“No way,” I mumbled under my breath as I carefully skirted the perimeter of the tall Christmas tree in the middle of the mall. It was fully loaded with sparkling bulbs, lacy ribbons, and tons of tinsel. There was no way I was going to risk knocking that down. What was I doing at the mall at Christmastime anyway, when I didn’t have to be? When I was working at the Bon Smart department store, I had to be at the mall. Around the holidays, like many others who worked retail, I’d had to work dreadfully long hours. But other than that, I always avoided the mall at this time of the year. It tended to be super busy and filled with crying kids and stressed out parents. Plus, the prices were better after Christmas.

Happily, I was feeling pretty relaxed. I’d pounded the pavement looking for a job and had been offered two different positions. They were not in the ladies clothing section, which I had wanted, but they were both in department stores and I could probably transfer to ladies wear at a later time. All I had to do was decide which one I wanted. With my savings and a new job coming, I was in pretty good financial shape.

I felt I could afford to buy a few gifts. I wanted to buy Karina a little something to thank her for everything she had done for Josh and me, and I wanted to treat my old roommates, Meg, Cat, and Kristi, and my new roommate, the love of my life Josh, to something special. I’d decided to join the throng of Christmas shoppers searching for that special gift for that special someone. I glanced over at the big chair where Santa was sitting. A long line of kids had formed to climb on Santa’s lap, share their wish lists, and get their photo taken with him. There were even a few adults in the line that didn’t look like they had any children with them. Everybody loves Santa. I couldn’t help but smile. I thought of Josh in his Santa suit, his muscles bulging out from the red plush. I didn’t have to wait in that line. I had my very own personal Santa at home.

“Excuse me,” a woman with a young girl walked near me. “Do you know where Bright Jewelers is?”

I pointed in the direction of the jewelry store. “It’s up the stairs next to the Bon Smart.” Ugh. I hated even saying that store’s name.

“I’m getting my ears pierced for my thirteen birthday,” the girl exclaimed.

“Thanks,” the mom said. “I hear they’re having a big sale!”

“Good luck!” I called as the pair walked off.

The mall was a cataclysm of lights and sounds with lots to look at and so much to buy. I wasn’t sure where to start to find Karina’s present, so I took my time gazing in all of the display windows. Many of them were beautifully decked out for the holidays. It was nice that people cared so much to make Christmas such a special time. I had never really thought about all the work that went behind the scenes before.

Walking by one shop, the strong smell of chocolate wafted out to me. A clerk was out front handing out samples.

“Thank you,” I said, taking a small truffle. “Yum, this is delicious. Do you have any coupons available?” A rich, creamy chocolate gift would be great for Karina.

“Here you go,” she said, handing me a twenty percent off coupon.

“Thank you!” I’d scored again. It never hurt to ask if there was a discount available. In the store, I selected the Chocolate Addiction basket for Karina. It included chocolate covered pretzels, brownies, truffles, cookies, and more. After arranging to have the basket of goodies shipped to her, I headed up the stairs, figuring I might as well check out the sale at the jewelers.

The first glass case in the jewelry store caught my eye. Inside the display was a collection of silver animal pendants, including ones in the shape of wolves.

“Hi!” The clerk said as she walked towards me. Her eyes narrowed. “You look familiar, and I never forget a face. Do I know you?”

I shook my head. “I won the ‘Lovebites Lottery.’ My picture was in the paper. You probably know me from that.”

“That’s right! You won a…um…”

“…a wolf shifter, his name is Josh.”

“That’s so cool. I wish I could win a hot shifter. I keep buying the scratch off tickets at Foodies,” she sniffed, “but no such luck.”

“Yeah,” I grinned. “I’m really lucky. It’s been going great!”

“That’s awesome—and so romantic! So, what can I help you with today?”

“I wanted to get my friends a little something for Christmas and I was looking at these little pendants,” I pointed to the case.

“Aren’t they adorable? I bet you were looking at the wolf ones.”

“Yep! I love them!” I said, smiling. “They’re just right to give my friends, but I’m not sure I can afford them. They look expensive.”

“They just so happen to be on super sale!” She glanced around the store then lowered her voice to a whisper. “Don’t tell management I told you, but some of the cash-back phone apps are offering another fifteen percent off our sale prices.”

“Done!” I said happily. “Now all I have to do is get something for my hunky shifter and I’m done my shopping. It’s hard to buy for men. I was thinking a scarf or a sweater…I just don’t know.”

“You know, I may have just the thing. And it’s on super sale too!”

I followed her to another case in the store.

“See that?” She pointed towards an item in the case and I followed her gaze. Nestled inside was a box with a man’s gold ring that boasted a wolf’s head. “It’s…”

“Perfect!” We both laughed as we said it at the same time.

“My name is Marissa,” she said as she rang me up. “Just ask for me if you need anything else.”

“I will,” I said, thanking her as I left. I felt wonderful. I could just imagine how happy my friends and Josh would be when they got their gifts. I was all done my shopping so I could leave the mall, though I had to admit, it had been enjoyable and not the dreaded task I thought it would be.

My stomach was growling so I decided to stop by the food court for a pastry and cup of coffee for the road. As I entered the food court, I was surprised to see Margie Kay and Becky Riffen sitting at the table closest to the coffee stand, noshing on burgers. I felt like turning around and exiting, but I stopped by myself. I had done nothing wrong. Why should I feel intimidated?

I marched over to the coffee stand and ordered a cup of coffee and the largest blueberry muffin they had. As I turned to walk out, Margie’s voice called out to me.

“Amy…Amy Bowen. How are you doing?”

I walked over to their table. Avoiding Becky’s cold stare, I tried to sound as warm as possible. “I’m fine, and you?”

“Well,” she pursed her lips. “I could be better. To be honest, we’ve had a pretty substantial drop in business since you left—pretty substantial indeed. You had a very strong customer base, Amy.”

I glanced over at Becky. She seemed nervous for some reason, and was toying with her empty straw wrapper.

“I miss it too,” I said. “I know some of the customers could be difficult, but I still enjoyed working with them.”

Margie shook her head. “You were one of our best employees. When Becky told me you’d quit, I was so disappointed.”

“Wha…?” my jaw flew open. I looked at Becky, who was biting her lip.

“Why did you quit, anyway?” Margie asked.

“I didn’t quit,” I pointed to Becky. “She fired me!”