Page 78 of Mail Order Christmas (Hawthorne Billionaire 5)

“Ash, come back. We’re just teasing you,” Sawyer called out.

I walked back and filled August in on the lost cell and talking to my phone like it’s a person.

“I like this side of you, this cell phone girlfriend and seeing elves at night.” August smacked me on the back. “And you’re sober. So where is this girl tonight?”

“I don’t know, but the pictures I just got are of this party.” I scanned the room. “She’s here.”

“This is fun. We just need to find a female on a cell,” Sawyer grinned. “That shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“She did say she bought a new sparkly case,” I remembered. “I don’t know if it’s the truth, though.”

“Is that elf talking to Imogen the one you had your mishaps with?” Sawyer pointed to the far side of the room. “Different hair, but it looks like her from here.”

“It does look like her. Does she have a black eye?” I cringed hearing myself ask it.

“A black eye? I feel another story here.” August looked from myself to Sawyer.

“I accidentally gave her a black eye when I lost control of my cell, this cell,” I tried to explain.

My cell buzzed with a text message. I showed August and Sawyer the pictures she sent of the fireplace and the workshop.

“Here goes my cell again. She wants us to give each other clues.”

“Wait, that picture has the three of us together in the background.” August took my cell and zoomed. “This had to have been taken in the last few minutes.”

We all scanned the room now. “I should be able to spot her.”

Another text came in.“Have you danced yet, or should I send you a how-to-dance video?”

“Depends on the kind of dance. Have you danced?”

A picture came of the dance floor.“I can do the robot…get it? I’m like a robot. Lol”

“She’s funny. Where is this girl? We should be able to spot her.” Sawyer looked over my shoulder. “See if she’ll meet you.”

“I’ve tried that before. Honestly, I’m not sure I want to ruin what I have going,” I shrugged. “I like not knowing. I feel less vain.”

“Little brother, I’m proud of you,” August laughed.

“You’re only four minutes older, so knock It off,” I growled. “Be useful. Go ask Imogen what that elf was talking to her about.”

“You think that’s her?” August handed me his drink. “She’s pretty.”

“No, I’m just curious what they’re talking about. She might be upset about that black eye,” I explained. “She doesn’t know I’m the owner that’s renovating this mall.”

“Who does she think you are?” August asked. “Wait, she thinks you’re some random guy? You didn’t tell a pretty girl your name?”

“Is that her over there by the buffet on her cell?” Sawyer pointed. “Send her a text, let’s see if that girl texts.”

“Hey Apple, have you had anything to eat yet?”

“I’m a cell phone. I only eat electricity.”

“No, not her. She put her cell down.” August looked over at my texts. “You like this girl?”

“I like her and, for once, I don’t care what she looks like. She makes me feel happy.” I slid my cell in my pocket. “I am worried it could be a kid and I’ll be in legal trouble.”

“Look around, dude. There’s literally no children here,” Sawyer said. “What about the security cameras?”

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