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.