SORRY IT'S A DAY LATE...CHAPTER 7

 

Chapter 7

          Maddie had begun working for Spencer just a couple months before the holidays the previous year. She found it hard to believe that she’d already reached and passed her one-year anniversary. She also found it hard to believe that she and Spence hadn’t become better acquainted. No matter what kind of overture Maddie made, he almost always found a way to refuse the invitation or spend whatever time they had together to focus solely on business. Maddie was sure if she was questioned about any of Spence’s favorites, she’d be unable to name more than one or two.

          Spence noted when Maddie’s anniversary rolled around and had flowers sent to her desk which was really no different than what he normally did for his company’s staff. He was responsible for every single hire and so knew everyone who worked for the company. Recognizing each person’s contributions did, he knew, go a long way toward ensuring stability and loyalty. Plus, in almost every case, he genuinely liked the individuals who worked for him.

          As he had done from the very beginning, Spencer began planning the holiday fest the beginning of November. Each year, the holiday party included not only staff, but the staff’s wives, husbands, significant others and children. Santa (Spence in a Santa suit) always attended and handed out gifts to every single person, child and adult. Spence had always tried to give a gift that the recipient could and would enjoy.

Spence did most of his planning on his computer to which Maddie had access. All the documents were under the file name, “holiday plans.doc.” He didn’t invite Maddie to assist him, but somehow, without an invitation, Maddie entered his office one morning with her own holiday plans file. She sat down and said, “Last year I was too new to help with your planning. This year, I believe I know our staff members almost as well as you do. I want to help organize this event.”

Spence was a bit irritated. This was something he’d always done on his own, not even having Maddie’s predecessors help. He gave Maddie a brief smile and said, “There’s no need for you to take that on. I’ve always managed alone, so you don’t need to worry about the holiday opart.”

“I figured you’d say something like that so I came prepared. I reviewed the plans you’ve made so far and prepared some additions and/or suggestions.” Maddie replied, standing and holding out the file in her hand. “Just take a look and feel free to adopt anything I’ve listed there, or totally ignore if that’s your decision.”

Surprised, Spence found himself reaching for the file and actually thanking Maddie. He watched as she turned and walked toward the door, once again struck by the sight of her nice bottom in the tailored pants she wore.

The door closed softly and Spence shook his head, telling himself once again to ignore the attraction he felt. He opened the folder and perused the pages of information there. To say Maddie knew the staff as well as he did wouldn’t have been an overstatement. As a result, she’d offered some genuinely good ideas and Spence knew he’d be a total fool to ignore the information she’d provided.

Over the next month Maddie and Spence worked closely together on the holiday fest. Many of her ideas were incorporated or added to those Spence had already noted. Spence attempted to keep their relationship totally business oriented, but Maddie had a way of getting him to talk about himself without seeming to pry. After each time they spent planning the event, Spence wanted to kick himself for responding or simply reach out and do what he so strongly desired to do.

Spence never talked about his childhood or his parents. Most of the people who knew him wouldn’t have been able to supply much information about his early years. His life seemed to begin when he went to university. During one of their holiday meetings, Maddie managed to get him to talk about why the holiday plans for staff were so important.

“Christmases while I was growing up were a nonevent after my grandma died. She lived with us until I was in kindergarten and was the one that took care of me. Once she died, Christmas became just another excuse for my parents to get drunk and fight like two wild dogs in heat. We never had a Christmas tree, stockings or presents after grandma died. She protected me from my parents and afterwards, I couldn’t understand why I didn’t have a good mom and dad. As I grew up, I came to the realization my parents were simply unable to care or show affection. It was only because of those first years and later through the few friends I made that I knew what the holidays should be. I was determined that someday I’d have Christmases like those again.” Spence had spoken softly as he gazed out the big window toward the glittering lights below. He then shook his head and added, “I have no idea why I just told you all that. It’s been years since I’ve thought about my childhood.”

