Chapter 4
Olivia barely had time to change clothes and grab the last protein bar from her locker before hurrying to catch a subway train to Bergman for her six o’clock shift. Her stomach would be growling before she got off at midnight, but she was allowed two fifteen-minute breaks. Surely she could find something relatively healthy in the vending machine.
After a brisk walk from the station to the department store in the frigid air, she had to push her way through a line of small bright-eyed children accompanied by rather bedraggled-looking moms.
“What’s up with all the kids?” she asked Harry, the grey-haired man whose guard shift usually coincided with her work hours.
“It’s the first Friday in November—the beginning of Christmas season.”
“And so?”
“They’re here to see Santa Claus.” Harry grinned and slapped his own rather rotund belly. “Ho, ho, ho!”
Olivia stared back at the line, which stretched out the door and down the sidewalk. “Aren’t there Santas everywhere? Why would anyone wait in a line this long?”
“Because Bergman only hires the real Santa.”
Harry’s expression was so serious, Olivia felt bad when she burst out laughing.
“Come on, Harry. You don’t really believe in Santa Claus, do you?”
“Don’t you know what I’m talking about? It’s been all over the local news. This company, The Real Santa, has these totally realistic Santa suits. They even have rubber movie masks with real white hair and beards. Go see for yourself.” He pointed across the store where the Santa sat on his royal Christmas throne. “I know it costs Bergman a pretty penny, but it’s their second year to do it. They get tons of business and a cut of the photographer’s take, so I’m guessing they make a nice profit. This company only has a limited number of these guys, and Bergman has one booked every weekend for the entire Christmas season, Friday evening through Sunday.”
“I’m pretty sure they had one of these special Santa dudes giving out toys at the hospital last year—in the children’s wing. I remember thinking how real that Santa looked. Maybe I’ll check him out on my break.”
“Be sure to tell him what you want for Christmas.” Harry winked, his eyes crinkling in the corners under his wire-rimmed glasses.
Olivia almost told Harry he should hire himself out as one of these real Santas, but stopped herself before she accidentally hurt his feelings. She made her way to the designer clothing department, arriving at six o’clock on the dot, to find a rack of clothes from the dressing room, waiting to be sorted. She reached for the first dress, glancing at the price tag.
“I should steal this dress and sell it,” she mumbled. “I could pay for a semester of med school.”
“Nah, you’d only get about ten percent if you sold it online. Maybe five percent if you sold through a black-market vendor.” Sharp brown eyes peered over the rack at her.
“Cassie, I won’t even ask how you know that.” Olivia grinned at her friend, a dark-skinned beauty who would’ve looked more at home on a fashion show runway than behind the counter in an upscale department store.
“You’d be surprised what I know. For instance, I know tonight’s Real Santa is ridiculously good looking outside his fat suit.”
“Suppose you saw him before he got dressed.”
“Nope, he was already in costume when he walked in.” Cassie crossed her arms and leaned back against the edge of the checkout counter with an expectant expression.
“Okay, I’ll bite. How do you know he’s good looking? You developed radar vision?”
She shook her head. “His Real Santa ID fell out of his big red toy sack when he was setting up. Looked him up on Facebook. Now I know everything about him. Decided he’d provide great genetic material for your future children.”
Olivia felt her cheeks burning. “Cassie!”
“What?” Her tone was innocent. “You said you wouldn’t waste your time dating unless you met a man who was a potential husband and father, right?”
“That wasn’t an invitation for you to play matchmaker. First my sister—now you.”
“Is your sister trying to fix you up with someone?”
“Ughh!! My sister signed me up for a dating website.”
“Awesome! Which one?”
“Find Your Forever. It’s not awesome—it’s awful. She’s trying to talk me into going out on a date with three different guys.”
“Yeah. Heard of that one. The people on that website are usually geeky. My guy is better. Take a look at him.”
“Got work to do.” Olivia pretended not to be interested as Cassie pulled out her phone and tapped furiously on the screen.
“This guy is perfect for you. He’s smart, educated and single. And he’s hot!”
Olivia straightened a dress on the hanger. “How smart and educated is he?”
“He’s in Columbia Law School.”
