Perhaps Sophie and I can embrace the spirit of giving together. It's either the worst idea or the golden opportunity I need to make peace with her.Ifshe’ll give me and my idea a chance.
WHAT WOULD SANTA DO?
CHAPTER 3
***
Sophie
Large, sloppy snowflakes splat against the storefront. That does it for customers for the day. No one in their right mind will come out in weather like this. There’s no sense in bothering with decorations either. The ladies next door have decorating down to a science.
The front door chimes, immediately pulling me from my grumblings. I straighten my elf hat and smooth a hand down my skirt, still unnerved at flashing my candy cane covered crotch earlier. Though, it was kind of worth the discomfort it caused Sebastian. And the nervous grin he couldn’t help but unleash as he studiously averted his gaze.
I bite my lip as a tiny snicker cuts through my grumpy mood. I quite like making Sebastian a wee bit nervous.
Two giggling children scamper toward the counter. I muster the brightest, welcoming smile to greet them and the adults lagging behind.
“Welcome to Brain Freeze.”
"Isn't this simply adorable?" The woman removes a glove as she scrutinizes the old-fashioned soda shop decor. She turns to the man beside her as he stomps his snowy boots on the entry mat. "We've got to come back for the Festival of Lights kickoff."
“Can we, Daddy? Can we?”
“Please?”
The children plead with their parents as they stand on tiptoes, bouncing in front of the glass ice cream case. Their enthusiastic breath fogs the glass.
“The Festival of Lightsisamazing to see.” I wink at the smiling children.
Their cheery red cheeks and excitement stir a niggling of holiday spirit in me, too. I remember when the holidays were filled with magic. When did Christmas lose its sparkle and shine for me?
"I want chocolate." The little girl smears her finger on the fogged glass, pointing to the plain chocolate ice cream tub. "That one."
“Oh, don’t let me forget to stop at Fudgeballs when we leave.” The woman places a hand on the man’s sleeve. “I promised to pick up an assortment of chocolates for book club.”
I repress the urge to cringe at the mention of my business nemesis and smile brighter instead.