The Holiday Gamble

by Sam E. Kraemer

  David smiled. “Well, tell her she has my vote for the winner in any cookie contest. You need a ride?” David asked him as they both bundled up to face the cold Philadelphia night. Snow was predicted, and as the two men stepped out the back door, the flakes falling from the sky proved the weatherman was right—at least that time.

  “Thanks, but I get the bus around the corner that takes me to the stop in front of my building. It was nice to meet you, David. Uh, make sure to put the date on the memory card before you turn it in for order fulfillment. When you turn it in, you’ll get a new one to use tomorrow night. Here’s your cut,” Cris told him as he handed the guy a ten and a five from the sixty dollars they’d received in tips.

  “What the hell is this?” David asked as he looked at the ten and five.

  Cris smiled. “Some of the parents with the more difficult kids tip me if I take a little extra time with them, and I share the tips with the elves. It’s just that some of the kids are a little scared of Santa, so I speak to them quietly and try to make sure they’re not frightened. The parents appreciate it. See you tomorrow.”

  Cris pulled on a black wool cap, before he glanced back to see David standing on the parking lot with a confused look on his face, and it made Cris smile. Maybe stunning the guy was a good idea.

  If he surprised David enough, maybe Cris could ask him to go out for dinner after Christmas? It was definitely worth a shot.

  Chapter 3

  Ridge stood on the parking lot of Holiday Toys and watched the sexiest man he’d ever seen… including the Greek twins… walk toward the glass-enclosed bus stop in front of the family toy store, his heart beating a merengue rhythm in his chest.

  It was the store where Ridge had been assigned to serve his penance as one of Santa’s helpers for the holiday season. It was the store he’d cursed all day, and until the very moment he walked out of the breakroom and ran into the Jolly Old Elf with the mesmerizing eyes, he’d hated it. The eyes had stopped Ridge dead in his tracks and left him speechless.

  He watched Cris board the bus, and then Ridge walked over to Patsy’s old Impala he’d borrowed, giving her the use of his BMW until after Christmas. If he was to play the part of a common man, he was going to play it for the Oscar. He’d be the best photography elf anyone had ever seen.

  Ridge made the quick decision to substitute one of his personal cameras for the piece of crap he was shown at the store when he had to actually interview for the job. The company had been in the family for years, but if Ridge wanted his trust fund back, JD was going to make him grovel for it.

  “Son, you’ve fucked around, and I’ve held my tongue. Your mother said you needed time to find your place in the family, so I’ve waited to say anything or press a course of action with you, looking for a sign that you care about this family’s business.

  “Elliot has always been interested in the company, but you… you have interests that have nothing to do with this family’s legacy. I’ve kept my mouth shut and waited for you to pursue them because I hoped to see you have a passion for anything, but so far, nothing but yourself.

  “Your pictures are good, great even, but instead of trying to become a serious photographer, trying to be the best you can be, you’ve chosen to become a playboy. I just can’t allow it any longer, Eldridge.

  “I’ve frozen your trust. You have one thousand dollars in your checking account right now, and your credit cards are shut down. Here’s an address for an apartment you’ll have access to until January first… your birthday.

  “On January second, there will be an executive meeting at Holiday Toys’ headquarters, and I hope to hell by then you’ve learned how to conduct yourself as a proper member of this family. If not, I’m not sure how you’ll ever make a life for yourself without your mother and I watching over you. It’s time to grow up, Peter Pan,” his father told him on Thanksgiving afternoon.

  Ridge was frozen to his spot in the sitting room after his father left him alone, unsure which way was up. When Leo Holiday walked into the room and looked around, his hands shoved into the pocket of his jeans, Ridge heard a laugh. “You look like you just got shot out of a cannon, Grandson,” the older man told him.

  “Was he serious with that shit? He’s cutting me off and kicking me out?” Ridge asked, unable to move from the couch.

  His grandfather’s raucous laughter wasn’t appreciated. The larger-than-life man sat down and placed a hand on Ridge’s shoulder. “You got off easy, young man. When your father was twenty-five, I dumped him out in South Philly with nothing but his driver’s license. He had one year to prove he was worthy of working for me, and I didn’t look back when I drove away.

  “Of course, your grandma was pissed at me, and didn’t speak to me for the entire year, until your father was home and managing the downtown store, but it made him take a second look at what we were trying to accomplish in the family. Helped him make up his mind about his future accomplishments, too.

  “Your father is why we partner with several of the youth clubs around Philly and donate a ton of toys for the holiday season. He worked his way around a few community centers that year, getting a first-hand look at how hard the struggle is for a lot of people, especially families.

  “After that, your dad came home and worked his ass off for the company, first as the manager of the downtown store, then moved up to the corporate level. I easily gave in when he requested donations for the charities where he’d worked over the time he was on his own. Made me damn proud to know him.

  “Your brother didn’t need such a harsh lesson, because he’s always been invested in the business, working at various stores around town from when he was sixteen until going off to college, which is why he’s the COO. You, however, have enjoyed the fruits of our labor, and you don’t want to contribute to the collective benefit.

