Chapter 16: The Winter Display
Winter had finally arrived.
A crisp morning breeze drifted through the streets, carrying with it the sharp bite of the season. Outside, customers hurried along the sidewalks wrapped in thick coats, scarves, and woolen hats, rubbing their hands together before escaping into the welcoming warmth of Pick Your Products.
Inside, the store buzzed with activity.
Shopping carts rattled across the polished floor while cheerful conversations mixed with the soft music playing overhead. Shelves were stocked with heaters, fluffy blankets, mugs, hot chocolate, and every little comfort people sought during the colder months.
Near the front entrance, Lance stood silently in front of the store's newly assembled winter display.
Artificial snow dusted the shelves. Evergreen garlands wound neatly around the display stand, and tiny white lights twinkled between pinecones and ornaments. Everything had been arranged with care, each decoration placed exactly where he thought it belonged.
He folded his arms across his chest and took several steps backward.
His eyes slowly scanned every inch of the display.
Then he frowned.
Something was missing.
Running a hand through his dark, curly hair, he let out a quiet sigh.
"It's good..." he murmured to himself, "but it doesn't feel complete."
His gaze wandered over the decorations again, searching for whatever his instincts insisted wasn't there.
Nothing stood out.
Yet something still felt wrong.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
I wonder what Layla would think.
She would probably spot the problem the moment she looked at it.
Whenever they worked together, ideas seemed to flow naturally. Before Lance could fully explain one thought, Layla would already be building on it, somehow turning an ordinary idea into something far better than he had imagined.
Working by himself just wasn't the same.
"Lance."
The familiar voice instantly pulled him back to reality.
He straightened at once as Mr. Adams approached with his hands clasped behind his back. His sharp eyes carefully inspected the display, his expression as serious as ever.
After a long moment, he nodded.
"Make sure our winter display outshines every other store in town," Mr. Adams said confidently.
He paused before a faint chuckle escaped him.
"I heard a new store opened nearby."
His smile widened just a little.
"Although... let's not even call them competition."
Lance gave a respectful nod.
"Yes, sir."
He hesitated.
The question had been sitting in the back of his mind since he started decorating.
Finally, he took a breath.
"Sir... would it be possible for Layla to help me? She usually helps with the seasonal displays."
Mr. Adams looked at him in silence for several seconds before letting out a weary sigh.
"I'm sorry, Lance, but no."
The answer hit harder than Lance had expected.
His shoulders immediately sagged.
Mr. Adams shook his head with a knowing look.
"You can't think straight whenever she's around."