“Yes.” One of the joys of exchanging schedules with Harvey meant I always knew when I could look forward to seeing him. We already had a date for next week.
Chestnut drummed his fingers on the table. “Good. I’m exhausted from auditions and finals. I applied to Fancee’s for a job, but did you hear they’re laying off a lot of the holiday staff come January?”
I gasped. “Oh no.” I thought business would be booming. Hopefully, my lunch buddy would be okay.
Chestnut shrugged. “That's retail. So, what are your plans for after Christmas when we’re let loose from our stockings?”
My chest tightened and I backed up against a tree, its branches rustling at my backside. “I-I don’t know, yet. The Nice bonus should tide me over.”
“Yeah, depending how much we get.” Chestnut scoffed.
“Chestnut,” Mr. Hoynes called.
Chestnut scowled and readjusted his hat. “Ah, sh–”
“Sugarplum,” I reminded him, shoving candy canes into his hands so at least he could pretend he was restocking for the kids. No wonder he wasn’t counting on the bonus.
“I’ll send you coffee money at the end of the shift.” Chestnut bolted back to the floor, leaving me with thoughts heavier than Santa’s boots thudding on a roof.
What was I supposed to do? We didn’t have that much longer until Christmas. Then, my perfect winter would be over. I’d have to turn in my bell shoes and hat and suppress Sugarplum sweetness for another ten months. If I didn’t have another job lined up, Mom would definitely make me babysit. Plus, I’d see Harvey way less without being able to pop by on my lunch break.
I gathered my stuff, wrapped myself in my winter coat, and ran to The Bern. The fresh scent of cinnamon melted some of my stress away.
Harvey poked out from behind a steaming machine and grinned. “Hey, I thought I heard you come in.”
I skipped up to the counter to jingle extra for him. “How is your day so far?”
“Busy. A lot better now that you’re here.” The warmth in his eyes sharpened as he glanced at the order screen. “One minute.”
“No worries. I understand you have serious duties.” I saluted him, earning a fond head-shake, before I placed my order with the cashier.
Man-bun Mario demurely tapped the screen. “You should come by more often. I feel like you motivate him.”
Heat flushed my cheeks. “What do you mean?”
“He does the annoying chores for us so he can chat with you without feeling guilty,” Mario said.
“Don’tyouhave a job to do?” Harvey chided from behind the machines.
I giggled and walked over to the counter. “You’re in manager mode already, making sure people are at maximum efficiency.”
He smirked over his shoulder. “How am I doing?”
“Lovely. A little snarky, but very commanding," I said, leaning on the ledge.
He tugged his hat down. “Thanks for noticing.”
“See? He’s nice toyou,” Mario called.
“He knows Santa’s watching.” I winked, then turned to Harvey and lowered my voice. “By the way, when do you want to start your training?”
“Whenever,” he said.
I needed a distraction and possibly relief. “How about tonight?”
“Tonight?” He raised his eyebrows as the dispenser hissed.
Was I too eager? I fiddled with a coffee sleeve. “Or our next day off. Our date next week? But we both opened today, so I thought maybe…”
