Angie hoped not too.
‘If you ever see one of my guards hanging out too long, feel free to contact me. Sometimes those guys lose track of time on their breaks.’
The door opened, and he stepped inside. ‘Mrs Theroux said you worked here before?’
‘Who?’
‘Maya Theroux. Head of Human Resources. You are Angie Martinelli, right?’
As if someone would pretend to work at the booth. What would they steal? Mall maps? ‘Yes. I didn’t realize her last name had changed.’ There wasn’t much time during their interview to catch up on Maya’s married life. Not that she would have shared willingly.
The lights flipped on, and once again, Angie walked back in time. The cramped space still looked the same. When she worked there during high school, she and Reese had free rein of the booth during Angie’s shifts.
Mall maps were stacked haphazardly to one side of the desk, and food wrappers littered the floor. Stuart stepped on them as if they were carpet. He lifted a walkie talkie from one of the cradles. ‘If you need a break, you can use this to call one of us to fill in. Timecards are over here. Santa tickets here.’
‘Santa tickets?’
‘Yes, you’re in charge of the sales for Breakfast with Santa each Sunday through Christmas. There’s an information sheet here. The cap is twenty-five kids per session.’
‘Wow, there are a lot more events here than I remember.’
Stuart nodded. ‘We’re competing with the online market, so we are trying to attract more people to the mall.’
Angie doubted the events would change many people’s minds, but she kept her mouth shut.
Stuart explained about the coupon books for customers, the Lost and Found bin, and the app for the mall toting discounts as well. ‘There might be more interest when the Christmas scavenger hunt comes along. That’s next Friday. We’re supposed to double the numbers from last year.’
‘What is that?’
‘All of the stores will have a theme, and those participating will stop at each location based on the clues and take proof to the final event. The theme for our booth is Santa’s Workshop and we’re handing out paper presents.’ Stuart smiled as if the idea would win him a promotion.
Angie glanced around the space. ‘Where are we getting these paper presents?’
Stuart nodded to a stack of construction paper. ‘You’ll work on that first.’
‘I have to make them?’
Someone rapped on the metal covering, and Angie jumped.
‘It’s time to open.’ Stuart showed Angie where to hold to get the shade to move upward. ‘Make sure you lock it into these holes here.’
An older woman stood outside. Her poof of white hair appeared freshly styled, and a small Yorkie peeked out of her handbag. Angie knew dogs outside of service ones weren’t allowed, but Stuart didn’t even notice.
‘How can I help you?’ Angie asked.
‘I need a map. I have no idea where any store is,’ the woman said. ‘Don’t you have one of those big electronic ones?’
Stuart started to answer, but Angie spoke first. ‘Those maps are on the far ends of each level of the mall near the elevators. I do have paper ones right here if you prefer.’
‘That would be lovely, dear,’ the old woman said, accepting the folded map.
After the woman left, Angie sat in the chair with her arms over her chest.
Stuart shrugged. ‘Looks like you have everything covered here. I’ll leave you to it.’
When she was finally alone, she took in the state of the booth. She had work to do to make her area more conducive to getting her job done.
Angie started by cleaning the floor. A broom and dustpan leaned against the far corner. Within minutes she could walk around without crunching over leftovers. Stacking the maps was easy enough, and she managed to change a light bulb above the desk which had been out for who knew how long.
In no time, the booth felt like hers again. With the feeling of nostalgia in her heart, she helped everyone who came to the booth with a smile. The pressure of the season weighed on them as much as their packages and Angie didn’t want to add to that.
After a few hours, she fell into a groove close to where she had been at her previous job. It wasn’t anything grand like a party for hundreds of hotel guests, but she enjoyed leading people to where they wanted to be.