Olivia’s mouth went dry. Surely not... it couldn’t be Collin. He wouldn’t be caught dead in a job like this.
“Is that his Facebook page?” She scooted over to peer at Cassie’s phone. A brown-haired man stared back at her, sporting a million-dollar smile. But it wasn’t Collin.
“Blake Livingston. First year law student at Columbia. Isn’t he dreamy? I think he looks like Superman.”
Olivia let out the breath she’d been holding. “I admit he’s kind of cute.”
“Kind of cute? Are you kidding me? This guy is hot on a stick.” Cassie stared at her like she’d lost her mind.
Olivia looked at his image again, trying her best not to compare him to Collin. “Okay, he’s good looking.” Then something caught her eye. “Cassie! He’s in a relationship!”
“Doubt it.” She waved her hand in the air. “He hasn’t posted in a month. Probably didn’t update it. You should definitely go talk to him. If I were battling a biological clock, I’d definitely go for this guy. Great genetic material.”
Olivia glanced over to the stage, unable to imagine this dead-ringer for Santa Claus had a handsome law student hidden inside his aged and rotund depths. “He looks pretty busy, anyway. I don’t see any end to the line of kids.”
“He told me they cut off the line at eight thirty, and he’s done by nine. We can take thirty minutes together and catch him before he leaves. Maybe he’ll let us peek under his mask.” She tapped on the screen, scrolling through his pictures. “By the way, Marcia’s skipping her breaks tonight so she can leave early. I told her I didn’t think you would mind doing the close down.”
“I don’t. It’s the best study time, with no customers bothering me.”
“That’s great, because I may skip out early, too. I’ve got a date tonight.”
“At midnight?”
With great effort, Olivia kept her jaw from dropping open. Cassie seemed to have so little responsibility. Who could stay out so late at night?
“Don’t judge me. There’s nothing wrong with me staying out late and sleeping in on Saturday. Unlike you, I don’t have to spend every spare second studying because I’m not masochistic enough to go to med school. I’m happy with my undergrad degree.”
“Maybe you should consider going to grad school, too. You don’t want to work at Bergman for the rest of your life, do you?”
“I studied marketing and management.” Cassie crossed her arms and lifted her chin, which emphasized her high cheekbones. “And since I want to go into retail, this job is a great stepping stone. I’m a floor manager already—on the management track.”
Olivia deflated, recognizing she was a bit envious of Cassie’s fun and carefree attitude, one which she had exuded herself only a few months prior. “I forget some people actually have a life.”
“And you need one, too. Maybe you could have one with Blake Livingston. Imagine what’s under that sexy red Santa suit.” Cassie laughed, waving her phone in front of Olivia’s face, Blake’s wry grin inviting her to live a little.
“I’ll talk to him, but I won’t flirt—not as long as he’s in a relationship.”
“Agreed. But if he’s not in a relationship, you have to turn on the charm.”
“Wait! I didn’t say th—”
“Too late. You gave your word, and I’m holding you to it.”
* * *
Collin feltsomething warm and realized the screaming three-year-old on his knee had wet his leg. It must have been a lot of urine to filter through all those layers of padding and reach his skin. But a little pee was nothing compared to the gallons of sweat trickling down his neck and back under the fluffy, heat-retaining Santa suit.
When his new roommate had begged him to take his Real Santa shift for him, Collin responded with an emphatic no, despite the fact he was now in search of gainful employment. Though he didn’t mind humiliating himself to entertain Jace and Chloe, he had no desire to dress and act like a jolly fat man in public.
“I’m telling you guys, you can’t beat the money for this gig. Fifty bucks an hour!” Blake paced, flinging his arms about. “If it wasn’t a family emergency, I wouldn’t be asking. But the rule is if you miss a shift, for any reason, you lose your job.”
Garrett, their other roommate—courtesy of Josh—piped in. “I’d do it for you if I could. But I’ve got a shift in the E.R.”
“Isn’t there someone else you can ask? One of the other guys from Columbia, maybe?” Collin knew he couldn’t leave Blake in a lurch when his father had had a heart attack. How coldhearted would that be? But maybe another friend could take his place.
