“Looks like
you got two, only one of them is from me,” I said, returning to the couch.
Nikki’s
eyebrows knit together in thought, considering the two envelopes. “Is this from
. . . ?”
“Looks like
his handwriting.”
She set my
letter aside and gently worked the envelope flap open, taking care as if she
intended to re-use the envelope. She pulled out pristine paper lightly scented
with chocolate, nutmeg, and peppermint, taking me back to frigid Boston
mornings and Ma’s hot chocolate.
She
unfolded the letter, and I leaned away, concerning myself with my own letter. I
wasn’t as neat, and used my finger like a blunt knife to tear open the
envelope. Mine wasn’t so much a letter as it was a note.
Matt,
Merry Christmas! So, you’re
officially in, now. I’m sure you wondering what all of your responsibilities
are, but, trust me, you’ve got a handle on it. It’s nothing more than you’re
used to; it’s why you got the job in the first place. And just so you don’t
think I’m singling you out, I’ve got thousands of Helpers around the world.
The
job is basically the same, though I might put your unique skills to use, too.
You’re good with traveling, right? It won’t be first class, more likely
reindeer class. Ha! I’m joking. Or am I? Guess you’ll have to wait and see.
I
know your day job can get pretty involved, but you also have less work during
the Season, so it should all pan out.
Well,
this ran longer than I wanted, so I’ll cut it short. Again, Merry Christmas!
(Ho ho hoTM)
P.S. You’ll get a new
hire packet with some forms and info about your pay and benefits.
P.P.S. Ha! Pay and
benefits. That’s another joke, but you’ll see.
P.P.P.S. You will have
one job to do fairly soon. Probably take you until the start of the new Season.