The families behind Harvey pressed in. “Isn’t he too old to see Santa? And he doesn’t even have any kids with him," one guest said.
“Hey,” I spread my stance and gave them a stern look, “Holiday magic is for everybody. Bullies will get coal in their stockings for trying to spread misery.”
Harvey stared at me, his eyes lit up from the reflection of all the ornaments–and maybe, just maybe, my ferocity.
I smiled and rocked from my toes to my heels. “So, what’s it going to be?”
Harvey readjusted his olive cap and nodded sharply. “Let’s do this thing.”
17
Santa, baby
Harvey’s heavy footfall rattled the ornaments. He stopped in front of Frosty Santa and jerked his chin at the sleigh bench. “Nice place.”
Frosty Santa nodded. “Thank you, young man. What’s your name?” He was treating him just like any other guest. I loved that.
“Harvey,” my barista replied gamely.
“And what would you like for Christmas, Harvey?” Santa asked.
Harvey looked over his shoulder, studying me, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe. He furrowed his brow. “I hurt someone’s feelings, and I was hoping they’d forgive me."
Oh my goodness, he was talking about me!
One of the parents in line chuckled, clearly eavesdropping. “That’s sweet. It might be creepy if she didn’t like him, but based on her body language–”
“Shhh, I don’t want to miss anything.” I waved at them, only half-joking. My excited heartbeat almost drowned out theirconversation, even though Harvey turned to include me in the conversation.
Santa steepled his fingers, sparing me a curious glance. “This is the season of generosity and forgiveness. Is this person aware of what they mean to you?”
Harvey tugged his cap like he wished he could pull it over his head and escape into an alternate dimension. “Not fully. Although they’ll probably have a better idea after this.”
I covered my mouth to stifle a gasp. Was this more than a guilty attempt to get a semi regular customer back? Was he confessing his feelings?
Harvey scratched his lip. “Sarcasm comes a little too naturally to me. But she’s great. Kinda bratty, like me. But sweeter and full of energy. Whatever makes her happy isn’t funny or embarrassing. I needed to get over myself for a minute before I realized that. So, in the interest of expanding my horizons, I was hoping to invite her to the Winter Festival. Assuming she can get off work, that is.”
I twirled my skirt and grinned wildly. He just asked me out! ViaSanta. Was there a more romantic way to extend an olive branch outside of sugar cookies and rose petals?
“That sounds like a good course of action,” Santa said, then gestured firmly with his white-gloved hand for me to come closer. “Sugarplum, would you be so kind as to join us for a photo?”
“Oh my gosh, yes.” I wanted to keep this moment forever.
The crowd chuckled as I rushed over.
Santa directed us. “You sit between us on the bench, young man.”
“Yes, sir.” Harvey handed his phone to Hoynes, then settled in between us, wrapping his arm loosely around my back.
Smiling brightly, I snuggled in closer, making sure our thighs were flush. His rust-colored jeans and my peppermint-stripedstockings may not have been complementary, but I thought they went together beautifully.
His fingers played at the bunch of polyester right below my waist.
Oh, hot cocoa, what I’d give to be able to take my ten minute break and climb into his lap for a real make-up session. Or even our first kiss. But I couldn’t do that here, as Sugarplum, in front of my boss and everyone. Still, I had to dosomething. “Can I get you a candy cane?” I asked.
Harvey followed my gaze to the nook in the trees. “Sure.”
“Be quick,” Hoynes warned.
