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“Yeah, I saw two men sitting at a table. They were talking to that cute guy with the long hair.” Kim stood back up. “I gotta go to the bathroom, then let’s go outside.”
“I don’t have a jacket.” I made an excuse. “This costume is very thin.”
“You can wear my jacket. Besides, I just wanna go out for a few minutes.” Kim stood, washing her hands. “I’ll get you a hot chocolate. Will that convince you to go?”
Kim left to get me a hot chocolate. I pulled my ears and wig off, then put on Kim’s long jacket. Hopefully, that would disguise me enough to get outside. Kim was waiting for me when I stepped out. I took the hot chocolate and followed closely behind her with my head down. I saw the men right away, but they weren’t interested in us.
“What was this sneaking out thing we just did?” Kim asked once we were outside. “Why do you think those men are interested in you?”
“Honestly, I have no idea, but they keep hanging out by the workshop like they’re watching me.” I shivered. “It creeps me out.”
“Let’s go back in at the other end of the mall.” Kim pulled me by the jacket sleeve.
“Kim, I can’t go walking in the snow and ice in elf slippers.” I stopped walking. “Let’s just go back in. If they want me for something, I might as well find out.”
We walked back into the food court. I followed behind Kim all the way to the jewelry store. I handed over her jacket and pulled my green wig out of my purse. I thought maybe they would think I’d gone home and another elf took over. Sherry had joined me, wearing wig colors, so I didn’t stand out as the only one with colored hair. I stepped out of the jewelry store and right into a black wall.
“Sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going,” I explained with my head down.
“Hey there, it’s me, Charlie. I met you the other day and got a Santa picture with my friends,” Charlie called out to me as I walked away. “I forgot your name, though.”
Chapter 32
Asher
Iwalked Lex to the mall entrance. Her limo was waiting at the front door, so I didn’t have to go out in the cold. No sooner had I said my goodbyes than Gunner was tapping on my shoulder.
“How did you beat us here?” He gestured for me to follow him. “The guys are here walking around. Let’s talk.”
“I didn’t beat you here, I just never left last night.” I rubbed my neck. “My friend Alexandra wanted to have an elf hunt.”
“Do I want to know the details to this?” Gunner crossed his arms. “Did you look for the elf or just spend time with a pretty girl?”
“How’d you know she was pretty?” I grinned. “I mean, she is, but you just got here.”
“Because I’m paid to know these things and I watched you walk her out,” Gunner laughed. “You gotta pay more attention.”
“No, that’s what I have you for,” I disagreed. “It happened again.”
“You had an elf sighting?” he asked.
“No and yes,” I shrugged. “Yes, there was an elf that decorated the tree but, no, I didn’t see it.”
“I’ll repeat my question. Do I want to know the details?” Gunner leaned forward on his elbows. “Let’s go look at the film, but I think the answer is as easy as it seems.”
“What does that little riddle mean?” I stood to go. “Are you saying the magical elf is actually a magical elf?”
“No, I’m saying the elf you keep seeing is actually an elf, but a Santa elf.” Gunner walked along next to me. “You should go visit the elf and see if you recognize her.”
“I wouldn’t because I only saw the legs both times.” I held the door to the office for him to enter. “What makes you think it’s one of the elves?”
“Just a gut feeling and, well, it’s an elf,” Gunner deadpanned, then slapped me on the back, laughing.
We spent the next thirty minutes going over the film. The others joined and a discussion ensued. Charlie wanted me to go out and interact with the elves while they watched.
“Guys, I already had a run-in with one of them that was embarrassing.” I shook my head at their serious looks. “Let’s just say I ended up on my back with a candy cane on top if me.”
“Then you got that out of the way. What could happen that could be worse?” Charlie opened the office door. “Off, you go.”
