“And that’s exactly what we’re going to do, Ian,” the dad said. “But your brother’s feeling scared so let’s not rush it.”
“It’s silly being a scaredy-cat,” Ian said.
Micah lowered himself into a crouch to match the children’s height. He spoke to Ian first. “It’s exciting seeing Santa, isn’t it?”
Ian nodded. “I’ve seen him before.”
Micah grinned at his stance; shoulders back, chest out, as if to prove what a brave boy he was. “Cool. Has Tim met Santa before?”
“We came to see Santa last year, but Tim wouldn’t talk to him. He’s shy.”
Micah nodded at Ian, then focused on Tim, who looked to be a year or so younger and had the side of his face pressed to his father’s leg. He offered Tim a gentle smile. “I’m shy, too,” he whispered. Tim’s eyes widened, but he said nothing. “As your daddy told you, there’s no need to be afraid of Santa, but sometimes new things can be scary. In fact, I was scared on my first day when I came to work as Santa’s helper. You see, I was a new elf and I knew nothing about Santa and his workshop. But you know what? Santa helped me and showed me what to do to help the children who came to see him. Santa is very nice and friendly.”
“He looks friendly, doesn’t he, Tim?” the dad said. “But if you don’t want to visit with him, that’s okay too.”
Micah looked back to Tim. “It sure is. If you don’t want to talk to Santa, then you can tell me what you’d like for Christmas and I can tell Santa for you, but I have an idea. You see how Santa has that big seat and he’s in the middle? Well, the space on either side is so you and Ian can both sit next to Santa. But how about this? I can ask Santa to move over and then Ian can sit next to him and you can sit next to Ian. Your daddy can even stand next to you to be in the photo, too. How does that sound?”
Tim stared with enormous eyes, but at least there was no sign of the tears that had been about to fall. After a moment, he nodded.
“Terrific.” Micah stood. “How about you all come with me and we’ll talk to Santa and get you sorted?”
Once the family were arranged next to an accommodating Santa, and Ian was busying rattling off a never-ending wish list of gifts, Micah moved out of the way.
“That was awesome,” Nicholas said once he was in earshot. “Crisis averted.”
Micah chuckled. “All in a day’s work.”
“You make a great elf.” Nicholas winked, then focused on his equipment and getting the photographs taken.
Micah crossed to the counter, face blushing. The past few days working with Nicholas had been great, but he hated being reminded he looked ridiculous. He stepped behind the counter, hiding his candy cane legs. Nicholas was totally focused on the job at hand and not paying him the slightest bit of attention, but he felt better anyway not being on display. He checked the email account and confirmed everything was up to date. He turned his attention to the printer, making sure it was set to go. They gave the customer one printed photo to take with them, then emailed digital copies.
“God, he’s hot.”
Micah’s gaze shot up at the unexpected words. Three teenage girls were in the queue. It seemed Santa photos were popular with that age group too, most likely because of social media. But the girls weren’t looking at Santa—they were laser-focused on Nicholas. Nicholas, who Micah had to admit,didlook incredibly hot. Jeans, a form-fitting sweater, and his gorgeous looks, as he busied himself with his equipment—attractive and professional looking. He looked as if he should be photographing a model shoot.Or being the model himself.With his dark hair, square jaw, and sexy-as-fuck smile, he belonged on the cover of a magazine.
“I’d be happy to sit onhislap—“
Micah loudly cleared his throat, interrupting what the girl was about to say. “No one will be sitting on anyone’s lap. Thechildren—”He inclined his head toward the kids in the queue. ”—will be seatednextto Santa.“ The girls took the hint and giggled together, obviously still chatting about Nicholas judging from the glances, but no longer saying anything inappropriate that the kids could overhear.
Micah got back to work, and the queue quickly cleared. He grinned at Nicholas. They worked well together, like a well-oiled machine, and Santa was an easy-going old guy who’d been doing the gig for years. Nicholas smiled back and shot him a quick wink before turning back to his camera. Micah’s cheeks heated again, and he fumbled as he fitted the photograph into its cardboard frame. He finally got it inserted correctly, placed it in a bag, and handed it over to the last customer of the day.
Nicholas approached. “Hey, I need a pick-me-up so I’m going to grab a coffee? Want one?”
“That would be amazing. Thank you. I’ll take care of everything here while you’re gone.”
“Sounds good to me. You’ve got a deal. I’ll be right back.” Nicholas tucked his camera gear under the counter and disappeared toward the food court.
Micah started the close procedures, thankful it wouldn’t take long to run the day’s sales report, count the cash, and lock everything away for the night.
A while later, at the sound of laughter, he looked up from his task. The teenagers from earlier in the afternoon were standing close by, this time with some young guys, all of them looking and pointing his way.
“Imagine having a job being an elf. I mean, he’s old!”
Micah’s stomach tightened as his face heated, but he kept on working and tried to ignore them.
“Look at his lollipop legs. That’s probably why he got the job.”
Micah’s first thought was to get away from the insults, but he couldn’t exactly leave. He swallowed heavily and refused to look up, not wanting the kids to see how much their comments were getting to him. It reminded him of being teased back in school. How was it that teenagers always seemed to have the uncanny ability to hone in on someone’s insecurities and use them to cause hurt?