In her few minutes of downtime between customers, Angie pulled out the instructions for the paper presents. Stuart had said they were expecting at least a hundred, if not more. That was a lot of cutting she’d have to do on her own. Angie debated bringing home the tracing outline she had created to make the job easier, but she wanted to see how the rest of the week went. Her job wasn’t difficult, so she had to appear as busy as possible in case Maya came down to check on her.
The thought of Maya’s scrutinizing expression sent a jolt of fear through her. She glanced at the wandering crowds around her. Maya wouldn’t stroll up to the booth. She would sneakily watch from afar to make sure Angie wasn’t slacking off.
But, instead of meeting Maya’s hard gaze, Angie spotted another familiar face. Nick’s friendly smile struck her as he approached the booth.
Chapter 8
Nick wasn’t sure if stopping by the booth put him too close to the metaphorical flame. Angie had no idea he worked so close to her. All he knew was the draw in her direction was strong, and he had to figure out why.
‘Hi,’ he said when he was close enough to glimpse her unmistakable smile.
‘Hello again,’ Angie said. ‘Are you here for lunch?’
The truth rested on the tip of his tongue. He made a non-committal sound. ‘What are you up to?’ He gestured at the construction paper spread across the desk.
‘There’s a scavenger hunt next week. These presents are the clue for the booth. Apparently, I have to wear an elf hat. Can you tell how happy I am?’ She gave him a deadpan look.
‘I’ll be sure to stop by,’ he said smiling.
Angie laughed and the sound struck him. ‘Well, you’re going to have a lot of competition. I hear the event is big.’
One of the biggest of the season. The marketing team had come up with it the year before to bring more crowds to the mall closer to Christmas. They went all in with the advertising this year with newspaper articles and on the online forums for families. The prizes were even better with the donations coming from local businesses in the community.
Nick didn’t tell Angie any of this. For some reason, his mouth couldn’t form the words.
Angie leaned against the edge of the desk. ‘Did you get your Christmas shopping done?’
‘Not yet. I don’t even have a tree.’
‘Your girlfriend hasn’t pushed you to get one?’
‘My girlfriend?’
Angie’s lips twisted and her gaze fell to her hands. ‘I wasn’t sure.’
She wanted to know if he was single. Did that mean she was interested? If so, that had to mean she didn’t have a boyfriend. At least he hoped.
‘Real or fake?’ she asked, meeting his eyes again.
‘Girlfriend?’
Laughter burst through her, and she shook her head, curling a chunk of hair around her ear. ‘I mean real or fake Christmas tree.’
He matched her smile. ‘In the past, I’ve had a real one.’ It was the only way to go as far as he was concerned. He could forget about the fake ones from his more recent past as he had a feeling Angie was the traditional type.
‘Where I used to work, we filled the lobby and spaces with real trees. It helped put me in the spirit since there was no snow.’
‘Do you miss California?’
‘Not right now,’ she said, holding his gaze. ‘I prefer having seasons. As cold as it gets here, it’s nice to have a white Christmas.’
‘That would involve snow, which we seriously lack this year.’
‘Have some faith.’
Nick’s phone buzzed from his pocket. He had to get back to work, b
ut all he wanted to do was talk with Angie in the booth for the rest of the day. Her interest in him had changed their dynamic completely.
‘Did you want to have lunch together again?’ he asked. ‘Or dinner. Breakfast, even. I’m not picky.’ Desperation dripped from his words and he clamped his lips together before he said anything else to embarrass himself. Nick wasn’t sure what reaction he expected, but it wasn’t her stepping away with a frown tugging at her lips. ‘Or not? Sorry, did I say something wrong?’
Angie glanced at her desk, tucking her hair behind her ears. While he thought it was a flirtatious gesture, she looked nervous. The silky ends brushed over her shoulders. ‘I want to be honest with you. I just got out of a bad breakup.’
‘Oh,’ Nick said.
‘I’m not ready for anything more.’
‘I wasn’t implying …’ he said, even though that was exactly what he had been doing.
‘But if you need help finding a Christmas tree, I can help you out.’
