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
“I’ll do my best, Wayne, but you know how it is this time of year.” Hugh flicked through his schedule trying to find even a spare half an hour.
“Yeah, yeah.” Wayne huffed into the phone. “Everyone wants stuff done before they head off on holiday. I guess it’ll need to wait for the new year.” 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 he’d 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 planner—he’d try to fit Wayne in. After all, it wasn’t often he asked for a favour.
“Send the documents through, Wayne, and I’ll take a look as soon as I can.”
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 Wayne’s opinion, Hugh should have expanded by now and had a whole suite of branches. The idea of expanding his business into a chain made Hugh’s skin crawl—he was happy with what he’d 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 didn’t need more—more material possessions or more stress. He rubbed his temples again and flipped the planner closed.
“Thanks, little bro. Anything you can tell me about those commercial properties would be much appreciated. So, I’ll see you at Mum and Dad’s on the big day, yeah?”
Hugh tensed at the reminder of Christmas lunch. Don’t be an arsehole, it’s only one day a year.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He tried to force some cheer into his voice but had no doubt he came across as sarcastic. He wasn’t a fan of his parent’s over-the-top formal Christmas. Why couldn’t they have a simple barbeque like so many Australian families instead of all the pomp and ceremony?
“Mum asked me to tell you that the Donnelly’s will be there.”
“Oh, great.” Now he was definitely being sarcastic. His mother had been trying to set him up with Grace Donnelly since their university days. He’d had a brief reprieve while he’d been dating Sam but it seemed their breakup had given his mother reason to start with her matchmaking again.
Wayne chuckled. “Rather you than me. Anyway, got to run. Email me the findings when you can.”
“Will do.”
Hugh hit end and returned his attention to his inbox. Hopefully the signed contracts for the deceased estate would be returned this week, and he’d be able to cross one more thing off his list before Christmas.
A tap at the door drew Hugh’s attention from his computer screen. He looked over to see Nora, his business partner, at the doorway.
“Got a minute?” she asked, stepping into the office without waiting for his answer.
“Sure. I’ve always got time for you, Nora. Have a seat.” He indicated the chair opposite, but he needn’t have bothered—she was already seated.
She crossed her legs and smoothed her skirt over her knee before pinning him with her gaze. “The party starts at 8 and I expect you to be on time.” Nora was nothing if not direct.
“I—”
Nora raised an immaculately manicured hand. “No hold ups, no excuses. It’s been planned for weeks and I know it’s in your schedule because I had Bronwyn confirm.”
“But I have—”
“Nuh-uh.” She leaned forward and tapped a fingernail on his closed planner. “I also had your last meeting rescheduled to Monday, so you’ll have plenty of time to get home and change.”
“Jesus, Nora.”
“Don’t you, Jesus Nora, me,” she said with a wicked gleam in her eye. “Anyone would think I was asking you to attend a lynching not a party.”
“It may as well be,” Hugh mumbled. The last few social events he’d 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. “At least you promised you’d lay off trying to set me up.”
Nora tilted her head and pursed her lips. “I did?”
“Jesus, Nora.” Please tell me she didn’t.
“I thought we’d been through this. Don’t Jesus Nora, me.” When Hugh didn’t smile at the old running joke, she sat up straight. “Listen, I know I promised to cut back—”
“Stop.”
“Okay, 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 doesn’t know anyone. I’m sure Robin would appreciate some new friends in a strange city.”
“Your cousin?” He relaxed slightly at her nod.
Nora smiled. “Just 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, I’d better get going. There’s still so much left to organise.” She stood and made her way across the office, spinning on her heel to look back from the doorway. “So I’ll see you at 8?”
“I’ll never hear the end of it if I’m late, will I?”
She laughed. “Never.”
Hugh gave her a thumbs up, resigned to his fate. “See you there.”
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.
“Oh, and I just know you’re going to love Robin.”
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 she’d 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, he’d wanted to wear a pair of khakis and a collared T-shirt. He could still hear her voice. But darling, it’s important to make a good impression. I know it’s a party but there’ll 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.
There’d no doubt be networking opportunities at Nora’s fancy Christmas party, but he could network just as effectively in clothes he felt comfortable in outside of work. Or maybe he wouldn’t network at all. Perhaps he’d 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, I’ve 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 Sam’s name on the display.
“Hey, Sam. How are you?” Thank God their breakup nine months ago was amicable and he didn’t 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.
“Hey, hon. I’m just calling to confirm you’re still okay to have Lola from Monday.”
