Epilogue
EPILOGUE
NEXT CHRISTMAS
Rye Kringle
T he camera flashes are blinding, but I don’t flinch. I’ve gotten used to this - the attention, the admiration, the constant demand for my time and wisdom. I adjust my tie, a deep crimson that matches the upcoming holiday season, and give the photographer my signature smile. The one that graces magazine covers and makes interns swoon.
“Mr. Kringle, over here please!” Another photographer calls out, and I oblige, turning to give them my best angle.
It’s been a whirlwind year. CEO of a Fortune 500 company at 28, bestselling author of “The Kringle Method: Revolutionary Management for the Modern Age,” and now, a cover shoot for Time’s “Person of the Year” issue. I’d say it’s unbelievable, but I’ve always known I was destined for greatness .
As the shoot wraps up, my assistant, Melissa, approaches with my schedule for the day. “You have a meeting with the publisher about your next book at 2, then dinner with the mayor at 7,” she rattles off.
I nod, only half-listening. My mind is already on the next big move, the next achievement to add to my ever-growing list of accomplishments.
Just then, my phone buzzes. It’s a text from Oliver: “We need to talk. It’s about Christmas Magic.”
I roll my eyes. Oliver’s not the only one stuck on Christmas Magic. Nick’s been going on about Christmas Magic ever since he got married and became some sort of “Christmas Ambassador.” It’s cute, really, how he and Penelope traipse around spreading holiday cheer. But I have bigger fish to fry.
Another buzz: “Rye, I’m serious. The signs are pointing to you. You’re next.”
Next for what? To get married? To become another puppet of this so-called Christmas Magic? I scoff at the idea. I’m Rye Kringle, CEO extraordinaire. I don’t need magic or marriage to be successful.
I type out a quick reply: “Bit busy changing the world here, cuz. Rain check on the Christmas talk?”
As I pocket my phone, I catch sight of my reflection in a nearby mirror. My mistletoe tattoo, usually a faint outline on my wrist, seems to be glowing slightly. For a moment, a flicker of unease passes through me. But I shake it off. Probably just a trick of the light.
“Mr. Kringle?” Melissa’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “Your car is ready. ”
I straighten my jacket and head for the door. The world is waiting, and I have an empire to run. Christmas Magic, marriage, Oliver’s warnings—they can wait. After all, what could go wrong when you’re at the top of your game?
Even with my bravado, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s about to change. But change is good, right? And whatever comes my way, I’m sure I can handle it. I’m Rye Kringle, after all. I can handle anything.
Little did I know, Christmas Magic had other plans, and it was about to turn my world upside down.
Rye is coming soon.