“I believe you’ve taken all those difficult memories and chosen to make sure the Christmases of those you care about are wonderful. Last year, I was simply a participant, or observer, but I could see how much joy the party gave you. Not only that, I could see how delighted your staff and their families were with the gifts and the event. It could have been a totally different occasion if you hadn’t been so sincere. Every single person there, whether staff, a family member or child could see that and it made your gifts, not only those wrapped, but the gift of time and attention all that more meaningful.” Maddie responded, as she tried to hold back the tears his sharing had brought to her eyes.

“Yes, well, the next time I decide to take a trip down bad memory lane, please step in and stop me. I can’t stand talking about or thinking about those times.”

“Are your parents still alive?”

“No, they both died while I was in college. No surprise it was due to all the alcohol they drank. Anyway, enough. Let’s finalize these plans.”

Regardless of Spence’s words, Maddie could see the small child that still inhabited this injured man. She desperately wanted to hug him tight and tell him what a wonderful human he’d grown into all on his own. She knew that would have been both inappropriate and dangerous, so she simply responded, “Okay, we’ve finished with the tree and the menu. I think one last review of the gift list and I can go ahead and order everything. We’ve not a lot of time left to get everything here and wrapped.”

Spence turned his attention to the lists before him, wondering why on earth he’d been so open about his childhood. True, he didn’t mention the beatings, the hunger that gnawed at his tummy some nights or the many other difficulties he’d had to surmount during that time, and he wouldn’t. Not ever, he promised himself. He shook his head and reminded himself this was another reason to avoid alone time with Maddie. She had the gift of teasing out information without it seeming like she was prying. Spence determined he wasn’t going to share anything further with her because that could and most likely would lead to their becoming closer and he couldn’t have that.

The day of the holiday party finally arrived. Maddie and some of the staff had spent the day before and even into the evening decorating the firm’s offices. She was excited to be fully a part of this year’s celebration and couldn’t wait to see her fellow employees and their families enjoy the event. She also wished she had a significant other she could have invited to share the joy with her.

Still, Maggie was determined to have fun. She’d enjoyed herself last year when she didn’t know as many people as she did now. But this year’s party was going to be ever so much more fun because she’d helped with the planning, gift purchasing and because she knew everyone and would be helping Spence, who was playing Santa, pass out the packages. Maddie thought it just might end up being the best Christmas party she’d ever attended.

Maggie had also been careful about imbibing much in the way of holiday spirits. This year, she felt she could probably partake just a bit more of the fancy eggnog that seemed to pack a wallop if you weren’t careful. Maggie also knew she wouldn’t drink all that much because she was going to be Santa’s helper and she had dressed accordingly.

The Holiday Party was a dress-up event, not tuxes and fancy gowns, but fun Christmas attire. Maddie had looked high and low for something she really liked that wasn’t too terribly kitchy. She’d finally found an oversized bright red sweater with a laughing grinch on the front with the grinch’s behind on the back. The edge of the hat, eyebrows and tail were all fluffy material of some kind with the hat a deeper red. The nose was red sequins and the tip of one tooth was a diamond like stone. Quite tacky in some ways, but very fun.

Maddie completed her outfit with a skirt that hugged her hips then flared out over the top of her tall black boots. Her only accessories were dangly red earrings and a broad red clip that held her hair back and let it cascade down her back.  A grinchy hat completed the ensemble.

Following her ritual bath, Maddie donned the red skimpy undies and bra she’d purchased to wear beneath the sweater and skirt. Only she would know they were there. Completely dressed, including the hat, Maddie stared at herself in the tall mirror and had to admit she thought she looked great. Not only that, she felt attractive, excited and just a bit naughty due to her fancy underwear.

As planned, Maddie arrived early and found Spence already in his Santa suit, but without the beard. He hadn’t added any padding because he wanted the kids to know it was him, not the real Santa who was busy at the North Pole getting ready for Christmas Eve. Maddie walked around him and said, “You just might need that padding if you have all the kids sit on your lap. Some of them will have very bony butts.”

Spence laughed and responded, “Well, that’s what I’ll get for being Santa.” He sat down in the Santa chair they’d prepared and continued, “Want to give it a try?”

