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But it was Christmas, and I still had a conscience. If I had a wife and kids, I would want to spend it with them.
“Good thing I like kids,” I told her.
“Ha ha,” she said.
In all reality, I couldn’t help the kids navigate the shelvesandmake their little play purchases, though. I’d intended for this to be a totally immersive game, to make them feel as though they were in an actual Ever After Sweets Shoppe.
Someone needed to work the register, at the very least.
“It’ll be all right,” I told Gemma, not voicing my concerns. “You’ve already done enough, and on such short notice. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
“Plan better next year,” she said with a smile in her tone.
“You’re right about that.”
“Merry Christmas, Hawk. I’m going to get the kids to bed before Santa kicks their butts for peeking.”
I chuckled. Her three small kiddos were wiggly and energetic.
“Thanks again, Gem. Merry Christmas to you guys, too. Hopefully, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After hanging up, I paced a small circle in the hall. With the entirety of my staff, surely I could find someone who might manage to help.
Everyone had plans. If I’d thought a little more ahead about this, I could have them, too.
Maybe some of the hospital staff could throw on an apron and play sales associates, but they already had enough to do. I didn’t want to take anyone away from their regular duties, especially not when they were so important.
Who else could I ask? Not Clary. She was usually my go-to, but I couldn’t do that to her now, not after all the work she’d done putting the balltogether.
She deserved the break. She’d been looking forward to Christmas with her boyfriend and family.
It was Christmas. I could make this work, even if I had to walk each child through the makeshift shop one by one myself.
Resolving to it, I reentered the ballroom.
A final sweep through the guests told me enough. Ella wasn’t here yet. Battling disappointment, I signaled Clary.
In seconds, she joined my side. “Speech time?”
“Might as well.”
Clary tapped a finger to her ear, communicating with the DJ, who waited for the right time to add a transitional break in the music. I approached the microphone.
“Merry Christmas,” I told my employees. “This is a special time of year, and I wanted to thank you all for spending it here.”
I continued on, sharing my appreciation for their loyal service, thanking Clary and her team for such an immaculate event, and emphasizing how invaluable each and every one of this staff was.
People applauded, but the looks on their faces said it all. Appreciation radiated from every expression, filling me with pleasure and satisfaction.
Gratitude swelled in my chest as well. I’d tried my best to be a good boss. Moments like this made all the stress of the season worth it.
“Enjoy yourselves,” I said. “Make sure to take full advantage of all the refreshments and have the best of holidays.”
I lifted a hand in salute for good measure and receivedanother round of applause before the DJ kicked the music back into full gear.
Speech delivered, I traipsed toward the ballroom’s main entrance while a mental list ticked through. I checked my phone.
Nothing more from Ella.
