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“I thought elves just magically have outfits.” Charlie laughed at his own joke. “Or does Santa give them their outfits?”
“It’s never gonna get old for you is it?” I laughed at his laugh. “Do you know, or should I find Gunner?”
“Nah, they’re being delivered any minute. Go on down and check the office.” Charlie went back to talking to the guys.
I was at the end of the mall where most of the stores were vacant. I felt safe enough to take the cell out of my pocket. I turned the corner to the short hallway leading to the office when Gunner walked out carrying a stack of elf outfits.
“Just the elf I was looking for. Here’s the outfits for tonight. There’s elf ears too, but these have sparkles.” Gunner nodded for me to follow him. “I’ll carry these for you.”
“The Hawthornes own the mall, right? But Victoria isn’t here every day revamping it. Who’s the one doing it?” I fell in next to Gunner walking.
“One of the sons, and then they have an extensive crew.” Gunner laid the outfits on the counter when we arrived at the workshop. “You have fun tonight.”
“I can’t wait to see the fancy people and pretty gowns.” I looked up into his face. “Will all the Hawthornes be here tonight?”
“Are you trying to get me to tell you which son Victoria is suggesting for you?” Gunner asked.
“Maybe. Is my elf magic not working on you?” I winked with my good eye. “Did I thank you yet for not putting me out in the cold?”
“Yeah, I’m sure you did, but seeing you smile is enough,” Gunner smiled. “Since you brought it up, I think you should take Victoria up on her offer.”
“It’s all so odd. I can’t believe people actually do it.” I chewed on my lip. “It’s kinda like an old-fashioned book thing, not a real-life thing.”
“I see what you’re saying, but it’s real and they have an amazing track record with this. Victoria has a knack for choosing brides correctly for her sons, and even her nephews.”
“You think I should do it?” I looked up at him again.
“Yes, I really do. I’m the one who called her before we caught you,” Gunner said. “The other girl I helped when I first met the Hawthorne family, Imogen, she’ll be here tonight. You should talk with her.”
“Good idea,” I said. “I better get the elves ready. Do you need help with anything?”
“If you have a few minutes, you could walk around and see if there are any decorations that need fixing.” Gunner took a few steps. “The decorator wasn’t able to get here.”
“Can I?” I laughed. “I would love to.”
After Gunner walked off, I sent the twenty elves to put their costumes on. Sherry had the line under control, so I took that opportunity to walk around, checking everything. The centerpieces were a little light on flowers. Then I noticed the flower vases on a side table that were too full. Putting two and two together, I split them up and fixed the centerpieces. I was just finishing the last table when Asher walked up next to me.
“Hi. I noticed you doing the tables. You’re really good at it.” Asher stood, hands in pockets. “You should be a party planner.”
Ha, that’s the second time this week I was told that.
“You’re working at the party tonight, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Yeah, how’d you know?” I stopped fixing flowers and looked at him. “You know the owners?”
“Yeah, I sure do, but I also know that Santa will be at the party, so I assumed the elves would be there too.”
“Yeah, that makes sense,” I said. “Hopefully, this black eye doesn’t scare off the guests.”
“It doesn’t look that bad today,” he said, then his cell rang. “I gotta take this. Have fun tonight.”
I wonder how he knows the owners.
Chapter 47
Asher
“And to what do I owe the honor of a call from my very busy mother today?” I joked. “When are you arriving?”