“I don’t know anyone else who’s tall enough to wear the suit. Please, Collin... you have to help me get home to see my dad. I’ll try to be back before Saturday’s shift.”
“Couldn’t you just jam splinters under my fingernails instead?”
“Only one night. It won’t be that bad.” Blake was already smiling. He must’ve known Collin was too soft to refuse.
“Did you say I’d have to wear the whole getup on the commute? I can’t change at the store?” Except for the money, which was already tight since he’d moved out of his father’s apartment, everything about this job sounded excruciating.
“No, that’s part of the deal. In fact, they expect you to stay in character on the way and hand out advertisement cards. And you’ll have to take my ID. and pretend to be me. I’ll get in so much trouble if they find out I sent a substitute. But the store manager barely glances at the ID and it’s not like they could recognize you under all that stuff anyway. I did this last year, but this is my first time to work at Bergman.”
“Bergman?” Collin’s heart rate surged. It was a long shot, but Olivia might be there. Hadn’t she claimed she was working weekends?
“Yeah. I promise it won’t be that bad. Look at the bright side—Friday was going to be my first night of the season, so I haven’t sweated in the suit yet. It’s all fresh and clean. I’ll be the one smelling the stench of your sweat on Saturday. Real Santa only pays for cleaning once a week.”
And so, Collin found himself sitting on a red velvet chair in a red velvet suit with a wet spot on one leg, all for naught, since he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Olivia. He blinked hard trying to scan to the far side of the department store, his eyes still watering from the irritation of wearing sparkling Santa-blue contacts over his green orbs.
A flash of the camera and the unhappy child was lifted from his leg, the frazzled parent seemingly unaware of the sogginess left behind on his pants. In truth, the entire inside of the suit was already so squelchy and dripping from sweat that he barely noticed the spot on his leg. Fortunately, the small holes in the nose of his head-mask prevented the urine smell from reaching his nose.
Thanks goodness only two more youngsters remained in line. He managed a weak ho-ho-ho, his throat sore from trying to sound jolly.Soon his interminable shift would be over and he could escape this nightmare. He swore nothing would ever compel him to don the suit again—even if he were homeless and starving.
His mood was even darker because he hadn’t located Martha. Frustrated at the free clinic’s privacy policy, he’d arrived at Bergman with Martha on the back of his mind.
Having only taken two five-minute bathroom breaks, he couldn’t wait to escape his grueling substitute job, practically throwing the last little boy into his mother’s arms. He wanted nothing more than to get out of the sweltering costume and considered whether he might get away with changing clothes in the men’s room. But rather than risk losing Blake’s job, he would settle for bolting out of the heated building. As he stood and stretched, gathering his red velvet sack in anticipation of stepping into the frigid November air, Collin heard a soft feminine voice behind him.
“Hey, Santa. Want to go on break with us?”
He spied the gorgeous girl who’d helped him when he first arrived. What was her name? Kelsey? Cassie?
“I don’t think….” He turned to explain that he was too fatigued to stay and make small-talk, when his gaze fell on the lanky brunette lurking in her shadow. His mouth went dry—the only part of his entire body in such a state. Olivia.
* * *
Olivia was prettygood at reading body language, and even in a Santa suit, this guy was shouting to be left alone so he could go home. The last little boy was barely off his lap when he was up and madly stuffing his gear into the rucksack, without regard for the state of the bows on the fake presents.
She tugged on Cassie’s elbow. “We shouldn’t bother him.”
But Cassie rolled her eyes as if Olivia were a child whose opinion was of no import. Completely ignoring her suggestion, Cassie called out to Santa, inviting him to go on break with them. He stretched to his full height as he turned, rolling his shoulders like he was working out a kink.
“I don’t think….” His voice trailed off as his bright blue eyes fastened onto Olivia, holding her captive. A moment of awkward silence passed, during which she couldn’t seem to look away, though her cheeks burned with embarrassment. His piercing blue gaze drew her in, sending tingles down her neck. She shivered, weirded-out that she could feel attracted to this rotund, white-haired Santa.
“Cassie, can’t you see he’s tired? We should let him go home.”
