5 months later
October

Nick

Meetings after meetings.

It made sense why I was busy lately. Christmas was in two months but instead of trading stocks and compiling trends in bonds, my mind was saturated with thoughts of her.

"That doll is doing good in sales, Matel is pleased," Mitch says through a grumble, messing with the clasp of his briefcase. "But the inventory is not moving fast enough."

"Blah blah blah"

I wasn't paying attention to him, choosing instead to look down at my phone for a notification.... maybe even a text from Wynter. It has been five months since she left the Pole but I always had hope.

"Hello! Nick" Mitch calls my name, snapping my gaze from my phone screen. "I said Matel wants to know the status of the Barbie dolls? When are you going to fulfill the rest of the inventory you promised them!"

"I'm Almost done" I lied, looking forward at the buildings in front of us.

"You've been saying that since March"

"And I'll say it till Christmas" I teased. Mitch didn't find the joke so humorous. He pulled out the phone that was vibrating in his pocket and glanced at the screen. "Uhh," he groaned. Probably a call from someone he hated.

"So what's next on the agenda of consumerism"

Mitch furrowed a brow, playing around with the phone buttons before pulling out his other phone for my schedule.

"Meeting with Hot wheels tomorrow at 10 then at 12 with the makers of some new show on Nick called Dog Patrol?"

"Oh great" I cursed.

"Also, Macy's is asking for a Santa for their parade in November. I figured since you and...."

"No way!" I cut him off immediately. Mitch was always here for a money grab, enrolling me in every venture that would make him richer.

"But imagine the headlines Nick! It's the millennials and gen z's new dream! A Hot Santa! Closing out the Macy's Thanksgiving parade."

"Find another clout obsessed Instagram model." I pull out my phone again, praying for any notification to distract me from this conversation. Mitch knew my identity as Santa was meant to remain anonymous. The board of directors and CEO thought of me as nothing more than a rich, spoiled entrepreneur who made it big, and frankly, I would like to keep it that way.

"Fine." He scoffed, making some notes on his phone. His phone beeped then rang again.
"Sorry, Nick. I have to take this.
"Have those Barbie dolls done ASAP! Got it?
Hello?Bob! How are you!" He pushes his cellphone to his ear before going to the valet to retrieve his car.
"I'll call you later Nick! Have it done!! I mean it!"

I tilt my head up towards the skyline of NYC. I always felt gloomy when I was in be the city. I couldn't even describe the state of my life since Wynter left. I was stagnant. I was indifferent to the joys of life. Samantha started coming around the castle more but I paid her no attention. She eventually got the hint. The last time I heard, she was dating Jack Frost. Good.
What did I care?
They deserved each other.

I feel my phone vibrate. Hastily, I snatched it out of my pocket, praying it was a text from Wynter.

Lizabeth: Hey Nick. Here's the address for the warehouse. Thursday at 6 am sharp!

Lizabeth texted me the address to the location. I still had to pose for the Santa campaign for Nubia cosmetics.

Nick: Have you told Wynter yet?

Lizabeth: Not yet. She's going to know though.

Nick: When?

L: At the shoot. Kinda like a surprise ambush.

N: You didn't tell her yet? She'll be so upset. The last thing I want to do is make Wynter upset with me. I kinda accomplished that months ago.

L: It's fine Nick. Wynter will deal and I'm sure you know how to handle a tough customer like Wynter. ☺️ I'll see you soon. Don't be late.

I darken my phone screen and looked towards the bustling streets of New York.
It would be the first time I saw Wynter since June. So much time had passed.
We hadn't left off on the best terms but despite this, my feelings never faltered.

Was it pathetic to pray for even a glimpse of her? I rather she be mad at me, even if it meant I could see her in person.

——

Two days later

Nick

"Okay get some more oil on Nick!" A prop maker announces. She said her name was Kat.

"Someone gets me more glitter! We need the red coat to shine. We need to make it obvious he's Santa! Come on people! Let's stick to the schedule" Kat barks again.

A few people surrounded Lizabeth as she signed off on some last minute alterations and papers. I was happy she was finally getting the respect she deserved. I knew Wynter liked things a certain way so seeing Lizabeth in control was a big leap.

