“Hey boss, how was your holiday?” Genesis asks from behind the counter as I walk toward her, having just dropped my stuff in the break room. The bookstore is quiet today, with only a few patrons looking around, presumably shopping for something new to spend their gift cards on.
“It was actually really good. How was yours?”
“Loud, chaotic, and so much fun.” She grins brightly. “My family is crazy, in the best way. You should’ve taken me up on the offer to come over. I laughed so hard, I almost peed at one point during a game of Cards Against Humanity.”
“That sounds like fun! Maybe next time you guys have a big gathering.”
And I meant it this time. I’m slowly beginning to realize that I need to put myself out there again—spend time with people. I’ve missed it, and I hadn’t realized how much until all of my crazy holidates.
“What did you end up doing?”
Part of me hesitates, wondering how much personal information I should divulge to a coworker—my employee. But Genesis is also a friend, and I value that side of our relationship more than maintaining professionalism.
Not to mention, she’s the one who gave me the idea to become Holly North, sort of.
Relenting, I spill every last detail, minus the private details between me and Miller. I admitted that her words played on repeat in my head until I finally had the insane idea to re-download the SparksFly app and edit my profile, then I told herabout each of the dates, ending, of course, with how I spent my Christmas.
She listens intently, eyes widening with certain details, and as soon as I finish recounting everything and take a deep breath, she squeaks loudly with excitement. Clapping her hands together, she squeals, “Girl, you realize your entire month of December has been like something right out of a Christmas movie, right? Like, someone get Hollywood on the phone, ASAP. Why didn’t you tell me any of this as it was happening?”
I clench my teeth together in a purposely awkward smile and laugh. “Honestly, I felt a little weird. Iamyour boss.”
“Okay, yeah, but you’re also my friend. I can’t believe you held out on me.”
Leaning against the counter, she props her head up on her fist. “So you ditched the doctor to be with the lumberjack?”
“I was never actually with the doctor. And I don’t think Miller’s a lumberjack, Gen.”
“He owns a tree farm?” she questions.
“Well, yes.”
“Therefore, he owns an ax?”
“Probably…”
“Lumberjack,” she concludes.
I start giggling, thinking about the words I used in my head a couple of days ago. “More like a lumbersnack.”
Genesis howls in laughter. “Oh my God, new favorite phrase. Why is that not trending on socials?”
“I don’t know, but it should be.”
“Send me a picture of him?”
“No! I just met him. How am I supposed to have a picture of him?”
“Please, from the sounds of it, you two are already in a committed relationship, practically planning your wedding.”
Covering my face with my hands, I shake my head. “You’re crazy! No, we’re not.”
“From everything you just told me, that man is in love. L.O.V.E.”
“It’s been a day! Literally! We met on Christmas Eve.”
She rolls her eyes at me, crossing her arms. I follow her stance, and look out at the sales floor. “It doesn’t matter,” Genesis continues. “When you know, you know, and no amount of time makes a difference. Do you like him?”
“Yes, of course.”
