Christmas Wishes

“Come over here,” Nicholas replied, motioning to the spot behind the register as a customer came up to check out.

Molly took his place, stepping behind the register. “Okay.”

“Okay, Ms. Molly, I’m going to time you,” he informed her, holding up his fancy wristwatch.

“What?” Her eyes went big.

“It’s not a big deal. This is just the small stuff that corporations look at before they think about buying a place. They want to make sure we’re as efficient as possible,” he explained. He kept his eyes on his wristwatch. “We can start with the next customer in line. Five minutes is the red zone. Can you check them out in two minutes or less?”

“Can I check them out in two minutes or less?” Molly looked at the next customer in line, and panicked for a second. The next person in line was Ms. Vincent, a customer who Molly knew thoroughly enjoyed small-talk and chitchat.

She'd never check her out in less than two minutes, nor would she want to. Ms. Vincent was one of their best customers, and she always said how much she enjoyed her interactions with staff at Christmas Wishes.

Of course, Nicholas wouldn’t know that about Ms. Vincent, and he didn’t know how much interacting with customers like Ms. Vincent was vital to the store’s sales goals, either. A slow smile filled her face as she realized she wasn't going to make his two minute goal. But today, Molly was going to make sure that he learned something better. Something that made the store special.

“Ms. Vincent!” Molly greeted the woman with a big smile.

“Molly Carmichael.” Ms. Vincent leaned across the counter to envelop Molly in a tight embrace. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas! Did you find everything you needed in the store?” Molly asked, reaching toward Ms. Vincent’s items and beginning to scan them.

“And then some, as usual,” Ms. Vincent replied with a laugh. “Are you and Hannah still the best of friends?”

“Of course. How else do you think I get those cookies?” Molly pointed to the plate of gingersnap cookies set out for customers to enjoy while they shopped.

“Good! Then she wouldn’t mind me telling you about the three-tiered cake she’s making for my holiday dinner at the church,” Ms. Vincent whispered conspiratorially. “It’s supposed to be a surprise, but I can barely hold it in!”

“A three-tiered cake? Is each tier a different flavor?” Molly had finished scanning Ms. Vincent’s items, and she now began the bagging process. “Is Hannah making one of the layers her secret chocolate surprise?”

“I wouldn't have it any other flavor,” Ms. Vincent replied. “And you know what the other two flavors will be?”

“Um, vanilla?” Molly asked, pausing to think.

Ms. Vincent nodded. “And she's making me a caramel flavored version that no one else has had yet. I tried it and I have to tell you, it's to die for.”

Molly heard Nicholas not-so-subtly cough somewhere beside her, but she didn’t show him even an ounce of attention.

“I think Hannah mentioned that she made you a gingerbread house last week? For your church recital?” Molly asked. They didn't have any more customers, so she felt no guilt at keeping the conversation going. “How’d the recital go? What songs did you guys sing this year?”

“All the classics. ‘What Child is This’, ‘Away in A Manger’, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’, and a few others I can’t remember off the top of my head,” Ms. Vincent replied, ticking off songs on her fingers. “I’ll have to bring you a program. Maybe I’ll swing by tomorrow.”

“I’d really appreciate that, Ms. Vincent. Hopefully you can give me some inspiration for the kids’ choir.” Molly clasped her hands together, almost as if in prayer. “Inspiration that I need more than anything lately. Directing the kids’ choir is...complicated.”

“Then it’s a done deal,” Ms. Vincent assured her. “I’ll get you that program as soon as I can.”

“I really appreciate it,” Molly replied.

“Molly.” Nicholas’ voice broke through the conversation, and he moved to stand closer to her side. “You’re at five minutes. Over, actually.”

Molly ignored Nicholas’ warning. She bent down below the counter and came back up with a miniature sized white horse and golden carriage, which she placed on the counter in front of her.

Ms. Vincent gasped at the sight of the item and reached for it. “Please tell me the town square will be auctioning that off at the parade this year.”

“They sure will,” Molly said with a smile. “You want to buy an entry ticket, Ms. Vincent? It’s just twenty-five dollars.”

“I’ll buy six.” Ms. Vincent rummaged through her wallet while Molly wrote her name on six golden tickets. Crisp bills went directly into Molly’s waiting hand. “Ooh! I hope I win. There’s absolutely nothing like a Christmas Wishes original.”

“You got that right.” Molly winked at Ms. Vincent as handed her the golden tickets. “Thank you, again. The town appreciates it.”