Page 24 of Santa Loves Curvy Girls

No one needed to see that Santa Claus had a full head of blonde hair.

We finally made it to A Wonderful Film. I went up to the counter and got us two tickets toHome Alone.

“This is definitely my favorite Christmas movie of all time,” I said as we walked into the last theater at the end of the hall.

A few people sat chatting, eating their popcorn, and waiting for their movie to begin. They didn’t notice Santa Claus come in with a cute girl behind him.

We went to one of the top rows and took a seat. The theater was already dark, and part of me wanted to take off my beard, at least. But I couldn’t take that kind of risk. Not with Belle or anyone else.

“What’s your favorite Christmas movie?” I asked her.

She munched on some popcorn, and I did the same.

“Oh, definitelyThe Grinch. The one with Jim Carrey,” she replied.

“That is the best one,” I added. “Solid choice. If you had said anything else, I definitely would’ve judged you.”

She smiled. “As long as you don’t say thatDie Hardis your favorite, I won’t judge you.”

I clutched at my chest. “It’s not my favorite Christmas movie, but it’s up there!Die Hardis definitely a Christmas movie.”

I would die on this hill.

Belle rolled her eyes but smiled back. “I knew it. This friendship was doomed.”

I laughed, and she did too, and then we both quieted down because the previews were starting.

“This is the best part,” I whisper-shouted.

“Agreed!” she replied.

By the time we got to the part with the choir, I turned to look at Belle. This part always got me. She turned to me and smiled. Before I could think about it too much, I reached my hand over to find hers.

My gloves had come off earlier with the popcorn, so it almost felt like getting to share a small part of the real me. Her hand was soft. I gave it a squeeze, and we went back to the movie.

After it was over and Kevin got his family back and the credits were rolling, we sat there for a while just talking.

“Do you and your family have any fun traditions?” I asked her.

“Well, we always exchange books on Christmas Eve. Like a Secret Santa type thing. Then we read together, drink hot chocolate, and go to bed pretty early,” she said. “After setting out cookies and milk for Santa, of course.”

I nodded. “Of course. Very important.”

She grinned. “What about you?”

“Well, we usually go to the Garland Express. My mom loves the sleigh rides. And then we walk through Tinsel Terrace. I like the lights. And then we go to Scrooge’s,” I finished. “It’s kind of become a holiday tradition ever since I burned the turkey a couple years ago. And I think my mom likes not having to cook so much, especially since it’s just the two of us.”

“That sounds fun,” she said. “Is it usually busy?”

I added, “No, actually. It’s usually pretty quiet. And my mom likes to harass Henry. Really, I think she senses that he gets kind of lonely this time of year, so we always go and hang out with him.”

Henry was the owner of Scrooge’s, and he was kind of a real-life Scrooge. Older, kept to himself, didn’t have much family around anymore. Mom said he reminded her of her dad.

“Henry always says he hates the holiday fuss, but I think you’re right that he must just get a little lonely. That’s sweet of you guys to check in on him.”

“He also serves the best burgers and milkshakes in town,” I said.

Maybe soon, I could take her, I thought.

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