It was all Maddie could do to keep from throwing herself onto Spence’s lap, but responded with, “Thanks for the generous offer, but I’m afraid my butt’s not nearly bony enough to give you the proper experience.”  She laughed and turned away, trying not to blush.

Following a quick check on the caterers, the Christmas tree piled with presents and the adult and kids’ bars, it was time for the party to begin. Through the doors came the company’s employees and their families. It wasn’t long before the rooms rang with voices, laughter, the odors of good food and the excitement of everyone having a wonderful time.

The noise level rose and then rose again when Santa began calling out names from his perch by the tree. Maddie did her part, handing off the gifts or delivering them to the kids too shy to come forward. Soon, the sound of ripping paper, exclamations of joy and awe filled the room and added to the noise level.

Maddie had a wonderful time assisting Santa Spence with the gift-giving. She was thoroughly delighted with the children’s excitement and pleasure at the gifts they received. She especially delighted in how the employees and their partners were also immensely pleased with the gifts she and Spence had chosen. It was the best Christmas party Maddie had ever experienced.

Santa Spence thoroughly enjoyed his role. Maddie brought each child to him for a very brief greeting and handed him the gift destined for each one. Some were very shy and others greeted him like a favorite uncle. Even though Spence was busy, he had to make a huge effort to keep his attention on the child or children in his lap. Maddie drew his eye again and again. And even as each child claimed his attention, he remained aware of Maddie’s presence and her activities. As she brought another small tot to him, he imagined her as a mother and thought she’d be absolutely excellent in the role.

Maddie rejoiced in her role as Santa’s helper. She gave no thought to how her skirt became a bit shorter as she leaned down to pick up a little one or reached for a present that was almost out of reach. She wasn’t aware that tendrils of her hair had come loose from the clip, giving her laughing face a more sensuous look. She also wasn’t conscious of her laughter ringing out again and again or how it made the people around her want to laugh as well.

Still, Maddie was also very aware of Spencer, of how he treated each and every child in a solemn but teasing manner, of how even with the most shy, he managed to find something that made the little one relax. She found herself thinking he’d make a great father one day. She also found herself wondering what it would be like to sit on his lap and be the sole focus of his attention. She also knew that the likelihood of her ever knowing that was very unlikely.

At one point, while Santa was tending to the teenagers, Maddie took a moment and watched him. He was talking and laughing and appeared to be having a wonderful time. It looked as though he actually blushed when one of the young girls, delighted with her gift, gave him a huge hug. She felt as though it was that young boy who’d lacked so much at his own Christmases who was really enjoying the event.

Spencer, for his part, didn’t spend a lot of time watching Maddie. He felt as though he was just asking for trouble if he did that. Still, the swirl of her skirt, the click of her boots on the hardwood, her laughing voice as she engaged with her fellow employees drew his eye more than once. She seemed so relaxed and seemed to fit in so well with everyone that attended. He thought she probably had a gift for making friends, no matter who they might have been.

At one point, presents handed out, Maddie got down on the floor with a toddler who was having a melt-down. Tanya, the child’s mother, told her she didn’t need to do that, that it was past Suzy’s bedtime and she was overstimulated. Spence saw Maddie wave her hand at the mom while saying, “Hey, it’s okay little one. Here, snuggle up with me and we’ll have a little quiet time.” Maddie appeared to begin to hum while her hand moved slowly up and down the child’s back. It was barely moments before the child sagged against her chest, eyes closing. Spence wondered what Maddie would be like with her own child, then wondered why that thought popped into his head.

Not long after, people began to leave. Maggie surrendered Suzy to her dad and with Spence on one side of the door and her on the other, they thanked their employees for coming and helping make the event great and wishing each and everyone of them a “Merry Christmas.”

When the door closed behind the last person, Maddie stretched and said, “Maybe you were right about being exhausted. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”

“Well, we’re not quite finished. There’s one more gift and it has your name on it.” Spence said, going behind the Christmas tree and pulling out a small gift-wrapped package.

“No, I guess we aren’t finished,” Maggie responded. “I’ll be right back.”

Maggie returned quickly with an envelope in her hand. “This is for you Spence.”

“And, this is for you Maggie.” Spence replied.