heโd had a brief reprieve while heโd been dating Sam but it seemed their breakup had given his mother reason to start with her matchmaking again.
Wayne chuckled. โRather you than me. Anyway, got to run. Email me the findings when you can.โ
โWill do.โ
Hugh hit end and returned his attention to his inbox. Hopefully the signed contracts for the deceased estate would be returned this week, and heโd be able to cross one more thing off his list before Christmas.
A tap at the door drew Hughโs attention from his computer screen. He looked over to see Nora, his business partner, at the doorway.
โGot a minute?โ she asked, stepping into the office without waiting for his answer.
โSure. Iโve always got time for you, Nora. Have a seat.โ He indicated the chair opposite, but he neednโt have botheredโshe was already seated.
She crossed her legs and smoothed her skirt over her knee before pinning him with her gaze. โThe party starts at 8 and I expect you to be on time.โ Nora was nothing if not direct.
โIโโ
Nora raised an immaculately manicured hand. โNo hold ups, no excuses. Itโs been planned for weeks and I know itโs in your schedule because I had Bronwyn confirm.โ
โBut I haveโโ
โNuh-uh.โ She leaned forward and tapped a fingernail on his closed planner. โI also had your last meeting rescheduled to Monday, so youโll have plenty of time to get home and change.โ
โJesus, Nora.โ
โDonโt you, Jesus Nora, me,โ she said with a wicked gleam in her eye. โAnyone would think I was asking you to attend a lynching not a party.โ
โIt may as well be,โ Hugh mumbled. The last few social events heโd attended with Nora had involved her introducing him to every available person in her social circle. He brightened as he remembered their last conversation on the topic.ย โAt least you promised youโd lay off trying to set me up.โ
Nora tilted her head and pursed her lips. โI did?โ
โJesus, Nora.โ Please tell me she didnโt.
โI thought weโd been through this. Donโt Jesus Nora, me.โ When Hugh didnโt smile at the old running joke, she sat up straight. โListen, I know I promised to cut backโโ
โStop.โ
โOkay, to stop trying to set you up, but this is different. I want you to meet my cousin Robin. Robin is the one who recently moved to town from the country and doesnโt know anyone. Iโm sure Robin would appreciate some new friends in a strange city.โ
โYour cousin?โ He relaxed slightly at her nod.
Nora smiled. โJust trying to do a good deed for a family member and a Christmas party is a great way to meet new people. Speaking of which, Iโd better get going. Thereโs still so much left to organise.โ She stood and made her way across the office, spinning on her heel to look back from the doorway. โSo Iโll see you at 8?โ
โIโll never hear the end of it if Iโm late, will I?โ
She laughed. โNever.โ
Hugh gave her a thumbs up, resigned to his fate. โSee you there.โ
He sat back in his desk chair as he watched her retreating back, but his relaxation was short-lived. She popped her head back around the door frame.
โOh, and I just know youโre going to love Robin.โ
Her laugh followed her down the hall, leaving Hugh to stare opened mouthed at the empty doorway.
Argh! Kill me now.
###
Hugh stood in front of his wardrobe debating what to wear. His gaze skimmed along the dark suits and crisp business shirts he wore to the office and lingered on the more casual items. He longed to pull on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt but knowing Nora as he did, he was positive sheโd gone all out, and the party would be anything but a casual affair. He reached for a dark collared shirt and immediately had a flashback of last year. Hugh studied the shirt as he remembered arguing with Sam over wearing the damn thing. She wanted him to wear the dress shirt with a pair of dark tailored trousers, heโd wanted to wear a pair of khakis and a collared T-shirt. He could still hear her voice. But darling, itโs important to make a good impression. I know itโs a party but thereโll be some great networking opportunities.
Hugh put the black shirt back in the wardrobe already feeling better as he hung the hanger over the rail.
Thereโd no doubt be networking opportunities at Noraโs fancy Christmas party, but he could network just as effectively in clothes he felt comfortable in outside of work. Or maybe he wouldnโt network at all. Perhaps heโd just relax and enjoy himself without worrying about picking up new clients. His mood amped up another level at the thought.
With renewed enthusiasm, Hugh tugged on a pair of beige slim fitting pants and a linen shirt. He observed his reflection in the full-length mirror as he did up the buttons. Nice, even if I do say so myself. Hugh chuckled at his own vanity as he patted his flat abs then turned sideways to check out his arse. Yep, Iโve still got it.
