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“Right now. I’m in your office. Where are you?” Victoria asked.
“Have you seen the fireplace yet?” I asked, watching the fire from where I stood. “Meet me in front of it.”
I took my cell out and sent Apple a message.
“Are you going to be in the mall for the party tonight?”
“I’ll be here taking lots of pictures. Would you like me to send you some?”
“I’d love to see pictures from a phone’s point of view.”
“Well, I’m little, so I hope people don’t step on me.”
“Lol”
My mother walked up, so I stopped texting. “Mom, great to see you.”
“Asher, this is beautiful. This fireplace is such a great idea. People will want to sit here for hours.” Victoria walked closer to the warmth of the fire. “I want to stay here.”
“You have one larger than this at the manor, but it would be nice to camp out and watch a movie.” I put my arm across her shoulders. “Maybe Christmas night after the mall is closed, just the Hawthornes will come here.”
“I love that idea. Look at you, going wild with all these ideas.” She turned and kissed me on the cheek. “I’m proud of you, Son, and not just because of all of this.”
“Thanks, Mom. Now go get all fancied up so we can get this show on the road.” I turned her toward the exit. “I can handle the caterers and the band. You go relax.”
“Asher, what are they doing here with this carpet? It’s a bit of a tripping hazard.” Victoria pointed to a roll of carpet near the main doors to the mall. “You should have it moved for tonight.”
“Go, Mother, I have this under control.” I pointed to the doors. “I’ve learned from the best. Tonight will be perfect.”
“I need to grab my coat and purse from your office.” She turned away from the entrance doors. “See you tonight.”
I watched her walk through the mall as if she was someone that always shopped in malls, while I knew she hadn’t been in a mall as long as I’ve known her. Gunner stopped what he was doing to walk along beside her. She was always one step ahead of everyone. I had no idea how she did it, but maybe one day I’d figure it out. My cell buzzed.
“I’m all charged and ready for picture-taking tonight.”
“Apple, glad to hear it. Will you be hanging out with anyone specific?”
“Nah, but I did get a sparkly new case for the event.”
“I’ll be at the party. I’ll keep a look out for a sparkly case.”
I walked over to Charlie where he sat watching the fire. “Can you do me a favor?’
“Certainly. Whatcha need?” Charlie stood and rubbed his hands together. “You have someone else for me to catch?”
“No, but, as you know, me and elves have a little background. Could you please fill the elves in on what their duties are tonight? It was a last-minute idea, so they have no clue what they’re supposed to do.”
“Sure, what’s the job?” Charlie took a pen and a small notepad out of his pocket. “I’m ready.”
“Tell them they will roll out the red carpet just before opening the doors for guests. Then I want each group of guests escorted, by an elf, to Santa for a picture.”
“That’s a tall order. Do you think any of these people coming will give our elves a problem?” Charlie stopped writing and looked at me. “I know some of these types are very serious.”
“Agreed. Just have the elf bring them and, if they choose to pass on a picture, then that’s the end of it,” I said. “Anyways, after the picture, have them escorted by another elf to the Christmas tree to fill out an angel and have it put on the tree.”
“I’ll pass this info on to the lead elf.” Charlie walked off whistling, then turned. “Do you want the elves to then escort the guest to their table?”
“No, I’ll have people there waiting to escort them,” I smiled. “Good question, though. Charlie, are you going to be here tonight?”
