Page 29 of Santa Is A Sl*t

I’m surprisingly nervous for as confident and excited as I’ve felt all day. I clear my throat before speaking.

“If I could have your attention for a moment, please.” The room quiets as my voice rings out across the room. “You might be wondering why I’ve forced you all to be here.”

There are a few nods of acknowledgment.

“Recently, I’ve had to make some tough choices in my role as your leader. I didn’t necessarily want to but I did what I thought was best for the company.”

I let that resonate in the room before continuing.

“I should have realized what my uncle did in all his years here. That you, the employees, are the best thing for the company. Some of you are working here as a second job or just for fun. Some of you have spent many holiday seasons with us. All of you are valuable and crucial to our goal of keeping SantaScape the best place for holiday entertainment.”

There are some eye rolls, people who don’t care for the praise I’m giving. Others are holding on for what I’m going to say next.

“That said, I need to be honest with you. SantaScape was in a worrisome position financially at the start of this season. I didn’tsee how we were going to make it. So I started making cuts. If I’m honest, I was struggling with what I could do to help and I took the easiest route I could.”

I don’t like admitting faults, I imagine most people don’t but accountability is important.

“I’m happy to tell you that there will be more changes in the future and before anyone starts booing me,” I look straight into Noel’s eyes and she shrugs as if she might behave but could just as easily entice a riot.

“In the New Year, SantaScape will be re-organizing and re-branding. The displays you see around the room are just a few examples of our plans and the beautiful decorations around the room are courtesy prototypes from our partners in this initiative, Ground Up. We look forward to connecting with them to become the most sustainable and diverse holiday decor brand while continuing to provide our seasonal entertainment.”

A round of applause goes off throughout the room.

“Appetizers, pizza, and drinks will be available for the next hour. I hope you enjoy this small token of my appreciation for all you do.”

I might have caved on the pizza party but at least I was nice enough to serve it in addition to decent food.

I step down from the podium and walk through the room.

The hour passes by quickly and before I know it, the last of the employees are leaving for the night.

“That was impressive, Nico,” Eve tells me as she kisses my cheek.

I pull her in for a real kiss before saying, “It couldn’t have happened without you. Reaching out to Ground Up was brilliant.”

A slow clap starts nearby and I look over to see Noel watching us with a smile on her face. Kane is standing right beside her, looking giddy.

Noel speaks first, “Should we visit the sleigh again? Or maybe Rudolph’s house.”

“As interesting as that sounds,” I say. “The three of you are coming home with me tonight.”

We all exchange excited glances and I’m about ready to leave. There’s just one last thing I’ve been wanting to take care of.

Closing the space between us, I reach for the back of Noel’s head and bring our mouths together. I groan when her tongue pushes past my lips.

Breaking away, I toss her over my shoulder before reaching for my keys and walking towards the exit.

“Get your things and meet me out front,” I tell the other two.

The cleaning crew will be here any minute and I want to be out of the building before they arrive.

I meant it when I said I was tired of waiting.

Tonight, they’re all mine.

Chapter Fourteen

KANE

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