Page 6 of Wish You Faith

Even though he was only the assistant manager, he must hold some clout because Bellina paid attention to him.

“Tell me you didn’t drive all over town with a loaded truck because there isn’t room for two hundred poinsettias.” Lorenzo ushered Bellina away from Rosie. “Unless you want us to tie them to the top of the delivery truck.”

More incompetence.

Evan wondered how Christmastown made a profit year after year. He also wondered how long Bellina had been working there and how much chaos had resulted because of her.

Then again, whoever was in charge of mismanaging the order from Moss Tybee would be the first one on the chopping block.

Evan decided to escort Rosie to safety, wherever she was going. Rosie walked in the opposite direction of Lorenzo and Bellina.

“First day at work, huh?” Rosie adjusted her apron. “Sorry you had to see that.”

“No worries.” Evan was happy to help.

He couldn’t stop smiling. The more he looked at Rosie, the more he smiled. He didn’t know why.

“Where are you from?” Rosie asked.

“Seattle.”

“Welcome to Savannah, Evan from Seattle.”

“Thank you, Rosie from Savannah.”

“How do you know I’m from Savannah?” Rosie asked.

“You’ve worked here for a while, so I’m just assuming you settled in.” Evan didn’t know how else to defend his assumption.

“Actually, I’m one of the few natives. I was born here in Savannah. I still live in my childhood home.”

“Really?” Evan wanted to know more.

“Anyway, thanks again,” Rosie said. “You didn’t need to stand between Bellina and me. We have an ongoing feud that will not end today. You just stepped into the pit. She will not let you go, especially since you’re new here.”

“I’m not afraid of her. Besides, my contract ends in January. But you…” He hesitated. “Have you talked to HR about this?”

“Yes, I have. This is the last straw. After today, Bellina will be banned from the tree farm. She doesn’t know it yet.” She sighed. “You’re in trouble, I’m afraid. You defended me against Bellina.”

“Then you owe me one.” Evan smiled, and hoped he would interact more with Rosie. “Do I get a reward for rescuing the princess?”

“What princess?” She laughed.

It was the same laugh that Evan had heard earlier after he’d parked the truck. He had found the source.

“What’s your job at Christmastown?” Rosie asked.

“I’m a floater.”

“A floater. That’s good. How about this?” Rosie looked thoughtful. “You’re welcome here at the tree farm if you’re not needed elsewhere.”

“Wait. You’re putting me to work as my reward for saving you from Bellina the Belligerent?”

“Are you calling people names?”

“I didn’t say Bellina the Beast, which would be a whole lot worse.” One thing was for sure: Bellina was going straight into Evan’s report that he would soon send to Cyrus. So be it if it got the trainer fired. At least Evan would’ve done his part to protect Rosie.

Protect Rosie?

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