Christmas in Bayberry

The candle company didn’t just sell wax candles. They had soy candles, custom-shaped candles, votives, lanterns, candelabras and so much more. Kate wanted to put together a comprehensive online catalog and expand their online sales. But Aunt Penney wasn’t quick when it came to change. Word-of-mouth and newspaper advertisements had always been enough in the past. Traditions were deeply ingrained in the residents of Bayberry.

Kate moved to her aunt’s side. “So, you didn’t like the new arrangement?”

Aunt Penney shrugged. “I just thought the way we always have things would be easier for customers to find things. I hope you aren’t disappointed if we keep things the same.”

“You know, sometimes change is for the best.” Her aunt was too stuck in her ways, Kate thought.

“I hear you, but this arrangement does flow better.”

Kate nodded. “Okay. I understand.”

The lines bracketing her aunt’s eyes smoothed. “That’s good. I guess I should have discussed the change with you since you’ve been helping me set up, but we’ve been missing each other a lot lately.”

“Actually, that’s why I was searching for you. Could we talk a moment?” She didn’t want to have this conversation in front of everyone. “Maybe over there.” She pointed to an empty part of the warehouse.

“Is something wrong?” Aunt Penney searched her face for answers. Then she turned to another employee, handed off a clipboard, and asked him to keep things moving.

When they were away from everyone else, Kate asked, “Did you forget to tell me something?”

Aunt Penney’s eyes widened. “You mean the man in your office?” When Kate nodded, her aunt continued, “I’m sorry. I’ve just had so much on my mind lately. Sometimes I think I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached. Anyway, about him. I did attempt to warn you last night.”

“I know. I’m sorry I had to run off. But I’m listening now. Who is he? And what is he doing here?”

“I’ve hired Mr. Adams to do some consulting. And, well, you don’t actually use your office all that much—”

“I…” She was about to argue but realized her aunt was right. “I guess not.”

This time of the year, Kate was usually on the go most of the day, and then she worked on her laptop at home in the evening, updating the accounting records. It wasn’t the best arrangement, but when you were the niece of the owner, some allowances were made.

Aunt Penney sent her an appreciative look for not making a big deal of it. “I knew you’d understand. I appreciate your sacrifice as we have limited space. And Mr. Adams needed someplace quiet with some privacy to do his work.” She paused. “Maybe you could show him around.”

“You mean around the factory?”

“I guess that too, but I was thinking about around town. Help him get comfortable in Bayberry.”

Kate grew worried. “How long is he staying?”

She didn’t like the thought of him being in her space. She had her chair adjusted just the way she liked it. And her desktop monitor was tilted just perfectly. And now his stuff had already pushed her things out of the way. She’d even noticed that her silk flower arrangement and favorite mug had been moved to the top of the file cabinet.

“Not that long.” Aunt Penney patted her arm. “He’ll be out of here by Christmas. And come the New Year, you’ll have your office back.”

The business shut down between Christmas and New Year, letting the employees enjoy the time with their families. It was a well-earned reward for the big push leading up to Christmas.

“But that still doesn’t explain what he’s doing here.” Kate had a sneaking suspicion she knew the answer, but she wanted her aunt to confirm it.

“Well, ah…” Her aunt’s gaze didn’t quite meet Kate’s. “I thought it was time to bring in someone with an objective perspective and experience in these matters to give us guidance for the future.”

She’d guessed right. Wes was some sort of business consultant. But what changes would he recommend? And would her aunt be okay with them?

“But we can’t afford him,” Kate said. “At least not at this particular moment.”

“About that…I called an old friend of mine. We keep in contact—Christmas cards, birthday cards and such. We also talk on the phone. I remembered her mentioning her son was a business advisor. And I called in a favor.”

“So he’s doing this for nothing?” Something about that didn’t seem quite right.

“I’m paying him out of my own funds.”

“You can’t do that. It isn’t right.”