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I watched him walk away. He was really cute, and today was the first time I noticed the dimples. I wondered who he was. He never gave a last name or said what his job was. The rest of the afternoon went as slow as the morning, with only two whole kids in three hours. Eddie, the night Santa, ran in a few minutes late, halfway in his Santa suit.
“Sorry, it’s snowing a lot out there. I hit some ice and spun in my car.” He stopped to catch his breath. “It was wild.”
“If the weather is that bad, there won’t be much in the way of families coming in.” I leaned on my elbows. “They may even close the mall early due to inclement weather.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. Shoot, I should have called ahead and asked.” Eddie fixed his beard and sat on his throne. “I’m not looking forward to going back out in that, but I’d definitely rather go while it’s not dark.”
I walked over to the security office to see if they knew anything about closing early. It would be tricky to hide out if they were pushing everyone out. Toby was lounging at his desk when I opened the door.
“Hey, Paige, what’s up?” Toby stood abruptly. “Someone bothering you?”
“Nothing like that. Did you hear anything about bad weather and the mall closing early?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. “Santa Eddie said he hit ice on his way here.”
“I haven’t heard anything yet and the new people that own the mall have been here all day, from what I hear.” Toby looked around to see if anyone was listening. “I’m not sure about the new people yet. They may not let everyone leave early. They seem to wanna put a bunch of money into this place. Seems silly to me.”
“Who knows, they might just make it great in here and everyone will like this mall better,” I smiled. “I better get back to help Eddie. Let me know if you hear anything.”
I looked over to the workshop. No kids, no families, no people. Things weren’t looking good for me tonight with this happening. I walked over to the jewelry store to chat with Kim. If anything, maybe I could get a girls’ night and fall asleep at her place by accident for one night.
“Hey, Kim, you guys had any customers?” I gazed at the diamond rings. “How do you look at these all day and not want to wear them?”
“We had, I think, two customers,” Kim complained. “They should just let us leave early.”
“That’s what I just spoke with Toby about. What are you doing tonight?” I asked as casual as I could.
“My mother wants me to go over to her house to bake cookies,” Kim shrugged. “I’ve been putting her off, so I have to go tonight.”
“Sounds like fun, don’t sound so upset about it.” I smiled. “One day you won’t have your mom to do that with.”
“Yeah, I know. You wanna come over one night this weekend and have a pizza and movie night?” Kim perked up. “Maybe tomorrow night. There’s a new romantic comedy out.”
“I work ‘til nine, but sounds good to me. I don’t know if I want to drive in this weather late at night, though,” I appealed to her. “Maybe I can crash on your couch and drive in the morning when the ice is melted more.”
“Yay, slumber party. We can order pizza.” Kim opened one of the glass cases. “Here, try on this ring.”
I took the diamond cluster with a solitaire in the middle from her and held it up on my finger to the light. I’d been in there many times and always tried on the same ring. It reminded me of my mother’s ring, what little I remembered about it. I promised myself one day I’d buy it just to wear.
Chapter 10
Asher
I’d been walking the mall thinking about some ideas. The big tree was going to be a nice touch, but adding the four trees to Santa’s workshop was really special-looking. It had me thinking bigger. The elf had given me some good ideas to start with and something about her made me want to do her ideas. I’d already ordered three-foot high gum drops to make the valley of gumdrops as well as packets of real gum drops to give out. The advertising team was working on getting people in the mall, but they were waiting on the decorations to be completed.
We need something bigger, something to make people want to come here and stay here to shop.
“Mr. Hawthorne, is there something you need?” Toby startled me out of my thoughts. “You look worried.”
“Hey there, Toby. No problems here, just thinking.” I turned to look at him. “Is it time for rounds?”
“Yes, sir, I do them every thirty minutes while the mall is open. Tonight I’m doing every hour since the mall is so empty,” Toby shrugged. “Would you prefer something else?”
“Oh, I think you have it under control.” I smiled at him being proud of his duties.
“Sir, the weather is getting really bad. Probably why there aren’t many people in the mall.” Toby looked around. “In the past, the previous owners would close the mall early so everyone could get home safely.”
“Thanks for letting me know. I think that’s a great idea.” I nodded in agreement. “Can you let everyone know while you’re on your rounds?”
“Absolutely. I’ll be staying though, as usual.” Toby nodded then walked off.
