"Can I feed them carrots?" May begged.
Zack rolled his eyes, but my mom genuinely smiled as I continued to play with my cousins and the other guests.
More miracles and sweet moments were waiting for me. Especially with Harvey.
39
Nice Bonus
At 5PM, Hoynes dragged a sign to the end of the line: “Santa and the elves need to tend to the reindeer. Please come back again soon. Happy holidays! Love, The Mall Staff.”
My lower lip wobbled.
Chestnut slow-blinked and slung an arm around my shoulder. “Here we go again. Are you going to miss having lunch with your boyfriend?”
I dug my elbow into his ribs. “Harvey’s not going anywhere. I’ll miss all of this–including you, sleepypants.”
He touched his chest. “Such an honor.”
“Great season, everyone.” Hoynes pointed the clipboard at us. “Now, go change and come back with the uniforms.”
I clasped my hands behind my back. “What about the nice bonus?”
“You’ll get it.” His gaze darted between us. “It’ll be reflected in your last paycheck.”
“I’m more likely to get coal in my stocking,” Chestnut mumbled as we walked away.
I shrugged and scuffed my shoes on the red velvet carpet. “Well, you were late. And tired. And on your phone, most of the time.”
He waved me off and hunched over as he walked. “I get it.”
I patted his arm. “But you were still fun to work with. You deserve recognition for doing your best. I’m sure you’ll get some kind of bonus.”
“I don’t know about that.” He frowned, peeking over his shoulder.
“I think Hoynes gets it. Guests can be exhausting, and your true love is theater, not customer service. Although there are musicals that utilize our elf magic. Maybe you can use your time here to inspire some stellar set design and choreography. Remember us when you hit the big time on Broadway." I mimed a fancy dance number.
“I’ll make sure we have better costumes, there," he said.
“I’m looking forward to it, as long as you let some people have a flippy skirt.” I grinned and headed to my cubby for my change of clothes. There was something else in my backpack—a paper bag from The Bern. Inside, I found a menagerie of winter cookies: a penguin, a reindeer, a star, a snowman, and a 'heart that grew three sizes.' All for me. I smiled and wrapped them up for later, then hauled my stuff down to The Bern.
Harvey was stacking chairs on top of tables, his shoulders flexing under his two shirts. He was so focused. And alone. Twinkle lights shone on the top shelves, creating a low light.
I tapped the tune of "Jingle Bells" on the closed glass door.
Harvey turned around, smirking when he saw me. “We’re closed.”
“I know. I have to change out of my uniform and the bathrooms are all gross. Do you have a storage closet or anywhere safe?” I traced a heart in the clear glass between us and batted my eyelashes. “I…might need you to help me.”
“Yeah, come on in.” He glanced sidelong as he opened the door, then locked it behind me.
I peered into the corners of the store. “Where’s Mario?”
“I sent him home early so he could be with family.”
I clasped my hands and swayed with the urge to wrap myself around him. “You’re already such a nice manager.”
“I guess. This way.” His cheeks flushed bright red. He jerked his chin and stalked off behind the counters.
