It's a cold morning.December is just around the corner, and it looks like we're due a white Christmas.
I pull my scarf up to cover more of my face as I walk the five blocks to the office. Around me, there's a distinct change in how people move. I swear they're paying more attention to window displays or looking up at the sky a little longer and wondering if today is the day that the predicted snow is going to come.
When I was a kid, I always took the late November snowfall as a sign Christmas was coming. When I learned that in some countries around the world Christmas means shorts and beach weather, I was so upset for all the kids that wouldn't get a visit from Santa. That was until my grandfather reassured meallthe kids got presents.
I feel different too. Since the conversation with my father, my mindset about the company has changed somewhat. I still struggle when I think about not doing a job I love, but I'm starting to think about how I can make better the lives of all the people the company touches.
From staff to the readers that buy our books in stores, we can brighten someone's day. Some people will take home a paycheck for a job well done, and some people will be taken to new and exciting worlds with the books we publish.
I'm so lost in my introspection, I don't realize I'm about to turn the corner of the street to my office. On the other side, I see all the stall holders from the market busily setting up and selling their goods to those early birds that want to avoid the lunchtime lines.
My first meeting isn't until this afternoon, so I cross the road and walk toward the market instead. I buy a coffee and muffin from the Roasted van, which quite cleverly opens earlier than anyone else, and walk toward Ash's stall.
I see Nicki busy unloading her van, but Ash's stall is still empty. I put the coffee and muffin down on Ash's stall and go over to Nicki.
"Morning, Nicki," I say, taking a heavy-looking box from her.
"Oh, thanks. Hi, Xander, how's it going?"
"Is Ash not here today? I brought him a coffee and muffin." I point at the items on Ash's stall.
"He could be running a little late today, maybe running an errand. He always calls me if there's something wrong, so I wouldn't worry."
"Okay, in that case, I'll come back later. You have his coffee and muffin and tell him I'll buy him lunch."
She smiles at me as though she's pleased with what I said, then rummages through a box and brings out a chocolate bar wrapped in clear film.
"Here. It's a new recipe I'm trying with some winter spices."
I take the chocolate bar from her and put it in my coat pocket. It's so cold, there's no way it’ll melt before I get to the office.
"Don't bite into it. Let each square melt on your tongue. It'll be like a Christmas explosion in your mouth."
"I'm intrigued." I smile and give Nicki a quick hug before heading toward the office.
Mia nearly jumps on me when I dangle my chocolate bar in front of her face, which in hindsight was a really silly thing to do.
"You better share that with me, Alexander Levington-Blackwood," she threatens.
"Wow, you're full naming me? This chocolate must be really good. I think I'll take it to my office and have it all on my own."
She follows me in and crosses her arms.
"How did you get your hands on my girlfriend's chocolate, anyway?"
"Aw, we have labels already..."
She blushes, and I can't resist how adorably in love she looks, so I unwrap the chocolate and break off half for her.
"How are things with Ash?"
And now it’s my turn to blush. My crush for Ash has grown to such a level, he's all I think about when I'm not at work.
Mia raises her hand. "You don't need to say anything. Your face just now tells me you're head-over-heals. My question is, when are you going to do something about it?"
I sigh, "It's never been the right time. We've had a couple of dates but...I guess we've both had stuff going on, and you know how busy I've been."
"What's that?" she says, putting her hand to her ear. "Is that the distinct fluttery sound of excuses? Oh my, I think it is."
