Page 29 of A Little Christmas 4: Teller
“Oh, by the way, Mistress Geraldine asked if you’d tailor a Santa suit for the party. She has one, but she said the Daddy who is going to wear it is thinner than the Daddy who wore it lastyear, and this year’s Daddy doesn’t want the padding. She said he’s vain.” We both laughed because I hadn’t met a Daddy who wasn’t.
“I’ll need to get the measurements,” I said.
“She’ll send them to you. Now, what do you want for Christmas?” Maizie asked.
I laughed. “I want to find my loafers before I go to work on Monday. I don’t think I can get by with these.” I twisted my foot to show her they were my sneakers and discovered that I’d missed a spot on the sole.
“They don’t look bad. I’m sure your shoes are somewhere you least expect them. My midterms are next week. I’m bringing my books over tomorrow, okay?”
“Sure. I’ll set up a workstation in my studio for you. I’ll get some donuts for us. How’s that?”
“Sounds delish! Oh, we’re here,” she said as she looked out the window of the sedan.
Daniel hopped out and opened Maizie’s door, extending his hand to help her out. Suddenly, there was another hand batting his away, and as I bent to glance out the window, I saw Barrett with a glowing smile as he helped her out of the car.
He pecked a kiss on her lips and whispered something into her ear. She threw her head back and laughed before he put her on her feet and threaded her arm through his as he escorted her up the stairs.
My best friend was happier than I’d ever seen her. It was beautiful to witness.
I stepped out of the car, adjusting my leather jacket as I started up the stairs. At the top, I saw my silver bear wearing a big grin. He met me halfway down the stairs and hugged me. “You look gorgeous, baby.”
His comment had me flying. “Thank you. You picked out the clothes, but I couldn’t find my good shoes.” I stepped back and twisted my ankle so he could see what I’d done to my sneakers.
“We’ll talk about that later. Come inside. I want you to meet everyone.”
I nodded, and Daddy Briggs led me up the stairs and into the building. We got on an elevator and went to the top floor—no surprise—and when we got off, there was a whole party going on. There were television sets around the large lobby where people in other places were having parties as well. It was truly unbelievable.
We made the rounds, Briggs introducing me to many people, but most importantly, I met the queen, Madeline. “This is my partner, Teller. Teller, this is Madeline.”
“Oh! It’s such a pleasure to meet you. Da—Briggs talks about you all the time. I know you make his job so much easier,” I said, hoping I didn’t sound like an idiot.
Madeline gave me a hug, which was really nice. When she pulled away, she smiled at me. “With the two of us working together, I think we can maintain our sanity and keep him in check at the same time.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. She definitely had his number.
“I’ll do my part,” I told her as Briggs wrapped his arm around my waist.
“Don’t plot against me, please. The two of you are a force I can’t overcome.”
We both laughed just as Barrett tapped a knife against a water glass, Maizie standing next to him. Everyone turned in his direction before Briggs led me to the stairs, and we stood next to them. I had no idea what was happening, but I put on a nervous smile, as did Maizie.
Briggs took the microphone that the DJ handed over before smiling at the crowd. “Hello to all of the personnel in the officesof York Properties, LLC. Happy holidays.” Applause erupted from the room and the monitors around it.
After a minute, the crowd was silent. Briggs held up the mic again. “I know you’re all worried about what’s happening with the company, but I wanted to assure you that none of the offices will be closing. We will be selling off some older properties, but that doesn’t mean we won’t acquire newer ones. None of your jobs are in danger of disappearing, so don’t worry, and please, don’t go job hunting.” Another round of applause.
“You’ve all spoken to or heard about my new business partner. He and I will share the load of running the company so we can each have a life outside of the job, which I highly recommend to all of you. If you haven’t met him yet, you will soon, but let me officially present my co-president, Barrett Tarry.” Briggs held out his arm toward Barrett, who stepped closer and waved.
I moved over toward Maizie and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “The two of them joining forces makes me believe we’re going to be friends for a very long time.”
Maizie kissed my cheek in agreement. I was very happy we were experiencing some of the best times of our lives together.
We’d shared our dreams with one another when we hung out at our old apartments in the old building, and now it seemed a lot of them were coming true.
I made Valerie’s pajama gown—the material was from a Grinch blanket I’d found at the Thrifty Shopper when I dropped by there on my way to work my last shift at O’Malley’s. The gown was a mid-ankle flannel job with an old-fashioned red and greentulle ruffle at the bottom. Valerie had a gushing fit over it with Maizie’s encouragement. I was relieved.
After meeting Derek, only a union suit would do. It was made from red terry knit with the back flap made of several layers of tulle to give a hint of his butt, though not too slutty. I wished I’d have thought of something similar to wear with my footed onesie, but the black jock Derek wore under it would be enticing to any Daddy, I was sure.Except mine, I hoped!
When our friends left together, I turned to Maizie. “You wanna try on your gown?”
