The foster mother mouthed thank you and then stood behind Santa while Anna told him what she wanted for Christmas. I knew she wouldn’t ask for much. As a foster kid, you didn’t get to keep anything. You barely even had an identity.
“Thank you so much. I haven’t seen her smile in a week, and at least now I know something I can get her for Christmas.” The mother smiled. “I feel so bad for her. I wish I could keep her myself.”
“Then you should let someone know that and start the paperwork before they move her from you.” I replied, quickly embarrassed that I’d spoken out of turn. “I’m so sorry, it’s none of my business.”
“I don’t mind. Did I hear you tell her you were a foster kid too?” the mom asked. “Is that why you know about the paperwork and getting moved?”
“Yes, I was moved around a lot, but it’s not always like that. I just wish there was a way for the paperwork and legal tape to go quicker.” I smiled as Anna and Timmy walked up. “Would you both like a candy cane?”
The mother nodded that they could have one, then followed me to the counter to pay for the photos. My thoughts bounced all over with worry for little Anna. I thanked them and waved goodbye. Anna turned back once and waved, then broke loose from her foster mother and ran back to me.
“We’re both foster kids, right?” she asked. “So, will I be as pretty as you are, even though I don’t have parents?”
“You’re already pretty, so you keep smiling.” I hugged her. “If you come to the mall again, come and see me.”
Anna hugged me tight, then ran over to her foster mother. They waved and walked off smiling. I didn’t have much time to think about Anna before the next family appeared in front of me. It was then that I spotted elf Sherry that comes in every day from ten to two.
Is it ten o’clock already? No wonder I’m so hungry.
“Hey Sherry, I’m gonna take a break and grab some food,” I called out.
“Yeah, go ahead, the line is small right now.” Sherry picked up the camera and waved.
My purse was still inside the workshop. I couldn’t climb in there and get it without giving up my sleeping spot. I’d gotten lucky last night, but I knew it might not work tonight. I really needed it to work while it was so cold out.
I can fake that the candy canes need to be refilled.
“Hey, I’ll refill these for you before I go,” I waved the half-full bucket at her, “just in case you get busy.”
I crawled to the door of the workshop and reached in as much as possible, feeling for my purse. My fingers gripped onto the strap and I gave it a pull. Unfortunately, my purse was facing backwards when I pulled it and only a small portion of its contents made its way to me.
At least my wallet made it out. Where are my car keys? I need to brush my teeth.
A quick look into my half-empty purse showed me all I needed for the moment: my wallet, car keys, and the cell phone I’d found the night before. If I hurried, I could get to the car and grab my toothbrush, mascara, and deodorant. That way, I’d at least feel a little cleaner. I pulled on the rubber boots I wore in and out of the mall and tossed the elf slippers behind the counter.
I need to stop by the jewelry store and set up a girls’ night sometime this week so I can shower.
Chapter 6
Asher
My driver met me at the airstrip when we landed in Manhattan. I pulled another cell from inside the cabinet of my limo. I always kept at least four more ‘just in case’ cells. As it was, ‘just-in-case’ happened a lot. I messaged August, that I was coming by, messaged my mother to ask about the time frame for the baby party at the manor and then messaged Danielle, my date for the night, to see if we were still on.
“Logan, I’ll be out at the manor this weekend, so you have the whole weekend off after tonight,” I told my driver, over the intercom. “Also, I ‘m going to be back and forth to my penthouse here in Manhattan over the next six months instead of being away on the island.”
“No problem, sir, I’ll make myself available,” Logan responded. “Are you sure you don’t need me to be available out at the manor?”
“No, I can borrow any of my parents’ cars if I need to go somewhere. You enjoy the time off.” I smiled, feeling good about doing that. “I haven’t decided yet if I’ll be staying in Connecticut after the weekend or flying back, but I’ll let you know.”
“We’re here, sir. Should I wait?” Logan jumped out and opened the door for me. “And if you need me to go with you to Connecticut, I can be there too.”
“I appreciate that, but with your new baby I don’t want to make you be away from home that long.” I said. “I’m giving you a few months off to enjoy some time being a daddy, with pay.”
“Mr. Hawthorne that’s very generous. Thank you.” Logan turned in his seat. “But if you come to the city for anything at all. I’m a phone call away.”
“Thanks that’s perfect. Now I’ll be here for a few hours. I may or may not be going out for dinner.” I looked to the back-up cell to see if my date for the night answered yet. “Stay available.”
I hit the code for August’s penthouse instead of mine. I needed to see him. I had so many ideas for the mall swirling in my head, along with wanting a change in my life. I was confused about where this feeling came from all of a sudden, and I knew he would listen without judgement.