Page 58 of Mail Order Christmas (Hawthorne Billionaire 5)

“I gotta go to the bathroom but I’ll come back in a few,” I called out, practically running.

I turned the corner to the hallway of the bathroom, then stopped and bent down, pretending to fix my elf slipper. I glanced in the men’s direction. They were laughing, and Charlie was talking about food.

Perfect. Maybe they’ll be gone for a bit to get food.

As soon as I saw them turn to the food court, I ran back to the security office and barged through the door. Toby was at his desk on the phone but waved me in. I took that opportunity to casually walk around, looking at the monitors. I could see the workshop was under heavy surveillance. The only angle I couldn’t see, knowing the workshop, was the backside of it. That wouldn’t help me much. I’d still need to get in the door.

If I move Santa’s chair over two feet, I could crawl around from behind and squeeze in.

Toby was still on the phone with what sounded like a disgruntled customer. I placed the bear on his desk, pointed to my watch and waved. He nodded and went back to the call. I ran back to the workshop and purposely walked around the back, looking at my options.

“What are you doing back there?” Sherry laughed. “I just got you in a picture. It’s really cute.”

The family whose picture I interrupted was laughing, looking at the screen. I took one last glance at the path I could use later, then I joined them looking at the picture.

“I’m really sorry about that. We can retake them quickly.” I sat my purse down.

“Are you kidding? These are great. You should do that more often,” the lady smiled. “An elf in the background behind Santa is adorable.”

They paid for the pictures, with me in them, then the next group came in. They had overheard what happened and asked if I could do it in their picture as well. I agreed so I could get a better look at things. While I was back there, I noticed that I could possibly crawl into the workshop from the side behind Santa’s chair, but I’d need time back there to pry it open a little.

If I offer the elf in the picture for everyone, I can do it gradually.

“Sherry, print out one of the pictures with me in the background and offer it to everyone,” I said. “Maybe it’ll get people talking and more will come here.”

“Good idea. I don’t think the mall people will care.” Sherry printed one up while I called the next group over. “Would you like the option of an elf in the background?”

Each group that came up liked the idea, making it possible for me to create a small opening to get in. Santa had gotten up to stretch when we had a lull in the line and I took that opening to move his chair over just slightly. I was feeling a little better about my situation for the night, but I was going to have to be careful.

“How’s that eye doing, Rocky?” Gunner asked from inside the snow machine zone. “This is pretty cool.”

Seriously? This huge tough guy likes the fake snow? I just might like him now.

“Asher asked us to stop by to make sure you were okay.” Gunner brushed snow off his hair. “That’s for sure gonna be a black eye. He wants to know if you’d like to go to the doctor.”

“You checked it and said I’m good. It just looks bad.” I shrugged it off. “Tell him no worries. Elves are magical and it’ll be all better by morning.”

That was a joke. Why are they staring at me like that? What did I say?

“Is there something wrong?” I asked suspiciously. “You don’t believe in elf magic or something?”

“You’re a funny girl, Red,” Charlie chuckled. “We gotta get back to our work.”

The mall was closing and no one else had gotten in line. I told Sherry to go ahead and leave. Santa Eddie was pacing around like he was going to make a run for it. I knew he probably had his girlfriend waiting in the car for him.

“Eddie, you can go ahead, too. I’m used to closing up myself.” I handed him two candy canes. “Share these with her.”

“With who?” He played confused.

“The cute blonde, no doubt sitting in her car just outside the main doors.” I shoved him. “Get out of here.”

“Thanks, Paige, see you tomorrow,” Santa Eddie said, already leaving. “Take care of that eye.”

“I will.” I waved bye.

I avoided looking up at the camera so as to not draw attention to myself. I could see it blinking. Once in a while, it would beep and move. I couldn’t look but I listened for a pattern, in case it would help when I got in the workshop. Brad was gesturing for me to come over. I clicked off the snow machine and closed out the register and made my way over, candy canes in hand.

“Brad, you never forget me,” I smiled at him. “Did you get your girl something for Christmas yet?”

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