The phone rang as he was threading his fingers through his dark hair in an effort to get the tousled look just right. He picked it up to see Samโs name on the display.
โHey, Sam. How are you?โ Thank God their breakup nine months ago was amicable and he didnโt have to force the pleasantness into his voice. He sat on the edge of the bed, juggling the phone under one ear while pulling on his socks.
โHey, hon. Iโm just calling to confirm youโre still okay to have Lola from Monday.โ
Just hearing Lolaโs name brought a smile to his face. โOf course. Iโm looking forward to it. It seems like ages since Iโve seen her.โ Sam taking Lola with her when sheโd moved out had been the one thing heโd most regretted. He missed that damn dog every day.
โIโm sure sheโs missed you too,โ Sam said. โAnd King.โ
Hugh glanced to where his cat, King, was perched on the dresser. King stared at him with disdain before dropping to the floor and slinking from the bedroom. With Lola back in the house, King would no doubt go back to living on top of the furniture to stay out of her way.
โYeah, Iโm not so sure about King,โ he chuckled.
Sam laughed. โAnyway, weโll drop her around about four on Monday, on our way to the airport.โ
Hughโs grip on the phone tightened at the reminder of Sam and her new boyfriend taking the trip that Sam had so often discussed with Hugh. She wanted to escape the heat of summer in Sydney and experience a white Christmas on the other side of the globe. It sounded a great idea and not something Hugh was against, but Hugh hadnโt had the money at the time, at least not enough to travel in the style that Sam was demanding. He also couldnโt afford to take the time off, not if he wanted his business to grow in a tough economy. But it looked like Sam had found someone to take her and make her dreams come true.
He shrugged off the strange feeling, the hollowness in his gut. He and Sam werenโt compatible, not in the long termโtheir priorities in life were very different. He didnโt hold it against her, it was just the way it was. So, the sudden emptiness wasnโt jealousy that sheโd found someone else. But damn, he wished he had someone to share his life with. He shook his head of those thoughtsโthere was no point staying in a relationship that wasnโt right just to avoid being alone. Heโd proven that with Sam and with David, the guy heโd seen before Sam. ArghโWhy am I dwelling on the past? Itโs nearly the new year; I should be looking forward to the future.
โHugh?โ Samโs voice brought him back to the present. โAre you okay?โ
โYeah, sorry. Got distracted. Noraโs party is tonight.โ
โOh, damn. Iโm holding you up.โ There was a brief pause. โNeed some help deciding what to wear?โ Sam asked.
Hugh snorted. โI think Iโll be all right but thanks for the offer.โ He was grateful they could now joke about things that had once been a source of their disagreements.
Sam laughed. โWell, if you change your mindโฆโ
โNot happening.โ Hugh chuckled. โSo, Monday?โ
โYep. Iโll let you know if anything changes.โ
โSee youโโ
โOh, and Hugh?โ
He stood and crossed to the wardrobe. โYeah?โ
โDonโt forget weโre having the housewarming when we get back from Europe.โ
โIโm sure John doesnโt want me there,โ Hugh said as he slipped his feet into a pair of casual shoes.
โDonโt be silly. Of course, he does. And you have to come. My friend Judy was asking after you.โ
โOh God, you say that like itโs a selling point. Absolutely not, Sam. Iโve told you beforeโIโm sick of all the matchmaking.โ
โOkay, donโt get your knickers in a twist,โ Sam said, the laughter in her voice. โGo enjoy your party and Iโll see you on Monday.โ
She disconnected the call before Hugh could respond. He pocketed the phone with a sigh and headed to the kitchen to feed King.
Why does everyone want to have a say in my love life?
King wound around his ankles as he poured the kibble. Hugh bent and stroked his head. โExcept you, buddy. Youโre the only one who doesnโt have a word to say.โ
As expected, King ignored him. He arched under Hughโs touch and, with a meow. dipped his head into his food bowl.
Hugh shrugged. He grabbed his keys, a bottle of wine, and the gift for Nora and headed out.
CHAPTER TWO
Nora’s home reflected her personality. Immaculately decorated in tones of gold and pale blue, with everything beautifully coordinated. Cream sofas and elegant upholstered chairs grouped around a faded Persian rug, with a metal and glass coffee table and matching side tables. Soft light gleaming on every highly polished service from the lamps placed around the room. A Christmas tree stood in the entrance foyer, visible through an archway, lights twinkling and blue and silver baubles in abundance. Music and the hum of conversation filled the space as waiters circulated with bottles of champagne and trays of food.
