Christmas music playing, carolers singing, ornament making, snowman building competitions… Then there’s the real-life reindeer and the pajama wearing children with big bright eyes waiting in line to meet Santa.
He listens, occasionally asking a question that sounds half-genuine, half-interrogation.
When he finally relaxes back in his chair, the lines at the corners of his eyes soften. "You really like working here, don't you?"
"Of course." I smile. "This place makes people happy. That's rare. I like being part of it." Sometimes, I get frustrated when things break down or a child with little consistency or discipline acts like a royal brat, especially if they mistreat the animals, but for the most part, I really do like my seasonal job. “I get all-I-can-drink hot chocolate and as many sugar cookies as I could possibly consume. Did you know that we have an entire bin of mishap treats? There’s always something new going on. Each week there is a new theme, new crafts, and something fun going on. I like the unpredictable chaos that ensues with the different personalities of the guests.”
He nods slowly, like he's trying to understand that. "I like order," he says. "Schedules. Predictability."
"That's… not very Christmassy."
"No." He looks up from his cup. "But it keeps things from falling apart." His facial expression tells me that he’s seen things fall apart before and he isn’t willing to experience that again.
I tilt my head. "You sound like someone who's had to hold things together for a long time."
His gaze lingers on me for a moment, unreadable. "Something like that."
The fire crackles. The wind hums against the glass. For a heartbeat, the world feels very small, and the air between us feels charged.
Then my phone buzzes. The Naughty Girls' Book Club group chat flashes across the screen.
Madison: Where's our elf tonight? Still jingling?
Chloe: Probably knee-deep in tinsel.
Me: Snowed in. With my boss. Send help.
I hit send before realizing how it sounds.
Justin's brow arches. "Everything all right?"
"Yep! Totally fine! Just telling my friends I'm trapped in a blizzard with my terrifyingly serious supervisor." I cover my mouth with my hand. Did I just say that out loud? Of course I did!
He exhales a quiet sound that might be a laugh. "Terrifyingly serious?"
"Don't worry," I add quickly, teasing to cover my fluster. "I'll tell them you're not entirely heartless. Just… mildly frostbitten." When will I ever think before blurting out the first thing that comes to my mind?
His eyes meet mine, calm but intent. "Careful, Miss White. I do still sign your timesheets."
The way he says it in his firm, with just a touch of authority voice, sends a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the temperature.
I smile sweetly, pretending not to notice. "Yes, sir."
His cup pauses halfway to his mouth. Just for a second. Then he takes a slow sip, watching me over the rim.
"There's a small bedroom upstairs," he says finally. "One bed. I'll take the couch down here."
"You don't have to?—"
"I do." He interrupts.
It's not a suggestion. It's a statement. The kind that doesn't leave room for argument. My phone buzzes again.
Lily: WAIT! Your boss boss? Operations guy?
Madison: The hot one????
Amber: Holly you're living a BOOK right now