“No.” He yelled the word. Then he dropped his eyes and shuffled his black booted feet. “I mean, no, I’m in no hurry to leave.”
His deep, breathy voice was enchanting—almost sexy.
Ughh, what’s wrong with me? I can’t have the hots for a weird dude in costume.
“Awesome. This is my friend, Olivia.”
His smile faltered as he nodded her direction, and she stared, fascinated that she could see his real lips in the midst of that white mustache and beard. “Nice to meet you, Olivia.”
She rubbed her arms to chase away the goosebumps that arose from hearing her name on his lips. I’m a freak.
“Shall we adjourn to the break room?” Cassie appeared way too pleased with herself as she gave Olivia a little shove, sending her stumbling toward the back of the store.
Santa Blake followed behind, his sack slung over his shoulder. In the small employee kitchen, Cassie and Olivia hit the vending machines, while Santa stomped over to the employee refrigerator and cracked it open, standing in front of it without moving. Olivia wondered if the cold air could even reach through all those layers.
“I bet you’re pretty hot.” The words were out of Olivia’s mouth before she could stop them.
“In more ways than one.” Cassie chuckled, as her elbow jabbed into Olivia’s side.
She felt her own brand of heat rising in her face. “I was referring to having to wear all those layers of stuffing to make you look fat.”
Santa turned, his pudgy rubber face flexing into a grin that revealed very real teeth, white and even. “What makes you think this is padding? Perhaps this is all me.”
“I hope it’s all you.” Cassie thumped the protruding belly circled by a shiny black belt, then popped the top on a Coke and took a seat at the small table. “I’ve always had a thing for portly guys.”
Ravenous, Olivia slid onto a chair beside her, and tore into her granola bar. She declined to make a comment on his weight. She’d seen his Facebook picture, and he certainly wasn’t fat.
“Sit down and take a load off.” Cassie pointed to the seat across the table. “You might as well take that mask off, too. Your shift is over, right?”
“I’m required to stay in costume whenever I’m in public.” He cleared his throat. “But if it bothers you, I don’t have to stay.”
Olivia looked up, and his gaze once again trapped hers. She swallowed hard, squeezing her eyes shut to escape him.
“We both want you to stay. Don’t we, Olivia?”
She felt a sharp jab on her ankle, no doubt from the toe of Cassie’s boot.
“Sure we do,” Olivia agreed, trying to sound enthusiastic. She was totally getting the creeps, half repulsed and half attracted to the rotund Santa with the piercing blue eyes.
He sank stiffly into a chair on the opposite side. “How late are you working tonight?”
“I’m off at eleven thirty, but I have a date after. Not that I’m in a relationship or anything.” Cassie took a sip of Coke and asked in an oh-so-casual tone. “What about you? Are you in a relationship?”
“Me?” Santa’s eyes drifted to Olivia and darted back to Cassie. “Spurned every time I try to take it to the next level. All of the girls I’ve dated seem to have better sense. Or perhaps they’re afraid of heights.”
“Told you,” Cassie spoke from the side of her mouth in a hoarse whisper that could have been overheard from the next state before addressing Santa again. “Surprised you don’t have a girlfriend. Figured girls would be all over a guy in a red suit with a sack full of goodies.”
Olivia found herself mesmerized by the rubber mask, wondering how it was attached to his face. It looked so real. She supposed it was all one piece and pulled over his head, white hair and beard and all.
“Right now, the only girls interested in this jolly old man are under the age of eight.” He seemed to address his next words to Olivia. “Anyway, I’m too busy with work and studying to have time for dating, much less a serious relationship.”
Olivia chewed what was left of a ragged fingernail, avoiding Santa’s gaze.
“Since neither of you has time to date anyone else,” Cassie said, “maybe you should go out together. Olivia gets off at midnight.”
Shocked, Olivia threw a scathing glare at Cassie. But her smug young friend returned a defiant smile.
Santa made a sound that sounded like a cross between a laugh and a cough. “I’d wager all the money in my wallet—which amounts to three dollars and fifty cents—that Olivia would reject that offer.”
She frowned, objecting to his assumption, though it was accurate.
Cassie made a face like she’d bitten into a lemon. “You know, Blake, you’re as bad as Olivia at shooting yourself in the foot.”
