“Gross. They smell.”
“We need some more live greenery,” I countered.
“Maybe a few dozen more Christmas trees,” Fiona added. “It supposed to be a winter wonderland.”
“A few dozen more?” Morticia said in annoyance.
“Just some small ones.”
“I'm trying to make this a high-end Christmas experience,” Morticia sniffed. “I have a vision.”
“You've been trying very hard,” I said, patting her on the shoulder. Her black leather jacket was covered in spikes, so I did it gingerly. “I didn't see any skeletons or jack-o'-lanterns wearing Christmas hats, so good job!”
“Really? Because I feel like that life-sized animatronic elf is pretty creepy,” Fiona commented.
“What elf?” I asked, frowning.
We followed Fiona back to the bank of elevators. There on a shelf was a literal life-sized elf.
“Are you sure this isn't one of your grandmother’s old ventriloquist’s puppets?” I asked Morticia softly.
“It's creepy enough to be one,” Fiona whispered.
The elf peered at us with lifeless eyes.
“I’m not a puppet,” the elf said, head swinging to look at us.
Fiona and I screamed and clung to each other. Morticia hissed.
“Amber!” I said as the elf hopped down to the floor. My stepsister was wearing heavy makeup along with the green felt costume.
“I'm trying to surprise Owen,” she said.
“He's going to be surprised, all right,” Fiona said, slowly backing away.
Amber adjusted her costume then hopped back up onto the shelf, striking a sexy pose.
“Well, I think I need a drink,” Fiona said as she swiped the key card to the elevator. “Care to join me? I'm trying out new cocktail recipes. The penthouse came with a fully stocked bar. I was planning on drinking my way through it.”
“As much as I like Christmas and alcohol and Christmas-themed alcohol, I really need to do some more pics for Insta,” I said. “It's snowing outside, and I need to snap a few shots.”
“Okay! Need help?”
“Nah, I got it. It's tedious and cold. Besides, I have a tripod.”
As soon as I was back to my room, I changed into a cute Christmas costume. It was a red-velvet sleeveless dress with white fur trim, matching elbow-length gloves, and a giant silk bow that went around my waist. Red stiletto boots and a furry white hat completed the look. I loved dressing up. It was probably left over from my childhood dream of being a Christmas unicorn princess.
“You're going to catch tuberculosis,” Morticia said when she saw me.
“Drink for the road?” Fiona asked, handing me a martini glass with a red liquid in it.
“Don't mind if I do. Yum! This is good!”
“It’s a Christmas cosmo,” she said. “I figured since we're in a swanky Manhattan condo, we should channel our innerSex and the City. It's a pomegranate-cranberry juice blend, garnished with lime twists.”
“Amazing! I won't be out that long. Save me some more!” I called out as I left.
Amber was still perched on the shelf when the elevator doors opened. Owen must have been safely hidden upstairs. Lord knew I would avoid Amber if I could.
