“It puts more workload on the others.”
“I’ll fill the chair.”
“This close to Christmas? I don’t have time to train a newbie, too.” Her bitterness was understandable.
“You won’t have to. I’ll have someone else do it.”
She sighed heavily. She was valuable to me. Smart. But bending over backwards to placate her was necessary, even if Ididn’t like her behavior of late. She did her job well. They all did. It didn’t mean they were required to have no emotion—including jealousy. But it was seriously bad for morale.
I turned away from her and walked to the upper level, leaning over the rails. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please.”
All my dedicated workers looked up. Clea scooted her chair back but her head stayed down.
“I’d like to let you all know that the work you’ve all turned in this year has been exemplary and my gratitude will show in the Christmas bonuses.”
Applause and shouts. Smiles. Drake nodded at me. Clea didn’t move.
“This year looks good for Santa. He will be commending each and every one of you individually at the Christmas party after Christmas Eve is accomplished. It’s going to be a great event this year. I’m so proud of you all. This is an amazing place to work. You all make being the boss here so easy for me. I enjoy all of it, even when things get tense.”
I reminded them of certain harrowing moments from the past when problems got solved on the spot and Santa could bring Christmas in with ease. I told them it was because of us that it was even possible. Fifty percent magic, fifty percent tech. Combined, we had created a reality that was still a fairy tale to most, but we know the truth.
My speech contained all the elements that we loved about Santa, Christmas and the job, and why we loved working here so much.
“I’m counting on all of you.” I ended the speech with my applause for them, clapping and praising each one of them by name.
When I got to Clea, I praised her skill and dedication. She finally looked up and nodded. But there was barely a smile.
I hoped things would smooth over soon. I didn’t want to lose her. She was too good. The last time I fired a reindeer shifter was years ago. He didn’t get along with anyone and had created a tense workplace. That firing did not go over well. The change-over here was slow. Sometimes people quit to work elsewhere, but mostly if they ever left it was more about family matters. The fact that I had spaces open close to Christmas this year was rare.
But it had brought me Fallon. That was priceless.
When I left Control, my team was chattering and smiling. My job was done. For now. Keeping the energy up and positive wasn’t a one-time thing. I observed my team daily. As an alpha, an elf and their boss, I paid attention to their needs. My childhood had been on the rougher side, so I knew how important it was for authority to show empathy as well as strength.
Letting down Santa was something I would never do. But letting down my team? Impossible. I wasn’t made of that kind of stuff. Which was why Santa had kept me for so long.
The days following my speech, the work poured in better than ever. But Clea remained distant, her work suffering.
I often had lunch with Fallon, but today I needed to see her. I peered into Fallon’s office. He was so focused on something he didn’t hear me.
“Hey.”
He glanced up. “Lunchtime already?”
“I’m taking Clea to lunch today. Just letting you know.”
Confusion washed over his face. “Clea?”
“I have things to talk to her about.”
Immediately, his face went back to normal. “Okay. I might just get a sandwich and come back here.”
“Go to the cafeteria. Take a break. Mingle. You need it,” I said.
“Is that an order?”
“It’s a friendly suggestion. I didn’t give you your own office just to hide in.”
“I do love it here,” he said, leaning back and smiling.
