Page 24 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

I considered it. “It would cut down on the fishbowl effect.” I remembered how Emery had jumped the first time she’d looked up and caught me watching her work. Not that I’d been watching her specifically. Much. “Make it feel less... supervisory.”

“Exactly!” Levi clapped his hands together. “We could have a little competition. Best decorated window gets...” He looked at us expectantly.

“Gets to not be fired for suggesting ridiculous ideas.” Ronan was clearly annoyed, but I noticed he was eyeing my window thoughtfully.

“You can’t fire us. The staff morale could use a boost before we start the overtime shifts. And it’s not like we’re suggesting hanging disco balls and strobe lights.” I surprised myself by backing Levi up.

“Though that would be amazing,” Levi interjected with a grin.

“No.” Ronan and I spoke in unison, sharing a rare moment of complete agreement.

Levi held up his hands in surrender. “Fine, traditional decorations only. But I still think we should make it interesting.” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Winner gets a date with Emery.”

That got Ronan’s full attention. “Excuse me?”

I watched as Ronan’s face cycled through several shades of red, each one more concerning than the last. But Levi, being Levi, barreled on with his typical disregard for self-preservation.

“Think about it—she’s got great taste, she’s already helping spread holiday cheer downstairs, and this way we make it a real competition.” He was practically bouncing on his heels now. “Plus, we all know she could use a nice dinner out after everything that’s happened.”

“Everything that’s happened?” Ronan’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What exactly has happened?”

I shot Levi a warning look, but he shrugged. “Her ex is being a dick. Took her car, donated her stuff. She’s basically starting over.”

“And you know this how?” Ronan’s tone suggested he already knew the answer but wanted to hear me say it.

“Because unlike some people, I actually talk to our employees.” Levi’s casual response made me wince.

“Talk?” Ronan’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

I cleared my throat, trying to redirect before this devolved into another argument about workplace dynamics. “The window decorating isn’t actually a terrible idea.” When both of them turned to stare at me, I cleared my throat. “The competition part, I mean. Not the other part.”

“Too late! Max is in. That’s two against one, Ronan. Democracy in action.”

“This isn’t a democracy.” Ronan’s weakening resolve was written all over his face. “This is a business.”

“A business that could use some holiday spirit,” I said, surprising all of us. “And maybe we could all use a reminder that we’re more than just the bosses upstairs watching everyone through these windows.”

“Fine.” Ronan might have finally conceded, but his scowl suggested he was already regretting it. “But nothing excessive. And no glitter.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Levi’s grin suggested that absolutely meant he was dreaming of it. “We’ll start after lunch. Winner gets announced at closing.”

“I still haven’t agreed to the prize,” Ronan protested, but Levi was already heading for the door.

“Too late! I’m going to tell Emery she’s judging our window decorating contest. Don’t worry, I’ll leave out the prize part.It can be a surprise.” He waggled his eyebrows at us before disappearing down the hall.

I slumped in my chair, already wondering what I’d gotten myself into. The thought of decorating my window was bad enough, but the possibility of winning a date with Emery?

“This is a horrible idea.” Ronan echoed my thoughts.

“Probably, but you’re still going to participate, aren’t you?”

He shot me a look. “Like hell I’m letting you two win by default.” With that, he stormed out, presumably to plot his window decorating strategy with the same intensity he brought to quarterly projections.

What was I thinking, agreeing to this? More importantly, what would I do if I actually won? Or, if Ronan or Levi won?

Chapter Twelve

Emery

---