“What instrument did you play?”
“The symbol.”
“You got a symbol solo?”
“I was very good. My timing was impeccable.” I flashed him the okay sign.
“How dare Santa ignore all that.”
“Yeah, and it’s just been downhill from there. He’s been ignoring my wishes ever since.”
“Like what?”
Heat crept over my ears. I wasn’t interested in telling this complete stranger about my Christmas curse. Opting for an indifferent shoulder shrug, I said, “I really need to be going.” Adjusting the strap of my tote bag, I hurried to the elevator that led to the administrative office. Casting one last glance in the man’s direction, I called out, “The mall doesn’t open until ten by the way.”
On the third floor of the mall in the administrative office, I was greeted by Chloe Jepson, the office assistant. “Morning Belen.”
“Morning, big day. I’m expecting the new Santa. When he gets here could you buzz me? I want to give him a tour before we open.”
From my office I had a bird’s-eye view of the Christmas wonderland below. The mystery man with divisive opinions regarding festive tree decoration was gone. How he’d evengained entrance to the mall this early was beyond me. Tyler needed to be more vigilant. The last thing we wanted were riffraff seeking shelter in our mall. Not that the tall brother gave off vagrant vibes. He was perfectly groomed with a tapered fade and well moisturized ringless hands. And his shoes looked expensive. The way a man dressed provided insight into who he was. For instance, if his shoes were scuffed, he probably didn’t take good care of other things … his car, his home, or other people’s hearts.
I loved the view of the Christmas décor from this perch. There was something rewarding about having a vision, once like sugarplums dancing in my head, come to life for all to see. Early in my career I was an event planner, hosting kid’s birthdays, gender reveals, and wedding receptions. After a few years of working every weekend and never getting to see my family and friends, I landed the job as event coordinator at Pavilion Grand. Decorating the space for major holidays like Valentine’s Day and Easter and several mall sponsored events.
Even though Christmas was my least favorite holiday, I still enjoyed planning this event the most. It allowed me to hone all my creative energy to produce an experience families would remember for years to come. If I was being honest, I didn’t hate Christmas, I just hated the memories associated with this particular holiday season. Memories that were hard to forget despite each passing year and the ungodly amount of spiked eggnog I consumed.
The squeaky buzz from my office phone let me know Santa had arrived. With brisk steps, I made my way back to the reception area. Smiling expectantly at Chloe, I asked, “So where’s good old St. Nicholas?”
Chloe frowned, pointing to a man standing in front of the bulletin board. The same weird man from the first floor who hated Christmas trees.
“Well that can’t be, there must be some kind of mix-up,” I said, more to myself than Chloe. “Excuse me sir, are you lost?”
Turning on his heels, he smiled the same bright smile I’d been treated to ten minutes earlier. “Gosh, I hope not. I’m here for the Santa gig.”
I released a nervous chuckle. “You can’t be Santa you’re?—”
“Black,” he whispered.
“I was going to say too young.” And might I add entirely too attractive.
“Don’t you worry about that. Once I put the costume on, it really all comes together.” He shook the garment bag he was holding.
My eyes darted around the open waiting area. “Is this a joke? Are you guys pranking me on the biggest day of the year?” I pointed at Chloe before wagging my fingers at the Santa imposter. “You almost got me. This was good.”
The man stepped forward, handing me a folded sheet of paper. Scanning the contents, my face fell slack. It was from Let Us Entertain You, the talent agency stating this was my Santa.
“Kristoff Kringle?” I shook the paper in my hand. If this wasn’t a joke, why did he share a name with the famous guy from the North Pole?
“Yeah, but everyone just calls me Kris.”
Examining the strapping gentleman before me with his ebony skin, broad chest, and bowed legs, I tried visualizing him with a Santa hat on top of his head. In disbelief, I searched the document again looking for an error. Plastering a smile on my face, I tried to act unfazed. The last thing I needed was word to get back to management that this year’s Santa looked more like he was ready to star in an action movie with Deming Zhao, than bounce children atop his lap as Santa Claus.
“Mr. Kringle please follow me to my office.” Before exiting the lobby, I approached Chloe’s desk and whispered. “Can you please call the agency and request a replacement?”
In my office, I closed the door to give us privacy. “Mr. Kringle, I think there’s been a mix-up.”
“Call me Kris.”
Taking a breath, I tried to redirect. “I’m Belen Goodwin, the event coordinator here at Pavilion Grand. I oversee the annual events and holiday preparations, including the Christmas festivities. As I’m sure you can imagine, a lot goes into making these events a success.”