Santa’s blue eyes widened. “Did you call me Blake?”
“Yeah, Saw your ID. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us.” Cassie rose to her feet and sauntered toward the door.
“Where are you going?” Olivia glanced at her watch. “We’ve still got time before break is over.”
“I’m going outside to take a smoke break.”
“Since when did you take up smoking?”
“Since I figured out you won’t talk to Blake as long as I’m in the room. See ya in a few.”
As the click of the closing door echoed across the worn linoleum floor, Olivia imagined all the ways she would punish Cassie when she got the opportunity.
* * *
Collin’s mind flew.He knew Olivia would be angry if she ever discovered he had deceived her, but if he came clean about his true identity, Blake could lose his job. It was best to continue the subterfuge for now. And he might as well take advantage of the opportunity to talk to Olivia while she thought he was someone else.
This was a new Olivia, one he’d never met. She seemed almost shy and self-conscious, producing none of the customary witty banter she’d tossed at him relentlessly from the moment they met. Perhaps this was a different side of her personality with which he’d never been acquainted. Or perhaps she had a fear of Santas as some folks did of clowns.
“I can see you’re concerned at being left alone with me.” He broke the silence, maintaining extra air in his lowered tone, a la Batman, lest she recognize his voice. “But I promise I won’t stuff you in my red knapsack and carry you off to my lair.”
“I’m not afraid of you.” The tremor in her voice belied her words.
“Then perhaps you caught a whiff of my right pant leg, left warm and wet by one of the last young men who graced my lap.”
“Oh no!” Her lips twitched up at the corners. “Is that a common occurrence with this job?”
He could see her shoulders drop as she began to relax.
“In all honesty, this is my first night, but I’ve been assaulted by a variety of liquids.” He pointed to his right sleeve, decorated with a spit up stain he’d smeared in an attempt to wipe it clean.
“Hope you get hazard pay.”
“Intend to demand it, though I might not hear the answer, being deafened as I am by the screams of frightened children. Have you not noticed how I stare at your lips? That’s because I can no longer hear a thing.”
He was delighted when she laughed out loud. It felt like a small victory. Then she checked her watch.
“My break time is over, but it was fun chatting with you, Santa.”
She hopped up like her chair was on fire, but he stood and caught her elbow.
“Want me to hang around until you get off work?”
Collin knew he was being pushy, but he’d never have an opportunity like this again. Her wary expression told him she was ready to cut him off, so he hastened to add, “As friends.”
“Really?” She arched a single eyebrow, proclaiming her suspicion.
“Absolutely. I’m swamped with school, remember?”
She nodded. “I’ve heard Columbia is a tough law school.”
Collin stiffened. “How do you know I go to Columbia?”
“Cassie’s like a female Sherlock Holmes. No secret’s safe with her around.”
“Why was she trying to set you up with me? She your personal dating service?”
“No, but my sister signed me up for one of those online. It’s mortifying.”
Collin was glad the mask hid his true feelings. The last thing he wanted was Olivia dating guys she met online. “You should close that account. Those e-dating sites are dangerous. A bunch of perverts waiting to prey on helpless women.”
“You’re saying it’s not safe for me?”
The temperature in the room dropped to sub-zero, as her eyes flashed. He hesitated before answering, “That’s right.”
Why does she look angry?
“Because I’m a helpless woman?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Her hands fisted on her hips. “What did you mean?”
“Only that…there are pervs out there. And you’re a member of the fairer sex.”
“You mean, weaker sex?”
“Didn’t say that. Just think some creep might sweet talk you into….” His voice trailed off as he realized there was no good way to complete that sentence.
“Into what?” Her lips pressed together until they turned white.
“On second thought…” Collin sighed. “E-dating is a great idea. Those poor pervs won’t know what hit them.”
“Maybe they’re nice guys. You thought of that?”
“If they’re nice guys, why do they have to resort to online dating? Why can’t they ask a girl out in person?”
“Perhaps they’re busy professionals who don’t have time to troll the night clubs, swarming with people who’re only interested in hooking up for a one-night stand.”
