Christmas at Joes

4. They Know that Santa's on the Way

    Most everyone was excited about our idea for doing secret Santas. Apparently, the bar already had a tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts. Employees and regular customers would open one gift at the bar's Christmas party. Having it on Christmas eve was new, but when we explained we would also be celebrating Nicki's birthday, everyone was willing to move the party. Everyone except Nicki who reminded us that we were supposed to be working that night. Joe stepped in and assured her we could do both. Telling her there wouldn't be that many customers on Christmas Eve and any that did show up would probably be more than happy to join our party. Joe is very big on building customer relations and not so good about watching his business's bottom line.

The week before Christmas, I finally figured out what to get Nicki. It was a bit much for a secret Santa gift, but I really wanted to get on her good side, and it really was a perfect gift. She had a white fox fur jacket of which she was really proud and that she wore everywhere. I had found a set of fur earmuffs that matched her jacket perfectly right down to the purple fur trim on the earmuffs matching the trim on her jacket. Like Nicki and me, they were made for each other. I didn't really say that did I? Perhaps my feelings are jumping ahead of reality?

Still, I had everything planned out in my mind. Christmas Eve would be the most romantic I could make it. We would decorate the bar together. Hang lots of mistletoe. We'd tell each other about our favorite Christmases, our favorite traditions. Lots of funny stories. It would all come together with the presentation of our secret Santa gifts which would surely be rewarded with a kiss. No unforeseen mayhem was going to spoil it. Or so I thought.