Just hearing Lola’s name brought a smile to his face. “Of course. I’m looking forward to it. It seems like ages since I’ve seen her.” Sam taking Lola with her when she’d moved out had been the one thing he’d most regretted. He missed that damn dog every day.
“I’m sure she’s missed you too,” Sam said. “And King.”
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.
“Yeah, I’m not so sure about King,” he chuckled.
Sam laughed. “Anyway, we’ll drop her around about four on Monday, on our way to the airport.”
Hugh’s 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 hadn’t had the money at the time, at least not enough to travel in the style that Sam was demanding. He also couldn’t 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 weren’t compatible, not in the long term—their priorities in life were very different. He didn’t hold it against her, it was just the way it was. So, the sudden emptiness wasn’t jealousy that she’d found someone else. But damn, he wished he had someone to share his life with. He shook his head of those thoughts—there was no point staying in a relationship that wasn’t right just to avoid being alone. He’d proven that with Sam and with David, the guy he’d seen before Sam. Argh—Why am I dwelling on the past? It’s nearly the new year; I should be looking forward to the future.
“Hugh?” Sam’s voice brought him back to the present. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. Got distracted. Nora’s party is tonight.”
“Oh, damn. I’m holding you up.” There was a brief pause. “Need some help deciding what to wear?” Sam asked.
Hugh snorted. “I think I’ll be all right but thanks for the offer.” He was grateful they could now joke about things that had once been a source of their disagreements.
Sam laughed. “Well, if you change your mind…”
“Not happening.” Hugh chuckled. “So, Monday?”
“Yep. I’ll let you know if anything changes.”
“See you—”
“Oh, and Hugh?”
He stood and crossed to the wardrobe. “Yeah?”
“Don’t forget we’re having the housewarming when we get back from Europe.”
“I’m sure John doesn’t want me there,” Hugh said as he slipped his feet into a pair of casual shoes.
“Don’t be silly. Of course, he does. And you have to come. My friend Judy was asking after you.”
“Oh God, you say that like it’s a selling point. Absolutely not, Sam. I’ve told you before—I’m sick of all the matchmaking.”
“Okay, don’t get your knickers in a twist,” Sam said, the laughter in her voice. “Go enjoy your party and I’ll see you on Monday.”
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. “Except you, buddy. You’re the only one who doesn’t have a word to say.”
As expected, King ignored him. He arched under Hugh’s 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.
“There you are.” Nora approached in a cloud of perfume and good cheer.
“Ah, the lady of the hour.” Hugh gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Looking ravishing as usual.”
“Thank you, darling. You don’t scrub up too bad yourself.” She eyed him up and down and winked. “If only I wasn’t taken.”
Hugh laughed. “Apart from the fact Louis would kill me, you know I don’t mix business with pleasure.”
“Speaking of pleasure, are you having a good time or are you still being a Grinch?” Nora asked.
Hugh rolled his eyes. “I’ll ignore the Grinch comment.” He nodded as he looked around the spacious room. “I have to give it to you, Nora, you sure do know how to throw a party.”
Nora leaned in, her voice low in a stage whisper. “I’ll get you the caterers details later.”
A waiter stopped and topped their drinks.
Hugh raised his glass to Nora. “Here’s to the hostess with the most-ess,” he joked.
They clinked glasses.
“Anyway, I’d better circulate and make sure everything is going smoothly. I don’t think Robin has arrived yet, but when you’re introduced, you’ll play nice, right?”
Argh. Let’s hope Robyn is a no-show. He plastered on a smile. “I’ll be the perfect gentleman.”
Nora’s laugh tinkled. “There’s no need for that, darling. Let your hair down and enjoy yourself—you never know what the night may bring.”
With those parting words, she left Hugh to resume his people watching.
Hugh wandered across to the Christmas tree in the foyer where he’d left Nora’s 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. He’d hoped to admire the view but all he saw was the reflection of the party inside. Shame. During the day the view was spectacular—the beach below and the ever-changing blue as far as the eye could see. Perhaps he’d try to spend some time at the beach during the time the office was closed—Lola loved playing at the water’s edge.
“Penny for them?”
He turned at the deep voice, smiling at the sight that met his eyes. Now that’s 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.
“Ah….” What was the question again?
“You had a smile on your face. You must have been thinking about something good.”
“Oh, I was just thinking about taking my dog to the beach.” Duh, smooth. Hugh held out a hand. “Hugh Williams.”
“Rob McDonald. Nice to meet you.” Rob’s hands were slender, his grip firm.
A waitress approached with a tray. “Smoked salmon tartlet?”
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.