He stroked his fake beard, stalling while he thought of another argument. “A valid case. But you can’t be too careful. Seriously, you should take precautions.”
“What kind of precautions would you suggest? A bodyguard for my dates? Or take my brother with me?”
“I think having your brother along is an excellent idea. Sp—” He coughed, to cover his gaff. “Spot on, excellent idea.” Good thing his mask hid his red face. He’d almost blown it—saying Spencer’s name out loud. He needed to escape before he let something else slip. Besides, his vocal cords felt raw from forcing the raspy voice. He gestured toward the door.
“I’ll follow you out.”
She marched ahead, but glared over her shoulder. “I can take care of myself, you know. I’m not na?ve.”
“No doubt.”
“I know how to send a guy packing if he has the wrong intentions.”
“I’m sure you do.”
“The guys from the website are actually great. The one I’m meeting for lunch tomorrow is an investment banker.” She stomped down the hallway, and he had the feeling she was pretending the floor was his head.
“What’s his name?”
“Chip.”
“Chip? Just Chip?”
She threw another scathing glance over her shoulder. “It’s Chip Something. I don’t remember his last name.”
“Chip Something doesn’t sound like an investment banker’s name. Sounds more like a guy who works at a fast food place.”
“Well, he doesn’t.”
“I’ll bet.” He let his sardonic tone speak for itself.
She stopped in her tracks, swirling around and sticking out her hand. “Put your money where your mouth is.”
Collin swallowed hard, his eyes drawn to a stray curl escaping her ponytail, jealous of the way it nestled against her skin. He felt an insane urge to reach out and tuck the strand of hair behind her ear and let his hand trail down and trace the vessel pulsing at the base of her neck.
“Well?” She wiggled her fingers, catching his eye. “Are you willing to bet?”
“Bet what?”
“I’ll bet this guy really is an investment banker. I’ll meet him tomorrow at lunch and report back here tomorrow night. You’ll be here, right?”
Collin nodded, woodenly. What was he getting himself into?
“If I can prove he’s a real investment banker, you owe me….” She paused, flexing her jaw muscles. “You owe me ten bucks!”
“Uhmm….” He stalled for time, shifting his sack over his shoulder. “Ten bucks is kind of steep. How about I owe you a cup of hot chocolate?”
“You’re on.” She shoved her hand out further, frowning when he hesitated. “Or you can admit I’m right and you were guilty of prejudging people who use an Internet dating service.”
He grabbed her hand and gave a firm shake, wondering exactly how he was going to get out of the hole he was digging. Why hadn’t he simply given in? Perhaps Blake would be willing to play along when he came in tomorrow. All Collin had to do was coach him a little bit on what to say, and Olivia would never know. On the other hand, he didn’t want Blake taking Olivia out for hot chocolate. He would simply have to explain the situation. After all, Blake owed him for substituting tonight.
She stretched her arms over her head, a moan escaping her throat, and rubbed her eyes.
“Not getting enough sleep?”
“Hardly ever.” Her gaze lifted. “I don’t want to complain, though. And I’m so lucky to be in medical school. I’m sure it’s no harder than law school.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t have a job while you’re in medical school.”
“I know. Everyone tells me that. And if I didn’t have such a heaping helping of pride, I wouldn’t be working right now. But I’m quitting this job as soon as my school loan comes through.”
He gave an understanding nod. Though Collin wished Olivia would’ve accepted his help so she wouldn’t have to work while tackling medical school, he was beginning to understand why she refused. Since he’d gone out on his own and started tutoring to support himself, he was rapidly developing the same stubborn pride.
“On a different note, I wondered how you were getting home. Do you take a taxi?”
“Of course not. I ride the subway.” Her round eyes transformed into slits. “Why do you ask?”
Not caring if he angered her, he spoke the truth. “I don’t like the idea of a girl walking four blocks to the subway station at midnight. It’s not safe.”
Her eyes rolled like striped pool balls. “I’m perfectly capable of getting to the subway station by myself. I carry mace in my purse.”
“Good for you.” Collin nodded, knowing he would go home, change clothes, and come back to trail her safely to the subway station when she got off work. Otherwise, he would lie awake all night, worrying.