โThere you are.โ Nora approached in a cloud of perfume and good cheer.
โAh, the lady of the hour.โ Hugh gave her a kiss on the cheek. โLooking ravishing as usual.โ
โThank you, darling. You donโt scrub up too bad yourself.โ She eyed him up and down and winked. โIf only I wasnโt taken.โ
Hugh laughed. โApart from the fact Louis would kill me, you know I donโt mix business with pleasure.โ
“Speaking of pleasure, are you having a good time or are you still being a Grinch?” Nora asked.
Hugh rolled his eyes. โIโll ignore the Grinch comment.โ He nodded as he looked around the spacious room. โI have to give it to you, Nora, you sure do know how to throw a party.โ
Nora leaned in, her voice low in a stage whisper. โIโll get you the caterers details later.โ
A waiter stopped and topped their drinks.
Hugh raised his glass to Nora. โHereโs to the hostess with the most-ess,โ he joked.
They clinked glasses.
โAnyway, Iโd better circulate and make sure everything is going smoothly. I donโt think Robin has arrived yet, but when youโre introduced, youโll play nice, right?โ
Argh. Letโs hope Robyn is a no-show. He plastered on a smile. โIโll be the perfect gentleman.โ
Noraโs laugh tinkled. โThereโs no need for that, darling. Let your hair down and enjoy yourselfโyou never know what the night may bring.โ
With those parting words, she left Hugh to resume his people watching.
Hugh wandered across to the Christmas tree in the foyer where heโd left Noraโs present earlier. It all looked so festive with the colour-coordinated decorations and lights. He turned at a bright burst of laughter, sipping his wine as he observed the group engaged in animated conversation. God, he wished he felt in a party mood but in truth, he wanted nothing more than to go home and put his feet up, maybe watch something on Netflix and eat pizza. He reentered the living room and crossed to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Heโd hoped to admire the view but all he saw was the reflection of the party inside. Shame. During the day the view was spectacularโthe beach below and the ever-changing blue as far as the eye could see. Perhaps heโd try to spend some time at the beach during the time the office was closedโLola loved playing at the waterโs edge.
โPenny for them?โ
He turned at the deep voice, smiling at the sight that met his eyes. Now thatโs a view.
The man before him had a smile so warm it lit up his whole face. Warm brown eyes that crinkled at the corners, partially hidden behind thin-framed glasses, and pale skin with a smattering of freckles. His pink lips tilted at the corners, a dimple gracing one cheek. It looked like the night was picking up. He smiled at Hugh obviously waiting for him to say something.
ย โAhโฆ.โ What was the question again?
โYou had a smile on your face. You must have been thinking about something good.โ
โOh, I was just thinking about taking my dog to the beach.โ Duh, smooth. Hugh held out a hand. โHugh Williams.โ
โRob McDonald. Nice to meet you.โ Robโs hands were slender, his grip firm.
A waitress approached with a tray. โSmoked salmon tartlet?โ
Hugh waved her off with a smile, but Rob thanked her and took one, popping it straight in to his mouth before grabbing another before she moved on.
โSorry,โ he said through a mouthful of food. โIโve come straight from work and Iโm starving.โ He waved a hand up and down his body. โOn that note, I guess I should apologise for my appearance too. I didnโt want to miss the fun by stopping home and wasting time getting dolled up.โ
Hugh studied the man before him. Rob looked great in his eyesโa pair of khaki trousers and a simple white shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing a smattering of pale hairs on his fair skin. Plus he liked Robโs attitudeโgetting to the party was the most important thing. He couldnโt help the compliment falling from his lips. โYou you look great.โ
Robโs smile widened. โThanks, but I donโt think most of our guests would feel the same.โ
Hugh glanced around the room. The vast majority of the male guests were in suits, the woman in cocktail dresses. He and Rob were among the few who bucked the trend.
โSo, whatโs her name?โ Rob asked.
โHuh?โ
โYour dog. You mentioned taking your dog to the beach?โ
โOh, Lola. But sheโs not really my dog anymore.โ
โNo?โ
โMy ex got her in the separation,โ Hugh said.
โIโm sorry. That must be tough.โ Rob looked at him with sympathy. โIt can be very difficult losing a member of your family.โ
โYeah, it is.โ Some of his friends believed he was an idiot for being upset about losing custody of the dog, so Hugh appreciated the sentiment. His voice brightened as he thought of the upcoming week. โSheโs coming to stay for a couple of weeks soon. Itโll be good to see her. Itโs surprising how much Iโm looking forward to it actually.โ
Rob grabbed a wine glass from a passing waiter and they waited while Hughโs glass was topped up.
