Page 8 of Santa's Coming

Emily’s message lights up my screen, and suddenly, the crowded bar fades into the background.

Santa:I like what’s in and around the red a whole lot.

Emily:The other day, when you texted me, I was so turned on I was squirming in my seat.

It’s a dance of words and wishes, a tantalizing tease. I’m caught in a tug-of-war between my role as Santa and the man behind the beard, craving more than just festive banter. I thought a fresh start would be good, but most nights, it’s just me and my thoughts in an empty bar. It gets lonely, more than I’d like to admit. I haven’t felt this way about someone in a long time. It’s thrilling but terrifying. I keep asking myself, what if this doesn’t work out? What if I’m not enough?

It's time for Santa to make a move, to keep the magic alive before the clock strikes reality. She doesn’t know who I am beneath this jolly facade, and I want her to.

Santa:How about I see you on Christmas Eve?

As I send the message, the bar’s chaos calls me back, a reminder of my reality. But for a moment, in the midst of the holiday rush, there’s a flicker of something more, something exciting and terrifyingly new. It’s a Christmas gamble, and I’m all in.

Chapter 10: Christmas Eve Promise

Saturday, December 21st

Lying in bed, the quiet of the night amplifies my racing thoughts.Christmas Eve.It would be the only time to meet up before our Christmas charade expires. Ben will be at his dad’s for the night, a tradition we started a couple of years ago.

There’s a vulnerability in meeting Santa, a revealing of the person behind the playful texts. It’s not just about stepping out of my comfort zone; it’s about letting someone see the real me, beyond the role of Mom, beyond the facade of having it all together.

Memories of my past relationship creep in, casting a shadow over my excitement. The fear of diving into something new, of being vulnerable again, is almost paralyzing. Meeting Santa feels like stepping onto thin ice—exhilarating yet terrifying.

Santa:Remember, Santa’s sleigh only makes its rounds once a year.

As I type a response to Santa, a flutter of nerves unsettles me. I’m thrilled at the thought of seeing him, yet I’m also shadowed by doubt. What if our real-life meeting doesn’t live up to this whimsical text exchange? What if the spark only exists in ourholiday banter? What if the chemistry we have in our messages doesn’t translate in person? The fear of rejection, subtle but persistent, makes my heart race with apprehension.

Emily:You drive a hard bargain. I will be accepting presents and ready to spread some holiday cheer after I’ve completed all my own Santa duties on Christmas Eve.

He replies almost immediately.

Santa:That’s the spirit! I promise I will stop using these puns soon. And I’m not overanalyzing your use of the word spread. (That’s a lie.) I can’t wait to see you and give you the foot rub you’ve been writing to Santa about.

Emily:You make me reckless, Santa! We’ll have the place to ourselves too.

I run a timeline through my head: I need to pack a bag for Ben to go to his dad’s, put the presents under the tree, shave my legs, and get ready for my very own Santa.

Emily:How about you come over at 8 p.m.?

Santa: 8 p.m. it is! I’ll make sure to leave my sleigh parked discreetly. Wouldn’t want to wake the neighborhood with reindeer on the roof, would we???

My fingers quickly type with a mix of excitement and a flutter of nerves.

Emily:Certainly not! We wouldn’t want to start a North Pole gossip chain. Promise me it’ll be our little Christmas secret?

Santa:Cross my heart. It’s just between you, me, and the mistletoe. I'll be as silent as a snowflake falling on a winter’s night.

My fingers hesitate over the screen as a smile tugs at my lips.

Emily:I’m looking forward to it, Santa. Just … be gentle with this single mom’s heart, okay?

Santa:I’ll be as gentle as the first snowfall of the season. Can’t wait to see you, Emily. Until then, keep a warm cup of cocoa ready for me.

Emily:Cocoa will be waiting, Santa. See you then.

Chapter 11: Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24th

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