Read Online Death of a Christmas Caterer by Lee Hollis - Free Book Online Page B

of asking her brother, Dustin, to run lines with her and he proceeded to make fun of her stiff acting; then all hell broke loose. Gemma was already nervous over the prospect of playing a leading role, and her brother’s teasing was only fueling her insecurities. So while rolling her walnut-size bourbon balls in coconut, Hayley also had to play referee with her kids.
    Christmas was always one of Hayley’s favorite holidays, but this year she just wanted to hide under her bedcovers and wake up after New Year’s.
    Hayley stood up and crossed to the coffeepot and poured herself another cup. She added a little sugar and milk and was stirring it with a spoon when the door to the office blew open and Bruce Linney charged inside. He shook off his coat, stomped the snow off his boots, and tossed the coat on the rack.
    He never once glanced at Hayley.
    â€œGood morning, Bruce,” Hayley chirped. “Feeling better?”
    Bruce grunted a reply and headed to the back bull pen.
    As he passed Hayley, she said, “Don’t you think it might be a good idea to talk about it?”
    Bruce stopped, looking straight ahead. “Talk about what?”
    â€œWhat happened at the Christmas party. I was going to bring it up yesterday, but I took a personal day.”
    â€œI was out sick, so I wasn’t here anyway. But I have no idea what you’re babbling about.”
    Hayley suspected as much.
    He didn’t remember a thing.
    â€œSo you have no memory of being drunk and groping me in the copy room and trying to kiss me while you were wearing that ridiculous mistletoe hat?”
    Bruce’s whole body tensed. “No.”
    Hayley shrugged. “Okay.”
    She was about to let the whole thing go and let him off the hook.
    But then Bruce had to go and open his mouth.
    And when Bruce opened his mouth, he was always his own worst enemy.
    â€œI don’t know what you think happened in that copy room, Hayley, but you and I both know you’re awfully fond of your cocktails too, and maybe you’re just remembering what you want to remember.”
    Hayley stepped back, aghast. “Are you suggesting I’m making this up?”
    â€œNo. Maybe I got a little too friendly. It was a party. Everybody was drinking. I’m merely suggesting you may be embellishing the story just a tiny bit given how you feel about me.”
    â€œHow I feel about you?”
    â€œCome on, Hayley, everybody knows you have a crush on me. Ever since we were in high school.”
    â€œNo, Bruce. Nobody knows that, because I don’t have a crush on you. I have the furthest thing from a crush on you. I have an anti-crush! I am repelled by you. And you do not get to tell me I’m embellishing what happened, because I’m not. I didn’t have a drop of punch the other night. I was stone-cold sober. Actually, I wish I had been drinking, so I wouldn’t have such a crystal clear memory of your sweaty hands on my ass and your puckered lips attacking my face!”
    â€œProve it,” Bruce spit out.
    â€œShe doesn’t have to,” Sal said, storming out of his office. “I can.”
    Sal’s sudden presence surprised both of them.
    Bruce suddenly clammed up as Sal held his iPhone in front of Bruce’s face.
    There was a video of the party playing on the screen: reporters laughing and conversing; somebody’s kid sneaking some spiked punch.
    â€œI thought it might be fun to record some of the party,” Sal said.
    The video swung around toward the copy room, where there was a clear view of Bruce pinning Hayley up against the copier.
    Bruce’s face blanched. It was all there for him to watch in horror:
    Hayley ducking his kiss.
    Bruce’s lips landing on the Xerox machine.
    Hayley pressing the copy button to blind him so she could get away.
    Hayley stopping at the door as Sal lowered the phone.
    The camera aimed at the floor as Sal asked her, “Everything okay in