Page 9 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
I look away and take a deep breath before saying, “I don’t... I don’t think I’m the right person for the job. I couldn’t keep my little shop open, so how on earth do you think I can make your plans become a reality? This is so much bigger, so much more work, so many more moving parts.”
“That’s not something you need to worry about. I have the resources you need, and you’re building a business in a year-round Christmas town, where people come to experience the holiday season. There have only been two businesses that have shut down in this town.” He holds up his fingers. “The first one was an accounting business, and that storefront closed because they pulled their business in-house. The second one was a chain restaurant attempting to needle their way into our charming town. As a whole, no one went there on pure principle, so it went out of business. Every other proprietor that has opened a business in Kringle has succeeded. Trust me, the chances of success here are high.”
I mull that over for a moment, because he is right. Every time I’ve come to visit, it’s always the same restaurants, the same businesses year after year.
“And I could really use your help. You’re so savvy with creating a charming aesthetic, with social media, with building a business in the digital age.”
“Yeah, and then plowing it right into the ground,” I huff.
“Hey,” he snaps. When our eyes meet, he says, “The reason your business failed is not because of you but because of the location. If you started that shop here in town, you would be thriving. It wasn’t the idea. If it was the idea, you wouldn’t have over fifty thousand followers on Instagram.”
I refuse to acknowledge that point because I’m still living in my feels of being a failure. Though I do still have all those followers, and I continue to feed them with content even though I don’t have a store anymore. Would those followers increase if I opened my operation here in Kringle? Would they bring business? Would they still believe in my dreams and me?
“I don’t know?—”
“Tell me one reason why you can’t do it. One solid reason.”
I twist my lips to the side, thinking it over. I know whatever I say, he won’t consider it a valid reason, so I decide to go with what I’m really feeling. “I’m scared.”
He nods. “Now that’s a valid reason but one we can overcome. This time, you won’t have to do it alone, as I will be your sounding board as well as head up operations when it comes time to build. You will be the think tank, and I have the capital for you to do just that. The idea is there. We just need to execute, and I can’t think of anyone better suited for the job than you.”
I tug on the corner of my lip.
“Come on. Just say yes. I promise you won’t regret it.”
Blowing out a heavy breath, I close my eyes and say, “Fine, I’m in.”
Chapter Three
Max
Narrator: With a new girl—and a new idea—in town, Max has no clue what’s about to hit him. And I surprisingly feel bad for him. Because this is not going to be a walk in the park for him, and I think we all know how he gets when he’s stressed.
Though what would a story be without some tension and intrigue?
And a stressed Max?
Max:Do you want anything from Warm Your Spirits?
I wait for Cole to text back as I head down the sidewalk, avoiding ice patches as I make my way toward the coffee shop, the wind whipping around off the mountains and blowing snow up off the ground and into the faces of those walking the streets.
Jesus, it’s nippy this morning.
My phone buzzes in my hand with a text.
Cole:Why aren’t you at work?
Max:Had to make a deposit at the bank. Don’t worry, dear. I’ll be back soon. Is that a no on the coffee?
Cole:Just get back here, you fuck.
“I’m going to take that as a no.” I pocket my phone and turn the corner just as someone runs directly into my chest. “Oof, watch the niblets,” I say, their limbs almost getting me in the goods.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry,” the woman says in a muffled tone; the ski mask she’s wearing is accompanied with a hat, only giving me a bit of her blue eyes. Smart to wear a ski mask with the way the wind is moving this morning. “Are you okay?”
“I believe everything is still intact. Are you okay?”
She pats her body and then says, “Everything checks. Unless...” She eyes me playfully. “Did you bump into me on purpose to steal something, maybe a pickpocket situation?”
