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ChapterOne
“Ho, ho, ho-ly crap…is that Nora Ruben, actually gracing us with her presence this year?”
Santa slapped white-gloved hands to his rosy cheeks in mock surprise, knocking his fake mustache/beard combo askew in the process.
Despite her less-than-cheery mood, Nora had to laugh. “Yes, a true holiday miracle.” She glanced around Britesmith Hospitality Group’s reception area, marveling at its transformation from everyday corporate gray to winter wonderland. “Where’s the nearest bar?”
During her five-years-and-counting at Britesmith’s headquarters, Nora always managed to beg off from the planning, attending and clean-up of the annual event, due to the infamous Matzo Baller cruise usually coinciding the same night. She never experienced FOMO about the company holiday party; not when she had the eight-hour floating extravaganza hosted by her best friend’s brother to look forward to, popping corks with the Who’s Who of New York Jews lucky enough to score an ticket.
This year, Jay’s party boat and Talia would be sailing tonight without her, all because of some hayseed from the Iowa corporate office stirring up drama.
Talk about major FOMO.
“If you need a quick fix, Mrs. Claus from Marketing is mixing up some mean Yule Mules over near the windows. And the elves from IT are by the elevators, serving Peppermintinis. I myself prefer the Barracuda Lounge, thatta way.” Santa thrust a thumb over his shoulder toward downtown.
“Thanks, Parker.” Her assistant had totally blown his cover with the suggestion of the venerable Chelsea gay bar. He must’ve drawn the short straw around the water cooler this year to don the rented red suit.
“That’s Mister Claus to you, young lady.” He blew her a kiss. “And if that dress comes in multiple colors, I command you to buy at least two.”
She swept her hands along the waistline of the Shoshanna jet-black crepe gown. The elegant strapless contraption was her consolation prize, courtesy of Rent the Runway. She had been coveting the dress for months, with its contrasting satin bodice in the perfect shade of blue.Hanukkah blue, she’d decided. If Tiffany could have its own hue, then the two-thousand-plus-year-old holiday had the right to claim a shade, too.
An oversized, yet understated bow detail along the side created a gathered look, making her feel like the perfect present. Nora sighed. It would’ve looked great on the deck of the Matzo Baller, against the glittery Manhattan skyline.
“Putting it on my wish list. Maybe Hanukkah Harry will come through.”
Buy at least two, my ass. Britesmith didn’t pay her nearly enough to buy one. She’d had to dip into her Florida February vacation fund for the rental gown.
Even if she could justify the price tag by wearing it more than once over the eight nights of Hanukkah, something else would have to be sacrificed. Like half a month’s rent…which really wouldn’t fly, now that Libby was moving out.
At least her end-of-the-year bonus would cover that shortfall until she could find a replacement. And make working all weekend to prep for Team Hayseed’s arrival a little more bearable.
Time for that mule.
* * *
Alex Beckman stood near the entryway, trying to blend in. Not an easy feat, seeing as every other co-worker either wore an ugly Christmas sweater, or was trying to out-sexy the sexy Mrs. Claus from the next cubicle over. He was a bit surprised, considering how much of a melting pot New York City was. He’d expected the Manhattan office’s holiday party to not be so–
“So this is Christmas…”
A group of women swayed and sang, nearly sloshing their crushed candy-cane-rimmed martini glasses all over his suit. Tinsel seemed to be their accessory of choice, although one had mini Christmas light bulb earrings that flashed in time to the classic song they were currently butchering.
He’d expected Manhattan to color with more than just the red and green crayons from the Crayola box.
Alex took another sip from his copper cup. At least the drinks were ice cold, and the vodka premium. It was currently warming the pit of his stomach, empty save for the package of pretzels he’d consumed on the plane. The sugared cranberries were a nice touch, but he had tossed the useless green sprig of whatever the garnish was before it poked him up the nose.
Jewish guy problems…
He probably should’ve just waited until Monday to visit the office. Get – and give – a better first impression. But the CEO’s idea of welcoming him to town had included hijacking the company car sent to the airport and detouring him here.
To this holly jolly nightmare.
Cocktail tables draped in red and green cloth enlivened the corporate landscape. Each had a plastic tea candle and poinsettia centerpiece. Some poor lacky played Santa in the corner, a faux snow path leading to his gilded chair. The karaoke girls were now taking turns perching on his lap, roaring with laughter and taking selfies.
Christmas was still almost a week away, and tonight was the first night of Hanukkah. Alex had hoped the last minute assignment would’ve gotten his mind off the fact that it was the first holiday without his grandfather. But even without any trace of the Festival of Lights, the thought kept bobbing to the surface, like the cranberries in his drink.
A group of guys were doing shots by the DJ booth on the company’s dime. Their loosened ties and rolled shirtsleeves told Alex they’d wasted no time punching out early on a Friday afternoon to get the party started. They seemed like the happy-go-lucky sort that might even call him over to bond and throw one back.
Come Monday, their personnel files – and their fates – might very likely be in his hands.