  “It’s time to sink or swim, Eldridge,” his grandfather told him before he kissed his temple and left the room. Ridge was stunned, but he wasn’t going to let down his family. It just might take him a little longer to figure it out.

  Meeting Cris and the others earlier in the evening had been an eye-opening experience. The handsome man was taking care of a sister, having lost their parents in what sounded like a robbery/homicide.

  It hadn’t actually sunk in for Ridge how Cris must feel about losing his parents, and then having to take care of his little sister. When Ridge studied the man playing Santa through the lens of the camera, he was stunned at what he saw.

  Seeing Cris’ face light up when he talked to the kids was like a jolt to Ridge’s mind and body. The unfettered joy emanating from Cris as he interacted with the small humans of all ages made Cris shine like a star… a star Ridge wished was aimed in his direction.

  Cris was looking for a fancy dress for his little sister, so she could go to a high school dance, treating it as though it was his mission in life. Watching Cris calling various consignment shops on their second break actually humbled Ridge, because even though it didn’t seem as if any of the thrift shops had what Cris was seeking, he didn’t give up.

  The man in the Santa suit was unlike anyone Ridge had ever met in his entire life. Oh, the Holiday men were all good people, to be sure, but there was something about Cris Gamble that put him on a whole different level.

  The thing that struck Ridge was someone who appeared to have as little as Cris, could remain so upbeat and positive, even when he was faced with an insurmountable challenge, like raising his teen sister after the death of their parents. The fact it didn’t seem to deter him, was a telltale sign that Cris Gamble was a much better person than Ridge could ever hope to be.

  Add to that conundrum, Ridge believed Santa to be sexy as hell with muscles that went on for days. He also smelled incredible when the man was kneeling on the floor behind the stage to adjust Ridge’s red-and-white tights for him. To say Ridge was hooked on the man? Understatement.

  It was a lethal combination for Ridge, and he was sure he’d have a hard time letting go o
f the memory. Ridge didn’t know what to do with a man like Cris, but he wanted to do something with him. Figuring out how would be the more significant challenge.

  Ridge continued to recollect the feeling of Cris’ hands on his legs as Santa straightened his candy-cane hosiery that night and offered a glowing grin. Ridge could have lived forever on that man’s smile and touch alone.

  Upon arriving at the address of the apartment his father had secured for him, Ridge found it to be a less than luxurious building. In fact, it was a dump, which helped to hit home JD’s directive that he learn how to live without the free-wheeling lifestyle he’d enjoyed before the hammer fell. He already knew the object lesson was going to suck.

  Ridge climbed the stairs to his apartment and turned the key to open the door. He was relieved to see the room was clean, but tiny. It was a studio apartment where everything was in one, crowded space. At least there was a private bathroom.

  “You should be grateful it’s indoors,” Ridge told himself, remembering the mood he’d found his father in that Thanksgiving afternoon that could have easily left him homeless, like his father had been when Leo took matters into his own hands.

  His mother didn’t weigh in one way or another on anything regarding Ridge’s exile from the manse and the family, which was worrisome. Elaine Holiday was rarely silent on anything.

  The pricey, monogrammed luggage Ridge had used during his extensive travels was waiting for him in the middle of his studio apartment, not yet unpacked. There was a queen-sized bed, a futon against the other wall, and a small television stationed on an ugly entertainment center in the middle of the room.

  Ridge saw a cheap smartphone on a tiny table near the kitchenette, which was home to a small stove, refrigerator, and a sink. No dishwasher.

  Touring the apartment took approximately forty-eight seconds, where Ridge learned the place had the necessities, down to some staples in the fridge and cabinets. It was the bare basics of pots, pans, and dishware, along with kitchen utensils Ridge didn’t have the slightest idea how to use.

  Ridge read the back of some boxes in a cupboard to see that he had all of the ingredients needed to make himself pancakes or biscuits, which wasn’t anything he ever anticipated doing. Thankfully, the directions seemed simple enough.

  He retrieved a skillet from the cabinet, grabbed eggs from the fridge, and found vegetable oil in the cupboard, which was required for the recipe he’d studied on the back of the box. Ridge was actually excited to make himself breakfast for dinner.

  It was like a test, and Ridge never backed down from a challenge, which was what his life had become since his father had given him the boot. JD was upset, and based on Ridge’s recent behavior, he wasn’t exactly surprised.

  Ridge was determined he’d survive the change of lifestyle his father had forced on him. He only had to live in that place for about six weeks. How hard could it be? He’d survived the wilds of Africa, for fuck’s sake!

  Ridge Holiday had camped in Tanzania for longer than six weeks with his brother, Elliot… well, their trip wouldn’t precisely be labeled as camping, but they were in the wilderness of the Serengeti, at a campsite doing something that was called glamping. It was cool, and Ridge enjoyed himself, even with Elliot for company.

  After the trip, Ridge was able to sell some photos to the guide company for their website, using the money to host a fabulous party in Johannesburg when they returned to civilization. Of course, his suck-up of a brother went back home straight away.

  As he considered the time they’d spent in Africa, Ridge wished to fuck he had that money back, looking at the subpar furnishings he’d be living with for the near future. Maybe his father had a point about what a selfish brat he’d been?