โWhy is it surprising?โ
โWell, we both wanted a dog and my ex, Sam, was adamant we get a Groodle. I wanted to get a rescue dog, but she eventually won out and we got the designer breed. But it was hard not to fall in love with her once Lola was living with us.โ
Rob nodded. โI get where youโre coming from. Iโm all for rescue dogs too, but I can fully understand falling in love with the dog, whatever the breed. They have a way of getting under your skin.โ
โThey sure do.โ Hugh sipped his drink. โSo, do you have a dog?โ
Rob chuckled. โYou could say that.โ
Hugh raised a brow. โOkay?โ
Rob laughed again. โIโm a vet. Iโve recently joined a new practice here in Sydney, so dogs are definitely part of my life. My furbaby is Nova. Sheโs a black lab.โ
โNot a rescue?โ Hugh couldnโt help asking.
โNot exactly. A client brought her in after she was hit by a car. Her leg had to be amputated so her owner didnโt want her.โ
โHoly shit.โ
โI know, right? But one arsehole pet owner is my gain.โ Robโs dimple flashed.
Cute and a nice guy.
Rob waved at someone. Hugh looked across the room to see Nora, who was with a group of women, waving back. She raised a finger to indicate sheโd be there shortly.
โOh, God,โ Hugh said with a sigh.
โYou donโt like, Nora?โ Rob frowned.
โOh, no, I like Nora. Very much. I just donโt like her match making skills. Sheโs forever trying to set me up.โ
โReally? Do tell.โ
โTonight itโs her cousin. Some girl called Robyn. She supposedly new to town and doesnโt know anyone. Nora wants to introduce us.โ
โAnd thatโs a bad thing?โ Rob looked amused.
โHell yes.โ Hugh gave an exaggerated shudder. โHer set-ups never work out. And who wants to be stuck showing the cousin around town?โ
โThat doesnโt sound very gracious of you, especially at Christmas.โ
โMaybe you can show her the sights?โ Hugh teased.
โBut Iโm new to the city. Youโre much better suited than me. I think you should be Robinโs tour guide.โ
โYou do, do you? How about we toss for it?โ
Rob put his hand into his pocket and pretended to look for a coin but come up empty. He shrugged. โI guess youโre stuck with Robin then.โ
As Nora approached, Rob placed an arm around Hughโs shoulders, sending a shiver through Hugh at the contact. He automatically leaned against Robโs body.
Rob whispered against his ear. โQuick, here she comes. But donโt worry, Iโll protect you.โ
โI see you two are getting along well?โ Nora quirked a brow, eyeing how close they were.
โWe are,โ Rob answered.
Hugh smiled at the response, glad that Rob felt the same way.
โHugh was just telling me that heโs not too keen to get lumbered with your cousin.โ
โReally?โ Noraโs brow rose to her hairline. โAnd why would that be?โ
โI donโt think heโs too pleased with your matchmaking ability.โ Rob chuckled, giving Hughโs shoulders a squeeze.
Nora met Hughโs gaze. She placed a hand on her chest in an exaggerated gesture. โHugh, you wound me. You need to give me more credit, darling. Anyway, I must go get another drink, so Iโll leave you boys to it.โ She turned away then turned back. โOh, and Robin, do tell Aunt Linda that Iโm very much looking forward to the family Christmas this year.โ
She winked at Hugh then walked away leaving him dumbfounded. He felt Robโs laughter where their bodies touched and stepped back to meet his gaze. โRobin?โ
Rob smiled and held out his hand. โPerhaps I should have used my full name when I first introduced myself. Robin McDonald. Country vet, new to Sydney, cousin of Nora.โ
Hugh grasped his hand. โHugh Williams. Real estate agent, very grateful to Nora, and hopefully your tour guide.โ
Rob smiled. โYou sure it wouldnโt be too much of an imposition? I wouldnโt want you to be obligated particularly as I know how you feel about set-ups.โ
Hugh chuckled. โWell, given youโre new to town, I guess I can make an exception, especially as itโs the holidays.โ He squeezed Robโs hand. โI have a feeling itโs going to be a fantastic Christmas.โ
Robโs smile was wide, that gorgeous dimple making an appearance. โAnd an even better new year.โ
~The End~