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“What’s with the frown, Paige?” Santa asked. “You’re gonna make the kids cry with that sad face of yours.”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize. I’m just not feeling all that well,” I smiled. “Let’s get this line going.”
Over the next four hours the line was consistent, like the night before. As soon as it hit nine o’clock, I ran to the restroom, then looked over to Brad to see if he had food for me. He shook his head no. I needed to get in the workshop early tonight, but I was starving. I pulled a few dollars out of my wallet and bought two slices of pizza and a coke.
I might as well treat myself. I may be eating bread after tonight.
“You can go ahead and leave, Santa. I can finish locking up.” I turned the music off. “I’m sure your girlfriend is waiting on you.”
“Stay warm tonight. I heard it’s dropping into the teens.” Santa waved goodbye.
Well, I guess that settles that. I have to sleep in the workshop tonight. Tomorrow I’ll look for a shelter to stay at until after Christmas.
Brad ran over and handed me a bag of leftovers and a hot chocolate. “My girlfriend is waiting outside. See you tomorrow.”
After one last look around, I crawled inside the workshop, covered myself with the blanket, and pulled the cell phone out.
“Haven’t heard from you in a while. Did you forget about me?”
“I would never forget about my cell phone. I thought maybe you had to recharge.”
“I did, but I’m here now. Are you ever going to ask for me back?”
“Eventually, but I’m enjoying this for now.”
“I’m going into sleep mode now. I’ll text tomorrow after I update.”
“Hey, Apple. Glad to hear you missed me.”
Chapter 28
Asher
Ihad to fly to another one of the malls I was in charge of revamping. Since it was in New Hampshire and I knew a few female friends, I called to set up a date. I spent the day at the mall making notes for Johnny and Nicole to handle. The mall was in the same basic shape, activity-wise, as the flagship mall, but it didn’t have the same feel, and I didn’t find myself wanting to stay in it for a long time. The flagship mall felt like home. I changed my mind. I wanted Johnny here today, so I called him.
Alright. Not going to admit to the family that I feel connected to my work. I’ll never hear the end of it.
“Johnny, I want you to fly here today so we can go over details in person,” I said into my cell. “Bring a new crew. There are some things I want to change immediately.”
“I can be there by one o’clock, but the crew can be there around noon,” Johnny responded. “The foreman’s name is Albert. Let him know what you need.”
“Sounds good. How are things there?” I tried for casual. “Did the tree for the ball get set up yet?”
“The tree is being set up now. Should we leave the decorations for the magical elf?” Johnny laughed. “Sorry, man. I had to get at least one joke in.”
“They told you?” I complained. “I said ‘tell no one’. That’s not cool.”
“I don’t know who ‘they’ are, unless you mean Gunner and the boys walking around the mall scaring people.”
“How’d you find out, then?” I demanded. “Oh, never mind. It had to be August. He thinks I’m drinking.”
“It was August, but he was just worried about you.” Johnny got serious. “It’s not like you to work this much and not drink and party with your usuals.”
“I’m fine. It’s just not the same anymore,” I admitted. “Can you keep it to yourself? I feel like I’m losing my mind over this elf thing.”
“I’m guessing that’s why Gunner is here?” Johnny probed. “If something or someone is in this mall after hours, the boys will find it.”
“I thought they would last night, but his report saw nothing,” I said. “You know what? Leave the decorations and the equipment. Maybe it will draw out this elf tonight.”
