Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

C hris got to work nearly two hours before his shift. There was nothing to do but sit in the little break room until it was time to get changed into the Santa suit, but there was a sharp wind out there today, and he was hoping to find something to eat, even if it was just a few leftover chips. He had about four dollars to his name and that was it until he got paid, which wasn’t for almost another week. He was actually lucky that he’d started when he did. If he’d been a week earlier or later, it would have been nearly three weeks ’til a payday instead of just over a week.

The place was empty, and he relaxed a little, putting his backpack under one of the chairs at the square table that sat in the middle of the room and shrugging out of his jacket. He grabbed his reusable water bottle and filled it up from the tap at the sink. There was a half-eaten chocolate cookie on the counter and his stomach growled loudly. He licked his lips, his mouth already drooling. It was one of those big cookies that were sold individually, and the half that was left was easily four bites. Had it been left on purpose? Was someone coming back to eat the rest of it? Because if they were, it would suck if he stole it. He’d give it five minutes and if nobody showed up, then he’d have it. He just hoped that nobody else showed up in the meantime.

The rest of the counter was bare, but the garbage hadn’t been emptied yet today and he checked it out, leaning casually against the wall so if someone did come in, it wasn’t obvious what he was doing. He moved a few napkins aside and score—there was a box from the Thai takeout place in the food court. Another glance at the door, then he grabbed the box. The bottom quarter of the box was all noodles. Damn, that was a good find.

Grabbing a fork from the dishrack by the sink, he sat and started in on the noodles. They were totally cold and a little claggy, but there was enough sauce on them he could taste the spice, and it was food, so he was going to take it. He tried not to eat too quickly, but it felt so good to have food in his belly.

He was almost done when the door opened, the kid who was the elf—Luke—coming in.

“Hey, Chris! How’s it going? You’re early too, eh? I figured I’d dump my backpack and check out the sale at Old Navy. I need some new T-shirts. They make good food, don’t they?”

He blinked at the question, not sure he followed. “Old Navy?” They were a clothing store.

Luke laughed, face bright. “No, I meant Thai Basil.” Luke nodded at the takeout container in his hand. “I had that last night at our supper break. Thai Green Chile. What did you get?”

“Uh…” He was pretty sure this was what had been leftover of Luke’s green chile. “Pad Thai.”

“Cool! I like that too. Sweet and peanuty.” Luke sat across from him, smiling and friendly.

Chris regarded him for a moment before shoving the last of the noodles into his mouth, then tossing the container back at the garbage before Luke could take a good look and realize that it was his food container from last night.

“So you’re pretty early—you going shopping too?” Luke asked.

“No.” He reached into his backpack and pulled out his dog-eared copy of Brave New World. “Gonna read.”

“Oh, cool.” Luke was quiet for maybe five seconds before asking, “What’cha reading?”

Chris handed the book over. He’d read it at least a hundred times, but he liked the book, and it made a good barrier. People tended to leave you alone if they saw you were reading. Eventually, he’d be able to trade it in for another book at the used book store. Or maybe he’d even indulge and simply buy another used book once he had a couple of paychecks under his belt.

Luke actually read the description on the back before handing the book to him. “Haven’t read that one. Is it good?”

“Yes.”

“Cool! I like a good book. I’m more likely to stream something than read during my downtime. After work, I usually just want brain candy, you know?”

Chris grunted in lieu of an actual reply.

“Although some of my favorite shows are based off books. Right now, I’m going through all the Star Wars shows on Disney. Obi-Wan Kenobi is my favorite. Ewan McGregor is such a hottie—he’s aged nicely.”

Chris swore that Luke was the most cheerful, most persistent person he’d ever met.

He listened idly as Luke continued talking. He glanced at the cookie out of the corner of his eye. It was still sitting there, tempting him. It would make a very nice addition to the leftover noodles. Together, they’d almost be enough to call an actual meal.

“Well, I guess I’d better head off if I’m going to make it to Old Navy before our shift starts. I’ll see you in a bit!”

He nodded and watched Luke head out. He waited a moment to make sure the kid wasn’t coming back, then got up and snagged the cookie. He threw the packaging out and took a bite, savoring the sweetness. This was way better left-over than the noodles had been. He settled back in his chair and opened his book.

It was warm, he had food in his belly, and a quiet spot to sit until his shift started. That made it a pretty good day.