She waves me off. “It’s fine. I’ll keep it for myself and be sure not to wear it around you.” This sets her off again, although she reins it in quickly this time. “I saw something else I think you’d like, so I’ll get you that instead.”
“You don’t have to do that,” I say quickly. I don’t want her spending her hard-earned money on me, especially since she’ll be starting school soon.
Her smile morphs from one of mirth to a sweetness I’ve only seen once or twice before. “I want to.”
*****
The party is much more emotional than I expected. Everyone is in good spirits, but there’s a lot of reminiscing and hugging and promises to see each other in the new year.
Even though we’ve all been to Connelly’s together before, it’s strange seeing my coworkers in regular clothes. It’s even stranger to realize I’m going to miss my elf costume and Celia’s garish Grooge costume, although I won’t miss finding traces of green face paint all over the apartment.
Hugh sticks close to me all night. By now, everyone from the Village knows we’ve been together the last few weeks. I get a few sympathetic hugs and gentle fussing from some of my female coworkers. I’m reminded at least three different times that I’m strong and everything will be okay. They mean well and I’ll likely never see them again, so I don’t bother telling them I already know I’ll be okay.
The one person I’m certain I’ll stay friends with is Meredith. She touches base with me throughout the evening, making sure I always have a drink and dragging me off to dance a few times.
“You’re my favorite of all the new elves,” she informs me at one point while we’re on the dance floor. She’s extra lovey tonight, likely a result of the seemingly bottomless red cocktail she’s been imbibing. She drapes herself over me, kissing me loudly—and wetly—on the cheek. “We’ll stay friends, won’t we? This won’t be just a flash in the pan friendship, right?”
“We’ll definitely stay friends.” She wobbles when she straightens, so I hook my arm around her to hold her up. “I have your number and you have mine. I promise we’ll get together in the new year.”
“I want to join your book club when it starts,” she slurs, her smile bordering on goofy and making me want to laugh. “And I’ll stop by the bookstore whenever I can. You and Piper won’t be able to get rid of me.”
I give her a squeeze. “I appreciate that.”
The song changes to a slow one. Instead of leaving the dance floor like I expect, Meredith throws her arms around me and we start to sway. I catch amused looks from people around us, including Hugh, who’s off to the side talking to someone I don’t recognize.
“You’ll be okay without Hugh, right?” Meredith asks.
“Of course,” I say automatically. “We’ve only known each other for less than two months and we made sure things didn’t get too serious.” Or at leasthedid.
Meredith pulls back, gripping my elbows and continuing to sway to the music. “I don’t think I believe you,” she says, scrutinizing me with narrowed eyes. Her gaze shifts past me and settles on something—or someone. “And if he told me the same thing, I don’t think I’d believe him either.” Before I can say anything, her eyes return to mine, and they’re clearer than they were a moment ago. “Just remember what I keep telling you: everything happens for a reason. If it’s meant to be, the Universe will make sure you end up back in each other’s paths.”
I simply nod, unsure how to respond. The song ends and she gives me another sloppy kiss on the cheek before drifting away to a nearby group. I make my way through the other dancers to Hugh, who’s now standing alone.
“Should I be jealous?” he asks, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
“Maybe,” I say, nudging him with my shoulder. “Meredith is pretty hot.”
His eyes widen and he lets out a surprised laugh. Instead of responding, he gathers me in his arms and presses a lingering kiss to my lips.
I sigh when he releases me. “Not as hot as you, though. And I bet she can’t kiss like that.”
He laughs in that low, rough way I’ve come to love over the last few weeks. I can’t believe this is our last night together. We have a finite amount of time for more kisses, more laughter, more touches. The thought makes me swallow hard and avert my eyes.
He must either sense my sudden shift in mood or be thinking along the same lines because he bends and says quietly, “Do you want to get out of here?” His lips brush my ear as he speaks, his warm breath sending shivers through me.
“Don’t you have to stick around ’til the end? They’reyourfriends and employees after all, and they won’t get to see you for awhile.”
“They know I’m leaving early in the morning.” His eyes bore into mine, saying so much more than his words can. “Just give me a minute to say goodbye, and we’ll head out.”
I nod and watch him stride across the room. He speaks to the DJ, and a moment later the music stops and she hands Hugh a microphone.
“Hello everyone,” Hugh says, raising his almost-empty glass of whiskey, which he’s been nursing most of the night. “I wanted to say a quick thank-you to all of you for making this holiday season at Santa’s Village the best one yet. Whether you’re a returning member of our team or a new one, I want you to know I’ve valued your time and the care you put into your job. Santa’s Village wouldn’t be what it is without all of you.”
He pauses when the crowd applauds. I sense someone approach me and assume it’s Meredith, especially when a gentle arm snakes around my waist. It’s Celia, though. Her lips twist in a bittersweet smile.
I look away quickly, my eyes stinging.I will not cry, I will not cry, I will not cry.
Hugh clears his throat. “As many of you are aware, the fate of the Village is up in the air at the moment. I’m working hard with my attorneys and certain members of city council to overturn their decision not to grant me the permits required to make the Village a year-round amusement park. I’m not sure what the new year will bring, but I promise I’ll do my best to ensure that those of you who want to return next year will have a place to return to. Thank you again, and please be sure to find Kristal on your way out because she has your bonus checks.”