Nick understood bad breakups. He wouldn’t push, but he still wanted to get to know her. If she wanted a friend, he would be that. ‘That would be great. When are you free?’
Angie reached over to the clipboard hanging from the wall. ‘Looks like I’m working the afternoon shift Sunday. How about we go that morning when the nursery opens?’
‘That would be great. Send me the address.’
Angie reached into her pocket for her phone. ‘Don’t tell my boss I’m on my phone.’
‘Your secret’s safe with me.’
Angie added Nick’s number into her phone and then texted him her address and the one for the nursery.
‘See you around ten?’ she said. ‘I should probably get back to work on these presents.’
‘I’m looking forward to it,’ Nick said before turning away from her.
David was right. Getting out of the office did do him good. He had an excuse to see Angie again outside of the sticky situation around his work.
***
On Saturday night, Nick arrived at the restaurant for the business meeting five minutes before he was supposed to.
Even though his father was rarely late, Nick didn’t want to entertain his father’s college friend on his own. It was freezing outside and he hoped Quinn wouldn’t run too much later.
The Christmas season touched every corner of the waiting area. Red and gold ribbons wrapped around the potted trees, while several tall decorated Christmas trees stood among the tables in the dining area.
‘Are you Nick Bower?’ a woman said from next to him. The blonde stood from the bench seat. Her fur coat surrounded her neck as if it were a pet.
‘Yes,’ he said, not recognizing her at all.
Relief flashed across her face. ‘Good, you’re the third person I’ve asked so far. I’m Ivy. Jared Kent’s daughter.’
Nick took her hand, still confused. ‘Is he running late?’ But why would he send his daughter instead of calling his father and postponing the dinner?
Ivy tugged at the silky strands of hair cascading down one shoulder. ‘It took me a minute to figure it out, too.’ She lifted her phone from the pocket of her jacket. ‘I tried calling and texting my dad, but he hasn’t answered yet.’
Ivy glanced to the side toward the dining area as realization flooded Nick’s body.
‘This is a setup,’ he said.
Ivy sighed and lifted her eyes to the ceiling. ‘This isn’t the first time he’s tried this. I wondered if your dad would have told you.’
‘He didn’t,’ Nick said.
Her cheeks flushed pink and anxiety flashed across her blue eyes. She seemed as embarrassed by the set up as he was. ‘We don’t have to do this.’
Nick sighed. Quinn hadn’t ever set Nick up on a blind date before. It seemed strange that his dad would be on the same page as David in wanting to interfere with his love life. ‘Are you hungry? We’re already here.’
‘Are you sure?’ Ivy asked, tilting her head to the side.
‘I am.’ Nick walked over to the host station. They learned the reservation was under Nick’s name.
The host escorted them to a seat against the back window, overlooking the water’s edge. It was too dark to see much other than the reflections of the city lights. Behind them stood one of the taller decorated trees in the restaurant. Ivy pinched one of the needles between her manicured fingers.
‘Is it real or fake?’ Nick asked.
‘Fake,’ she said.
‘I doubt they want to send any allergic customers home in an ambulance.’
‘I prefer the fake ones too,’ Ivy said. ‘I can’t stand all those needles everywhere. My mother has been pestering me to put up my tree, but I can’t seem to find the time.’
‘The real ones smell nice, though.’ Nick thought of Angie and their conversation from earlier. He could have told Ivy that he hadn’t ever put up a real tree at his place on his own, but he hoped that would change when he and Angie went to the nursery together.
‘It does. But there is a spray for that,’ she said laughing. Nick couldn’t help but think about the way that Angie had laughed earlier. He wished it was her sitting across from him. There was no reason to make a big deal about the setup tonight and ruin a connection with his father’s friend, but he felt that he should try and let her know that he wasn’t romantically interested.
‘What do you do, Ivy?’
‘I work with my father, at his real estate firm,’ she said.
