17. Santa, baby
17
Santa, baby
Harvey’s heavy footfall rattled the ornaments. He stopped in front of Frosty Santa and jerked his chin at the sleigh bench. “Nice place.”
Frosty Santa nodded. “Thank you, young man. What’s your name?” He was treating him just like any other guest. I loved that.
“Harvey,” my barista replied gamely.
“And what would you like for Christmas, Harvey?” Santa asked.
Harvey looked over his shoulder, studying me, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe. He furrowed his brow. “I hurt someone’s feelings, and I was hoping they’d forgive me."
Oh my goodness, he was talking about me!
One of the parents in line chuckled, clearly eavesdropping. “That’s sweet. It might be creepy if she didn’t like him, but based on her body language–”
“Shhh, I don’t want to miss anything.” I waved at them, only half-joking. My excited heartbeat almost drowned out their conversation, even though Harvey turned to include me in the conversation.
Santa steepled his fingers, sparing me a curious glance. “This is the season of generosity and forgiveness. Is this person aware of what they mean to you?”
Harvey tugged his cap like he wished he could pull it over his head and escape into an alternate dimension. “Not fully. Although they’ll probably have a better idea after this.”
I covered my mouth to stifle a gasp. Was this more than a guilty attempt to get a semi regular customer back? Was he confessing his feelings?
Harvey scratched his lip. “Sarcasm comes a little too naturally to me. But she’s great. Kinda bratty, like me. But sweeter and full of energy. Whatever makes her happy isn’t funny or embarrassing. I needed to get over myself for a minute before I realized that. So, in the interest of expanding my horizons, I was hoping to invite her to the Winter Festival. Assuming she can get off work, that is.”
I twirled my skirt and grinned wildly. He just asked me out! Via Santa . Was there a more romantic way to extend an olive branch outside of sugar cookies and rose petals?
“That sounds like a good course of action,” Santa said, then gestured firmly with his white-gloved hand for me to come closer. “Sugarplum, would you be so kind as to join us for a photo?”
“Oh my gosh, yes.” I wanted to keep this moment forever.
The crowd chuckled as I rushed over.
Santa directed us. “You sit between us on the bench, young man.”
“Yes, sir.” Harvey handed his phone to Hoynes, then settled in between us, wrapping his arm loosely around my back.
Smiling brightly, I snuggled in closer, making sure our thighs were flush. His rust-colored jeans and my peppermint-striped stockings may not have been complementary, but I thought they went together beautifully.
His fingers played at the bunch of polyester right below my waist.
Oh, hot cocoa, what I’d give to be able to take my ten minute break and climb into his lap for a real make-up session. Or even our first kiss. But I couldn’t do that here, as Sugarplum, in front of my boss and everyone. Still, I had to do something . “Can I get you a candy cane?” I asked.
Harvey followed my gaze to the nook in the trees. “Sure.”
“Be quick,” Hoynes warned.
“Let her say goodbye to our guest,” Santa said. And he was the ultimate authority, so Hoynes just got the next family up to meet Santa while I led my barista away by the hand.
Harvey bit his lip. “Sorry, I didn’t want to get you in trouble. I just didn’t know how else to reach you. I figured you respected authority, er, you know, based on my research.”
“You’ve been reading up on things?” I smiled, swinging our joined hands.
“Yeah.” His cheeks flushed a pretty shade of red. How much did he know about Littles now?
My gaze fell to the floor. “And you still want to hang out with me?”
“Yeah. I missed you, Shelby. Sugarplum. Whatever you want to be.” He gently guided my chin until I met his playful gaze. “I miss our weird conversations. I miss your energy.”
“What do you mean?” I giggled.
He rocked his head side-to-side. “The happy gasps at free cookies and pretty drawings. Your determination to set things right for everybody. The playfulness, even when dealing with meanies like me.”
“You’re not mean,” I whispered.
“I was something. And I’m sorry. I want to keep an open mind and get to know you. I could try...things.” His throat bobbed. “If that’s okay with you, obviously.”
“I’d like to try things.” I eased up on my toes, my eyelashes fluttering closed as we tilted our faces.
Chestnut barreled into the hollow, so we sprung apart. “Sugarplum, did he….” He blinked at us. “Oh, hello.”
Harvey pointed a finger-gun at him, his other hand loose around my waist. “You’re the coworker with the caffeine addiction?”
Chestnut jerked his chin. “You’re the barista she’s been melting over?”
I covered my face. “Yes, he is. Now, let me give Harvey my number before I’m marked as naughty.”
“You are naughty, bringing a boy to the cove,” Chestnut taunted.
I pushed him out. “I got approval from Santa.”
Chestnut faked struggling to stay. “Kicking me out? That’s not very nice.”
“Chestnut,” I hissed.
“Set me up with one of his friends,” he begged.
“I don’t even know them,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “Can’t Harvey and I go on a date before you start asking for favors?”
“Fine, but remember me when you’re all in love and looking for a groomsman. Or someone to cover your shift," he said.
I rolled my eyes. “Thanks.” I walked into the cove.
Harvey held out his phone and smirked. “Causing trouble again, Sugarplum?”
“Just enough to get what I want.” I winked and entered my number, then texted myself with his phone. “Send me our pictures with Santa, too, okay?”
“I’ll see you later?” He tucked his phone into his pocket, his voice tinged with hopefulness.
I clasped my hands in front of me so I wouldn’t be tempted to hug him. “Yes, sir.”
His eyes crinkled around the sides. “Good. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Wait, Harvey.” I handed him a candy cane and twisted my foot for a little jingle of bells. “Have some sugar before you go.”
He smiled and kissed my cheek, sending a tingle down to my toes. “Thanks for everything," he said.
“Thank you for the apology.” I rocked on my heels, then walked out with the biggest smile and Harvey by my side.
He saluted, blushing as he strode by Santa and my coworkers, who stared at him openly despite his combat boots and tattoos.
I beamed at him, waving, then helped the next guests. When we reached Santa, I whispered, “Thank you for believing in me.”