  “Well, JD, challenge accepted,” Ridge announced to no one. He made three pancakes which tasted dreadful. They were both uncooked in the middle and burned on both sides, so he chucked the batter, opting for a grilled cheese.

  It was burned on one side because he’d been fucking around with the cheap smartphone, but at least it was edible, or so he thought. He’d only turned away for a minute, but he thought it would be fine.

  Ridge took a seat at the counter and took in his surroundings, determining without a doubt they were fucking bleak. It wasn’t the first time he’d had to endure less than desirable accommodations. Prep school hadn’t been a picnic either.

  Ridge was determined he could easily survive six weeks in a studio apartment working as a photographer for a sexy Santa. There had to be worse jobs in the world, he was sure, and he had a damn good incentive to succeed… his trust fund. Cris Gamble was just like a cherry on top.

  Chapter 4

  From the first day of his employment at Holiday Toys, Ridge Holiday had done everything he could imagine he needed to do to become a model employee. It worked for the first week, but he wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to keep up the charade.

  Ridge was pretty sure JD Holiday had someone spying on him and reporting his every move, so he showed up early for work, mostly to ensure he was wearing his tights properly. He’d even gone so far as to re-stuff the toes of his elf shoes, so they curled perfectly.

  The previous Thursday, Ridge had paid close attention to the kind words Cris offered to some of the kids who seemed to have a problem being around a crowd. Ridge could immediately see an adjustment that needed to be made if the Santa visit was to be a success in all of the stores.

  He decided to shoot a text to his father, asking for him to make a change that might benefit the store and the community it served. He hated that he had to use the shitty phone he’d found in his studio apartment that first night, but it was his only option.

  JD—I suggest we consider creating quiet hours for Santa visits for kids who have special needs. No lines for them to wait in. A more comfortable environment for them to visit Santa. We can give out numbers to the parents and have quiet rooms for them to use while they wait for their visit. The Santa I’m working with is excellent at working with kids who are on the spectrum. Maybe consult someone familiar with autism for advice on how to go about it, exactly? Ridge

  His father didn’t respond to him directly, which put Ridge on edge. He went to work on the seventh of December to find everyone hovering at the bulletin board. “Hey, check this out,” Cocoa, the elf, suggested as she pointed to a memo pinned to the cork.

  Greetings, Holiday Toys Family -

  The holiday season is upon us, and we at Holiday Toys, endeavor to ensure every visitor to our stores enjoys their time with us. It has been brought to our attention that Holiday Toys can better serve some of our more exceptional customers by designating Monday nights and Saturday mornings as ‘Quiet Visits’ to see Santa Claus.

  There will be a website for parents to book visits every fifteen minutes for their children who prefer to avoid crowds, and each store will prepare a quiet room with treats for the guests to enjoy as they wait for their appointments.

  In addition to the toys we donate to charities around Philadelphia to ensure as many kids as possible have a wonderful Christmas, Holiday Toys will also donate one hundred percent of the profits from Santa’s Wonderland photography packages to organizations that support charities focused on children with special needs in our community.

  Every customer matters. We look forward to expanding our outreach into the neighborhoods we occupy, to assist with services for those in need. If you have questions or suggestions to help us reach our goal, please make an appointment to meet with a human resources representative.

  Happy Holidays!

  Your Holiday Family

  As Ridge stood in front of the bulletin board, he tried like hell to keep from smiling at what he’d read. Finally, his father had seen value in something he had to offer, and he felt a sense of pride for his contribution. It was a new thing for him.

  “That’s so great,” he heard behind him, turning to see Cris standing close to him. Ridge could smell his cologne, and he felt himself harden in his
jeans, not yet having dressed in the elf costume for the evening. Thank Rudolph, I waited!

  Ridge was still reluctant to turn around because he wasn’t sure Santa couldn’t tell his photographer elf’s dick was pounding against the zipper. Embarrassing himself wasn’t the goal.

  “It’s just the man trying to score points for another demographic. Bet they’ll charge more for the pictures,” Ridge challenged, just to see if anyone had a bone to pick with management.

  Cris laughed as he stepped away from where he’d been standing behind Ridge. “I don’t think that’ll happen. This company is terrific about customer service and maintaining its reputation, or so I’ve come to see since I started working for them a few years ago. They don’t try to milk their customers for things like that, which is why I’m happy to work here. Anyway, we better get ready for the kids,” Cris suggested, as he headed to the clothing rack in the break room to grab his red-and-white suit.

  Ridge watched Cris walk away and had to take a deep breath. The man was sex on two long legs, but he didn’t seem to realize it at all. How on earth could that be? Ridge reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out the shitty phone his father had left for him, then called his sister, Eve.

  “I can’t get you out of this one,” he heard over the line.

  “I’m not asking you to, okay? Do you have any old prom or party dresses from all of the Christmas parties we’ve attended over the years?” he asked her.

  His sister paused for a minute, before she laughed. “God, why? Are you taking up drag?” Eve joked, which reminded Ridge of the joke he’d made when Cris asked the same question of the elves the previous Monday night.