Page 4 of Wrapped Up with the Three Scrooges

“Is it always this quiet?” I whispered, feeling like I was in a library where the books might shush me.

“Oh yeah. The Three Scrooges insist on it. They say chaos leads to crooked corners and wrinkled paper.” She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Personally, I think they just really commit to the whole silent night thing.”

As we approached a modern steel staircase, I had to ask, “The Three Scrooges?”

“The owners,” Sophie explained, her heels clicking on the steps. “Max, Ronan, and Levi.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “They’re particular about how things are done. But don’t worry! They rarely come down from their ivory tower of perfectionism, but they’re always watching.”

She gestured to a wall of windows that looked down into the space and a balcony of sorts where someone could stand and watch like an overlord.

“So, what you’re saying is, they’re wrapped a little too tight?” I couldn’t help myself.

Sophie snorted, then quickly covered her mouth, glancing around as if someone might pop out and scold her for breaking the silence. “Oh my God, that was terrible. I love it. You’ll fit right in here. Well, with me at least. The others might need some unwrapping.”

We reached the second floor, which housed offices. “Ready to meet HR?” Sophie paused at one of the doors.

I smoothed down my blouse, suddenly very aware of how many times I’d sat on curbs today and wondered if I should dust my ass off. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Though I should warn you,my last job interview involved me creating an origin story for a number two pencil.”

“Trust me, around here, that’s practically normal. We once had someone show their wrapping technique using their own shoe. While wearing it.”

Well, at least I couldn’t do worse than that. Probably.

Sophie left me with a cheerful woman named Janet, whose desk featured both a professional nameplate and a tiny elf that danced when you pressed its stomach. The contrast felt oddly fitting for this place.

Janet smiled warmly, scanning my hastily updated résumé. “So, Emery, tell me about yourself.”

“Well, I’m great at keeping things under wraps.” I immediately regretted my pun when Janet blinked rapidly at me. “Sorry, I cope with humor. Especially when I’m nervous. Or breathing.”

Janet laughed, putting me slightly at ease. “That’s refreshing, actually. We could use some laughs around here.”

The door opened without warning, and I swear the temperature dropped ten degrees. A man strode in, and my brain short-circuited. Dark hair, sharp jawline, and an intensity that made you want to either run away or climb him like a tree. He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that probably cost more than my car.

“Janet-” He stopped, noticing me. His blue eyes were like arctic ice, beautiful but potentially lethal.

“Ah, Mr. Gray.” Janet’s voice had shifted from warm-kindergarten-teacher to corporate-professional so fast I got whiplash. “This is Emery Williams, interviewing for a seasonal position. Emery, this is Ronan Gray, one of our owners.”

I stood, extending my hand, praying it wasn’t sweaty. “Nice to meet you. I promise I won’t wrap any shoes while wearing them.”

His handshake was firm, brief, and completely ignored my attempt at humor. “Janet, test her skills.”

Janet immediately produced a box, wrapping paper, and ribbon like she’d been waiting for this cue. “We just need to see your gift-wrapping ability before moving forward.”

Great. A practical exam with Mr. Fifty Shades of Grumpy watching. No pressure.

I took a steadying breath and got to work, hyperaware of Ronan’s presence as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed. The paper was thick, high-quality stuff that was so expensive it only made sense to buy it on clearance after Christmas.

I started by measuring the paper and cutting it with the sharpest scissors I’d ever laid hands on. I mean, they were so sharp a permit should be required to handle them.

Shaking my head, I refocused on the task. I secured the paper with tape, folded the edges into perfect triangles, and cut a length of ribbon. While I didn’t normally wrap presents using ribbon, I thought I made the perfect bow with tails that cascaded elegantly down the sides.

“Adequate.” Ronan’s appraisal made me jump. “You’ll need to complete our training video before starting tomorrow. One hour on proper technique.”

“Just one? And here I was hoping for a full wrapping TED talk.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Ronan’s expression could have frozen Hell. “Ms. Williams, we serve clients who spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars for perfect presentation. We are the premier gift-wrapping concierge service in the United States. This isn’t some mall kiosk with bathroom breaks and top forty radio.”

I swallowed hard. “Right. Sorry. No more jokes about wrapping it up.” I winced. “I mean, about the job. The very serious job. Which I very seriously want.”

“Tomorrow. Eight AM sharp. Don’t be late.” He left as abruptly as he’d arrived, leaving the smell of expensive cologne and intimidation in his wake.

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