"Okay Nick you're ready?" Lizabeth clapped excitedly.

"Ready then I'll ever be." I nodded. I never modeled before so I hoped the picture didn't turn out too weird. 

"You'll be perfect as Santa, don't worry! It's as if you have the spirit of Christmas already." She smiled a
I bit back a smile, trying not to be as obvious. If only she knew.

"Okay places people! Antonio!!!"

"Antonio is ready!" A short man with dark-rimmed glasses and a designer scarf waltzed into the room. He kissed Lizabeth on both cheeks before walking over to me.

"Hmmm..." he hummed purposely, sizing me up and down.
"I wouldn't mind for this Santa to unwrap my presents"

"Huh?" I hummed, unsure of his human verbiage.

"Good choice of model Lizabeth" he nodded, snapping a quick photo of me.

"Antonio is ready!" He yells, prompting everyone on the set to run. A few women touch up my makeup and curls. Two other women iron out the wrinkles in my coat.

"Lizabeth I got the sushi!!!" I hear Drew's voice and frowned.

"Drew? What are you doing here!" I fumed, storming over to him.

"Nick? Drew? You two know each other?" Lizabeth followed my heel.

"Oh yea. Wynter never told you. We're brothers." Drew shrugged nonchalantly. Lizabeth looked shocked but tilted her head until she saw the resemblance.

"Ahhh. I see it now" she whispers. It was more apparent when we stood side by side.

"Drew go away. And get us coffee or something"

"But Lizabeth!!" Drew groans.

"You heard him. I need Nick to concentrate so if he says go get coffee. Go get coffee"

Drew grumbles, glaring at me before frowning at Lizabeth.

Lizabeth rests a palm against his arm, holding him with care. "Drew. You don't understand how much of a lifesaver you've been. Thank you"

Oh. She was good. I see why Wynter and her were close. Drew blushed as bright as Jingle's nose and nodded. "Fine. I'm only going cause of you!" He whispered. She batted her eyelashes before walking him out.

———

Probably 3 hours later?
Wynter

I knew Lizabeth was super nervous about hosting this photoshoot. She begged me to stop by for just a couple of minutes, just to show my support.

I was done in the office early so I figured why not.

"Hey Wynter!"
"Hey Wynter!"
Hey Wynter!"
"Hey Wynter!"

All the assistants and prop designers greeted me. I walked the warehouse observing the chaotic scene before me.

"Have you guys seen Lizabeth?" I asked.

"She's prepping the male model. They're on look number two" Manny, one of the set directors yelled.

"Male Model?" I frowned.
But we never advertised with maLe models.
I would tell Lizabeth to make sure—-

Nope Wynter!
Don't do it!
You said you would let her have free reigns in this year's campaign.
You have to let her do it...her way.

I wave to a few more employees and find an empty seat to sit in while waiting for Lizabeth. I pull out my laptop and answer some last-minute emails.

"Wynter!! There you are!"

"Hey Lizabeth! It's looking good." I take in the fake snow and scenery and smile.

"I'm so glad you like it!" Lizabeth looked more relaxed as I expressed my approval.

"So? I heard you have a male model?"

"Yes. But if you don't like the concept we can totally kill the idea! I knew if—-"

"Lizabeth" I cut her off before she talked herself into a stupor of self-doubt, " I was just gonna ask if he's super hot."

"Oh...yea! He is. Well, I think so." She laughed, letting out the breath she was holding.

"Okay, we'll call me when he's on set! I'm itching to see"

"Oh, he already is." I look up at her and frown.

"Okay? Where is he?" I force a squint, looking around.

"He is right behind you."

I stood from my chair and turned around, gasping once I saw him.

"Now Wynter. Don't be mad. He didn't want to do it but I begged him."

My heart raced as I took in the male model's features.
Those soft brown curls. His sea-green eyes.
That stupid cocky smile that would make the humblest girl swoon.
I knew these features from anywhere.

"Ms. Wynter Rider." He smiled pridefully, "a pleasure to make your acquaintance"

Author Note
I'm editing the future chapters and wow! There's about 5 chapters left before the book finishes!!