A Man for the Holiday

Chapter Three

Irvine

I’d barely taken my last bite of breakfast before my mom’s voice cut through the peace.

“So, honey,” she began, stirring her coffee and giving me that pointed look, the one that told me she’d been working up to this. “I was thinking… you don’t have a boyfriend.”

It was a statement but I treated it as a question. I swallowed, placing my mug down carefully.

“No, Mom, I don’t.”

Her eyes brightened and she straightened up. Something tells me I’m not gonna like what she was about to propose.

“Some of my friends…their sons are coming home for the holidays. I was thinking I could introduce you to them. Their moms and I will plan it. All you have to do is to show up for the date.”

“Mom, please. I don’t want any matchmaking.” She wanted to protest and I raised a hand. “Don’t try it. Unless you don’t want me to continue living here.”

She let out a sigh, disappointment flashing in her eyes.

“Well, your brother’s fiancée is coming for dinner tonight, and I thought it would be nice for you to have someone too.”

“Mom, I told you, I’m not looking for someone right now. And it's just a family dinner.”

Mom’s expression softened, but there was a hint of disappointment. “I know, honey. I just worry about you… you’re young, beautiful, and you deserve someone by your side.”

I rolled my eyes but gave her a small, reassuring smile.

“I appreciate that, Mom, really. But I’m happy just the way things are.”

She sighed but didn’t push further. “Well, if you change your mind, the invitation is there,” she said, sipping her coffee. “I know about two or three whose sons will be a match.”

I stood up and headed towards the door.

“And where do you think you are going?” she knew I wanted to escape from the conversation.

“I promised to visit Lucy today.”

“Ah, yes. Go see them. Maybe when you see how happy she and her husband are, you will be tempted to find a man of your own.”

I scoffed. I am sure nothing will make me want a man of my own but I ‘m tired of telling her that so I just smiled. I took my black scarf and winter coat and headed out.

***

I practically ran up the familiar street, with nostalgia and excitement bubbling up inside me. But I wasn’t heading to Lucy’s. As I walked back home after my skiing incident yesterday, I noticed a job post tacked to the bulletin board outside the visitors center. A neatly printed sign r******w Hiring: Tour Guide for Lucinda Resort.”

I had paused then, tugging my gloves tighter as I read through the details. The JD said they needed someone who knew the area well, someone with patience and good communication skills.

The part-time position included guiding small groups around the resort’s more scenic trails. I grinned to myself. I could do that in my sleep and it would be fun, too. I’d practically grown up exploring these trails. Showing people the beauty of our little town? That would be something I’d actually enjoy.

So I decided to head there first thing this morning before going to see my friend. Snowridge’s cold seemed to seep into every corner of the place. And the people… well, they looked the same too, bundled in thick coats and scarves, always ready to brace the winter.

When I arrived at the resort, I was amazed by how much had changed since I’d been gone. The lobby gleamed with polished wood and leather chairs, and there was a buzzing energy that I didn’t remember. A receptionist greeted me and directed me to the manager’s office, where I waited in a cozy corner, nerves fluttering in my stomach.

After a few moments, a man walked in, about my mother’s age, with silver streaks in his hair and a broad smile. He looked like he belonged in this place, someone who thrived in the mountains and exuded the warmth of a local.

“Irvine, right?” he asked, extending a hand. “I’m Greg, the manager here. Thanks for coming in.”

“Thanks for seeing me,” I replied, shaking his hand. “I saw the posting and thought it might be a great fit.”

Greg nodded, motioning for me to sit. “So, tell me about yourself. Any experience in this type of work?”

“Well,” I began, feeling a bit uncertain, “I actually worked as a nurse back in the city. It’s not exactly the same thing, but I know how to keep people calm in stressful situations, and I’m really familiar with the area. I grew up here, so I know all the best spots, even the hidden ones.”

Greg’s face lit up. “Nursing experience? That’s fantastic. You must be great with people and able to handle emergencies.”

I nodded. “I’d like to think so. And I love this town—it’s part of who I am. I’d be thrilled to share it with visitors.”

He seemed genuinely pleased. We chatted a bit more and he told me how they need someone who actually cares about this town and he believes it's me. I was happy to get this job - something to keep me busy while I figure out what to do with my life.

“Glad to have you on board,” his voice cut through my thoughts. “If you’re free, we can go over some details about the position right now.”

Before I could respond, the door swung open, and another figure stepped in.

Greg looked up, grinning. “Ah, Shawn! Perfect timing.” He glanced back at me. “Irvine, I’d like you to meet the owner of Lucinda Resort.”

My stomach sank as soon as I turned around and saw him. It was the guy from the slopes, the man I’d practically torn apart after we’d bumped into each other.

My mouth went dry, and I managed a tight smile, hoping he’d forgotten the whole incident. But Shawn’s faint smirk told me otherwise.