I scurried over to the food court, grabbed a chair, and was back within two minutes. I hooked the bulbs on my costume, then climbed up on the chair. The top two feet was easy to do since the tree narrowed at the top. The star was the final touch. It had a cord, so I had to reach around inside the tree, moving my chair a foot at a time until my hand landed on the other lights, end-to-end. The second I plugged the star into it, the area lit up like a full moon.
Wow! What a beautiful star. Now, this I could look at all night long.
I checked my watch for the time. Toby would do one more round before he slept for the night. I closed the boxes and crawled into the workshop to wait. I wiggled out of my elf stockings and into a pair of sweatpants, then pulled the elf costume over my head. It felt so good to cuddle into the oversized sweatshirt that I almost laid down to sleep.
Stay awake. You have to finish the trees. And here comes Toby, right on time.
Toby had a routine, and for that I greatly appreciated his need to sleep. He did his front entrance check, then a quick walk down the corridor and back. He never even noticed the two Christmas trees decorated, thankfully. I watched him stretch, then turn and go back into his office.
Alright. Thank you, Toby, for being so tired. That gives me another two hours to finish the other two trees.
Another hour later, I’d decorated the other two trees. I stacked the empty boxes off to the side where you couldn’t see them, then laid on the floor in the middle of the trees, looking up. When I startled myself awake, I nearly had a panic attack, but a quick glance at my watch showed I’d only dosed off for ten minutes.
Good night, my pretties.
I dragged myself to the workshop, crawled to my spot, snuggled into the corner, and fell asleep.
Chapter 14
Asher
What was he talking about? I sent the crew home.
I pulled my ringing cell out of my pocket just as I reached the workshop area.What the heck?
“Hey Johnny, did you send a team in to decorate the trees last night?” I asked. “Because I sent the crew home, but right now I’m standing in front of completely decorated trees.”
“I didn’t send anyone. Are you sure the crew left?” Johnny asked. “Either way, if the trees are decorated, we’ll be somewhat ready for the promo.”
“True, but it’s just strange.” I looked around. “Are you coming in today? I’ll be here for a few hours.”
“I’m not coming today. Sawyer left me a message that he’s not coming either,” Johnny answered. “I don’t think you’ll be flying out.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I am either, but I’m going to the manor this weekend. I can drive from here. I’ll see you Monday.” I pushed my cell into my coat pocket.
Maybe I’ll head out early.
I walked around the four trees, looking over the decorations. They were exactly as I’d planned. The snow machine was on at the workshop, but no elves in site. I headed to the offices to finish a few things before leaving for the manor.
One quick call. “Sawyer, I hear you’re not coming to the mall today. Don’t worry about it. I think I’ll leave early anyways.” I left a message when he didn’t answer.
“Mitch, prepare for us to leave around noon. We’re going to drive, so make sure you have the Hummer,” I said from my cell.
“I’ll be there at noon. Do you need your luggage picked up?” Mitch asked.
“Yes, I left an overnight bag on the bed. Please bring that,” I answered. “And plan on staying. Bring an overnight bag.”
“Will it be one night or two?” Mitch asked.
“Two nights. We’ll be back here on Sunday afternoon,” I said.
I spent the next few hours bent over drawings and financial statements. I hadn’t realized that much time had passed until my phone rang.
“Mitch, is it that time already?” I looked at my watch for the time.
“It is, sir, I’m out front. Did you need me to come in and help carry anything?” Mitch asked.
“I can manage, thanks. Give me about fifteen minutes.” I started rolling up the blueprints. “Actually, I’m starving. Come on in and meet me in the food court. We can get some lunch before we leave.”