The Perfect Christmas Read Online Free PDF

onto a scone. ‘Tell me, what are your plans to get Jack and Holly to finally realise their love for each other?’
    Maggie poured them more tea. ‘I actually don’t have a plan, that’s why I need your help. You’re the one with the strategy skills.’
    Zoe nearly choked on her scone. After she had recovered, she took a sip of tea.
    ‘I manage careers, not relationships,’ she said.
    ‘Come on, help me out here,’ said Maggie. ‘I mean, I’m good at seeing what they need but executing it isn’t my forte, hence the state of my own love life right now.’
    Zoe took another mouthful of her scone and chewed thoughtfully.
    ‘We need to get them in a place that’s super-romantic, but with an element of surprise.’
    Maggie was nodding. ‘Yes, okay, where?’
    ‘I don’t know,’ said Zoe, shaking her head.
    ‘I’ll ask Holly,’ said Maggie.
    ‘You can’t just ask her: Hey, where do you want to meet the man you wish you were swinging hands with?’
    ‘No, but I can ask for you,’ said Maggie.
    ‘What?’
    ‘I’m going to tell her you’re meeting someone and it needs to be Christmassy, beautiful and romantic.’
    ‘Why can’t it be you?’ Zoe said.
    ‘Because I’m married, you dimwit.’
    Maggie ate another sandwich and then looked at Zoe’s half of a scone on her plate. ‘Do you want that?’
    ‘Help yourself,’ said Zoe and Maggie snatched it off the plate.
    Upstairs, Maggie called Holly from the suite.
    ‘Holly, I need your help,’ said Maggie.
    ‘Of course, what can I do?’
    ‘Zoe is meeting an old flame tomorrow. I’d love them to do something romantic, unexpected and Christmassy, do you have any ideas?’
    Holly paused. ‘I do, but it might not be for everyone. I mean, I’d like to do it, but maybe I’m too sentimental about Christmas.’
    ‘What’s your idea?’ asked Maggie gleefully.
    As Holly launched into her perfect romantic Christmas Eve, Maggie gestured to Zoe, who was now standing in the doorway of her room.
    ‘That sounds amazing! Can you organize that at such late notice? Christmas Eve is tomorrow.’
    When Holly assured her it wasn’t a problem, and Maggie had hung up the phone, she jumped up and down.
    ‘It’s so perfect, I can’t even believe it,’ she said.
    ‘What did she say?’ asked Zoe.
    ‘The midnight carols service at St Paul’s Cathedral.’
    Maggie gave a fist pump and then put her hand up to accept a high-five from Zoe. But Zoe’s hands were by her side.
    ‘Is Holly even working?’ asked Zoe. ‘And how can Jack go to the cathedral if he’s supposed to be working?’
    Maggie waved her hand. ‘Details, mere details,’ she said, but she sat on the bed with a slightly defeated thud.
    Zoe sank down next to her and the two women sat together, wrapped in thought.
    Then Zoe snapped her fingers. ‘I think I might just have a plan.’
    ***
    Later that evening, when they were heading downstairs to be driven to Regent Street to see the Christmas lights, Maggie cornered Jack while he was speaking to a bellboy.
    ‘Excuse me, Mr Frost,’ she said and he turned to her.
    ‘Good evening, Ms Hall, how can I help you?’ he asked and she noticed how nice his smile was.
    ‘I wanted to say what a lovely time we’re having and how we’ll be sorry to see you leave,’ she said, ‘What time is your last shift?’
    Jack smiled, ‘I finish at eleven tomorrow night,’ he said.
    ‘Home in time for Christmas then,’ she said brightly.
    ‘Oh no, my family live in Cornwall. I will hopefully head down there early on Christmas Day,’ he said.
    ‘Lovely,’ said Maggie genuinely. ‘Holly has done a wonderful job looking after us,’ she added. ‘She really is so special and kind.’
    Jack’s face lit up. ‘I’m so glad you see that, I think she is one of the best people here. Actually, she left an envelope for you in reception.’
    He briskly walked to the front desk, took something from behind it and handed it to her.
    ‘Thank you,’ she said and