AllFreeNovel
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It was Ella. In a roundabout way, I was doing this for her.
Clary: How are you planning on delivering these to the hospital? Would you like me to do it?
Everyone was taking the day off tomorrow and then again Christmas Day. This really should have been put into motion sooner.
Ah well. Best laid plans.
Me: No, thanks. I’ll handle it.
I wanted this to be a personal gesture.
My candy was nothing short of awesome. It was whatmade the goods unique and special, and what had made me a billionaire in the first place after I’d inherited the company from my dad.
My boutique stores speckled the East Coast, but it wasn’t like these kids could venture out to one, no matter how close it might be. Their health wouldn’t allow it.
Too bad I couldn’t bring an Ever After Sweet Shoppe to them.
“Unless,” I said, pausing mid-step as yet another idea began to form.
What if I did just that?
I didn’t know exactly what health condition each child was battling, but so many of them had probably been residents for a while. They probably missed their homes, missed little things most people took for granted.
Like shopping.
Pausing just before I reached my office door, I pulled out my phone. There wasn’t much time to move on this, either.
“Clary,” I said when she answered. “What’s your favorite part about going into an Ever After Sweet Shoppe?”
If my assistant was confused by the question, she didn’t show it. She was used to my random antics.
“The candy is amazing, sir. But it’s even more appealing onsite. It reminds me of Honeydukes when we went toHarry Potter Worldlast summer, except you have your Italian soda bar.”
“Yes, exactly,” I said with gusto.
It was one thing to order something from a store online. But going there? Experiencing the atmosphere of a store,seeing something on a shelf, and having the satisfaction of picking it out for myself?
That was what I wanted to give to these kids.
“Delivering candy to these kids is all well and good,” I said. “But I think we should bring the Sweet Shoppe to them.”
“What? How?”
Energy whirred inside of me the more I spoke. “We could set it up in the hospital waiting room. Bring the kids out and let them pick whatever they want. Can you imagine how amazing that would be for them?”
I waited for enthusiasm. For kudos.
Wasn’t she supposed to praise me for being a genius?
“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Clary began. “But why go through all the trouble? We have our hands full with preparations for the ball. You’re going to need extra hands for this. Who are you going to find to help out?
“Everyone has taken the holidays off. Some have already left town, and a number of your staff are knee-deep in?—”
“I get it,” I said before she could finish.
I sank into my leather chair and tried not to let defeat settle in. She was right, but that didn’t mean I liked it.
“You’re absolutely right. Why don’t you let me worry about finding help? I know you’ve got your hands full.”