“Sorry,” he said through a mouthful of food. “I’ve come straight from work and I’m starving.” He waved a hand up and down his body. “On that note, I guess I should apologise for my appearance too. I didn’t want to miss the fun by stopping home and wasting time getting dolled up.”
Hugh studied the man before him. Rob looked great in his eyes—a 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 Rob’s attitude—getting to the party was the most important thing. He couldn’t help the compliment falling from his lips. “You you look great.”
Rob’s smile widened. “Thanks, but I don’t think most of our guests would feel the same.”
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.
“So, what’s her name?” Rob asked.
“Huh?”
“Your dog. You mentioned taking your dog to the beach?”
“Oh, Lola. But she’s not really my dog anymore.”
“No?”
“My ex got her in the separation,” Hugh said.
“I’m sorry. That must be tough.” Rob looked at him with sympathy. “It can be very difficult losing a member of your family.”
“Yeah, it is.” 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. “She’s coming to stay for a couple of weeks soon. It’ll be good to see her. It’s surprising how much I’m looking forward to it actually.”
Rob grabbed a wine glass from a passing waiter and they waited while Hugh’s glass was topped up.
“Why is it surprising?”
“Well, 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.”
Rob nodded. “I get where you’re coming from. I’m 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.”
“They sure do.” Hugh sipped his drink. “So, do you have a dog?”
Rob chuckled. “You could say that.”
Hugh raised a brow. “Okay?”
Rob laughed again. “I’m a vet. I’ve recently joined a new practice here in Sydney, so dogs are definitely part of my life. My furbaby is Nova. She’s a black lab.”
“Not a rescue?” Hugh couldn’t help asking.
“Not exactly. A client brought her in after she was hit by a car. Her leg had to be amputated so her owner didn’t want her.”
“Holy shit.”
“I know, right? But one arsehole pet owner is my gain.” Rob’s 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 she’d be there shortly.
“Oh, God,” Hugh said with a sigh.
“You don’t like, Nora?” Rob frowned.
“Oh, no, I like Nora. Very much. I just don’t like her match making skills. She’s forever trying to set me up.”
“Really? Do tell.”
“Tonight it’s her cousin. Some girl called Robyn. She supposedly new to town and doesn’t know anyone. Nora wants to introduce us.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” Rob looked amused.
“Hell yes.” Hugh gave an exaggerated shudder. “Her set-ups never work out. And who wants to be stuck showing the cousin around town?”
“That doesn’t sound very gracious of you, especially at Christmas.”
“Maybe you can show her the sights?” Hugh teased.
“But I’m new to the city. You’re much better suited than me. I think you should be Robin’s tour guide.”
“You do, do you? How about we toss for it?”
Rob put his hand into his pocket and pretended to look for a coin but come up empty. He shrugged. “I guess you’re stuck with Robin then.”
As Nora approached, Rob placed an arm around Hugh’s shoulders, sending a shiver through Hugh at the contact. He automatically leaned against Rob’s body.
Rob whispered against his ear. “Quick, here she comes. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”
“I see you two are getting along well?” Nora quirked a brow, eyeing how close they were.
“We are,” Rob answered.
Hugh smiled at the response, glad that Rob felt the same way.
“Hugh was just telling me that he’s not too keen to get lumbered with your cousin.”
“Really?” Nora’s brow rose to her hairline. “And why would that be?”
“I don’t think he’s too pleased with your matchmaking ability.” Rob chuckled, giving Hugh’s shoulders a squeeze.
Nora met Hugh’s gaze. She placed a hand on her chest in an exaggerated gesture. “Hugh, you wound me. You need to give me more credit, darling. Anyway, I must go get another drink, so I’ll leave you boys to it.” She turned away then turned back. “Oh, and Robin, do tell Aunt Linda that I’m very much looking forward to the family Christmas this year.”
She winked at Hugh then walked away leaving him dumbfounded. He felt Rob’s laughter where their bodies touched and stepped back to meet his gaze. “Robin?”
Rob smiled and held out his hand. “Perhaps I should have used my full name when I first introduced myself. Robin McDonald. Country vet, new to Sydney, cousin of Nora.”
Hugh grasped his hand. “Hugh Williams. Real estate agent, very grateful to Nora, and hopefully your tour guide.”
Rob smiled. “You sure it wouldn’t be too much of an imposition? I wouldn’t want you to be obligated particularly as I know how you feel about set-ups.”
Hugh chuckled. “Well, given you’re new to town, I guess I can make an exception, especially as it’s the holidays.” He squeezed Rob’s hand. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a fantastic Christmas.”
Rob’s smile was wide, that gorgeous dimple making an appearance. “And an even better new year.”
~The End~