‘How is it working with him?’
‘How is it working with any father from his generation?’
Nick smirked. He knew better than anyone what that felt like.
Ivy sucked in a breath as if she wanted to say more. Nick waited for her to speak. ‘I’m not the type to overly apologize for anyone’s behavior, but I hate how my dad involved you in this. He’s not fond of my dating choices, and he’s always interfering. I suppose he thought by making it seem like a business dinner, that it would fool me. I honestly don’t want to waste your time. You seem great, but I’m still working it out with my ex. He’s across the country now, but I’m hoping things will change soon.’
Nick let out a relieved breath. He didn’t know what Angie wanted, but he didn’t want anything to get in the middle of a possibility.
Ivy reached across the table to shake his hand. ‘Friends?’
From then on, conversation flowed with Ivy. But as much as Nick enjoyed getting to know her, neither lingered after the check came.
‘I’ll pay,’ Ivy said, reaching for it.
‘No way,’ Nick said, sliding the small tray closer to him.
Ivy pinched the side of the tray. Her grip was strong. ‘It’s the least I could do.’
‘It wasn’t your fault and I had a nice time,’ Nick said.
‘How about we split it?’
Nick sighed. ‘Okay.’
Ivy smiled again. She had seemed a little stiff at first, but they had fallen into a groove which he was grateful for.
Once the check was paid, they walked to the coat check together. ‘Well, I hope you have a nice holiday. If I don’t see you.’
‘You as well.’ Nick waited a few seconds before heading out after her. Without Ivy around, a spike of anger rushed through him. He couldn’t believe his dad had set him up like that. His father had a lot of explaining to do the next time he spoke with him.
***
Sunday morning, Nick stood in front of the bathroom mirror, fixing the collar of his sweater. With each passing day, the temperature dipped, yet there was still no snow in sight. At least Angie couldn’t cancel their trip because of bad weather.
The nursery was about a half hour away, and he offered to drive. It would give him more of an opportunity to talk to her on the way there and back. Even though she wasn’t interested in dating, there were other ways to get to know someone.
The afternoon before, Nick had swapped his car for David’s truck so he could bring the tree to his apartment without strapping it to
the roof of his car.
Nick didn’t give David any other information, as he was determined to avoid an over the top interrogation. His chance with Angie stood before him, but he didn’t want to jinx anything. She wanted to be friends, and that was what she was going to get from him.
Charlie whined from the doorway. Nick patted his leg to call her over. She trotted next to him and plopped her butt on the tile floor. She leaned her head against his leg, and he scratched her favorite spot.
‘I’m not going all day, Char,’ he said. ‘I’ll be back this afternoon.’ Nick almost wished he could have swapped Angie’s shift, but that would have crossed the blurry gray line between boss and employee. Besides, he wasn’t going to deny her a paycheck for his benefit.
Nick gave Charlie a few more scratches before texting Angie to let her know that he was on his way.
***
Angie’s home was in the suburbs, outside of the busy downtown. It seemed as if almost all the houses showed off their own personal spin on Christmas with lights, garlands on the windows, and wreaths on the doors. It was a stark contrast to his apartment building where maybe a few on each floor had some decoration.
Nick did a double take at the address when he came across one house without an inch of free space in the front yard or on the roof. It was a Christmas wonderland. It wasn’t Angie’s house, but it certainly made a statement among the other houses in the neighborhood.
Angie walked out of the house next door, the blue one with a Christmas tree in the front window and a modest number of lights hanging from the porch. She waved him over, and he pulled into the driveway.
Nick wanted to help her with the door, but she was already outside the truck by the time he stopped.
Angie hopped inside, ‘Good morning,’ she chimed, rubbing her gloved hands together in front of the vents. The fluffy pom-pom on top of her gray knitted hat fluttered as the warm air blasted in her direction. Today, her hair was wavy, different than the smooth, straight style she usually wore.
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