“That doesn’t make any sense,” Molly said, eyeing Mrs. Kerstman with suspicion. “But I’ll take it. I’ll take anything if it gets me out of the house long enough.”
“Well, this’ll get you out of the house from November through January, guaranteed,” Mrs. Kerstman promised. “And maybe, along the way, you’ll find out what’s better than N-Y-C.”
“No way. There’s nothing better than—”
“M-A-G-I-C.” Ms. Kerstman gave Molly one last, definitive smile. “Magic always, always wins. A Christmas wish is a powerful, powerful thing.”
“Whatever you say, lady,” Molly said. She was acting aloof, but she did feel a little bit better than she had five minutes ago. She didn't know it yet, but her wish for something to do had come true in the best way possible.
Molly smiled at her dream, pulling the covers up higher and snuggling into the good memory.
Chapter 8
Molly
Molly went to work the next day feeling invigorated and hopeful.
She had an answer to the Nicholas Kerstman problem, even if she didn't have all the details exactly figured out yet. It would come to her.
She whistled as she walked down the street to the store. As she came closer, she noticed that it was already open for business. She frowned, checking her watch and seeing that she wasn't late.
She then spotted Nicholas working behind the counter, smiling at customers as he checked out their items, and nodding over towards Liam when someone asked for a bag of candy to-go.
Molly felt taken aback, not expecting Nicholas to have any familiarity with working retail. The fancy suit certainly didn't suggest retail work.
She slowly approached the counter, watching Nicholas smile and greet customers. “Good morning? Nicholas Kerstman, right? You’re actually Nicholas Kerstman?”
“Ha, ha. Very funny, Ms. Molly,” Nicholas said. He didn’t turn to look at Molly, keeping his eyes on a gift he was wrapping. He was actually good at it. He finally glanced up for a moment and grinned at her. “Wrapping gifts is how I put myself through business school. I spent my days in class and my nights at Debbie’s Gift Shop.”
“I'm guessing it wasn't a Christmas store, though,” she said, leaning against the counter.
“Nope.” Nicholas shook his head, and handed the finished, wrapped gift to the woman standing in front of the counter. “Merry Christmas! Happy holidays!”
“Such a polite young man.” The woman brought a hand over her heart, and shot a look over at Molly. “Molly Carmichael, this is a good one. You should snatch this one up quick before the other girls in town find out about him.”
“Thanks for the tip, Ms. Y
arborough,” Molly said. She smiled, but it didn't really touch her eyes. She certainly didn't think of Nicholas the Scrooge as someone she should snatch up quick. “But I'm pretty sure he's already taken.”
“Ah, well, that’s a pity and a shame.” Ms. Yarborough shook her head, and ambled out of the store.
“You think I’m seeing someone?” Nicholas asked as he proceeded to clear off the wrapping station, putting away bits of sliced up paper. “What gave you that idea?”
He held up his left hand to show no sign of a ring.
“You aren't?” Molly failed to hide the astonishment in her voice. “You just seem so put together. With the suits. And the watch. And the whole cool guy vibe. Plus, you live in New York. I just figured someone would’ve already fallen for it.”
“You think I’m cool?” Nicholas asked.
She rolled her eyes. “No. I don’t think you’re cool. I’m saying other people think you’re cool.”
“But you can definitely recognize my coolness,” Nicholas said with a grin. He seemed different today. Happier and less serious. “And why are you paying so much attention to my clothing choices?”
“I’m not!” Molly shook her head, hoping that would convince Nicholas of her white lie.
“Sure,” he said. He didn't sound like he believed it for a second.
Molly sighed. “What do you need me to do today, boss?”