Page 3 of I Had a Threesome With Santa Claus

“Mir,” Holly said. “You’re not even Christian, you’re Jewish.”

“Half,” Miriam huffed. “Dad was raised Catholic, so I’ve always celebrated both. Now come on, I owe you a coffee.”

Holly grimaced inwardly as soon as they walked into the coffee shop, and caught sight of a familiar mop of black curls. Of course Cole would be working today.

“What brings you ladies in so early on a Saturday?” he asked as they walked up to the counter.

“Decorating for the annual Hawkins Holiday Party decorating” said Miriam cheerfully.

“Oh, is that today?” asked Cole as he rang up their usuals. “Good thing it’s on a Saturday this year. I don’t think I’ve ever served so many hungover interns as I did last time.”

Holly cringed. Last year, someone had the bright idea to throw the party on a Thursday. Half the office ended up calling in sick the following morning.

Miriam smiled brightly. “None of that this year! I insisted on going back to having the party on a Saturday. Even when it was on Friday the year before last, it wasn’t very fun since everyone was tired from work.”

“Yeah, instead we can be the only ones tired from getting up early to decorate,” Holly added.

Miriam stuck her tongue out at her while Cole handed back her change. “Well we can decorate fast so you have time for a nap.”

Cole laughed at their exchange, “Well, your coffee will be out in just a minute so you two can get back to it.”

“Thanks,” Holly said.

Miriam gave Holly a mischievous look. “Cole,” she said slyly. “Do you have any plans tonight? Because if you don’t, you should totally come to the party. It’s going to be a blast.”

Holly’s eyes widened and she tried unsuccessfully to elbow her friend.

Cole chuckled. “Isn’t it a company holiday party?” he asked.

“Well yeah,” Miriam answered. “But we can bring a guest and I know Holly isn’t bringing anyone.” Holly tried once again to nudge her friend with her elbow, but Miriam took a step forward. “You already know basically everyone there anyway-you’re one of us. Besides, once the party gets going, it’s not like anyone will notice an extra person or two. It starts at seven at the Plaza on eleventh. Just tell them you’re there for the Hawkins Holiday Party and they’ll let you right in.”

“Well maybe if I’m not too tired after my shift, I’ll pop in for just a bit,” he said as he handed them their coffees.

“Great!” Miriam gave him a wide smile. “Hope to see you there!” she said as Holly all but dragged her out the door.

“I cannot believe you just did that!” Holly exclaimed to Miriam as they walked back to the car.

“Oh, come on,” Miriam said. “He probably won’t even come. And if he does, you can finally make a move.” Holly rolled her eyes. ”Now come on,” Miriam added. “Let’s go get this done.”

Chapter 5

“I don’t know about this” Holly said to Miriam over Facetime as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was dressed in a festive red dress that was short and ruched on the sides, accentuating her curves. Miriam was comfortable in her bigger body, so it wasn’t the form fitting style that was the issue-it was the low neckline showing considerable cleavage that made her hesitate.

“Oh, come on,” Miriam exclaimed. “You look amazing. Let the girls breathe a little.”

Holly looked in the mirror and frowned. “Maybe I should just wear that black sweater that goes off the shoulder a bit with my red wool skirt.”

“I am almost positive you wore that last year,” Miriam said. “How about this-go get your black leather jacket to wear over it. Then, if you feel comfortable once we get there you can take it off, but if not, you can leave it on and still look badass.”

“I think I can do that,” Holly conceded.

“Perfect! You look great! Now I gotta go find my knee-high black boots so I’ll see you there, okay?”

“Okay, see you there.”

Later at the party

Miriam was right of course. Holly felt much more comfortable with the jacket on, less exposed. Once she got to the party, she was immediately bombarded with compliments.

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