Page 5 of My Secret Santa Clayton

“Sure, sure,” Kat said. “Just ignore the elephant in the room.”

“Or I could just get out of here,” I started.

No luck.

As if on cue, Betty Thompson stepped up onto the makeshift stage at the back of the diner, holding a giant, upside down Santa hat. “Attention, attention!” Betty's voice cut through the noise asshe tapped her spoon against her mug. “Let’s get this show on the road!”

“Let's not drag this out. Lord knows, we've got enough suspense in this town without adding more to it,” I said quietly to our table, but Kat shushed me.

“Shut it, Clay. You know you love this town,” Kat teased, poking my arm.

“Love is a strong word,” I replied.

“Alright, everyone,” Betty said. “It's time for the Secret Santa drawing!” She held up that oversized hat of hers. “Gregory Treeve, our esteemed mayor, will be our first participant.”

The diner erupted in a chorus of whoops and claps. Greg stood up, grinning as he walked over to Betty. He was wearing a ridiculous reindeer sweater, complete with bells and tinsel. He put his hand into the hat with a flourish that felt as overdone as his sweater, then pulled it out and looked at the slip of paper with a smile.

They were all acting like this was such a big deal.

I knew better…and I needed to get the hell out.

I drained the last of my coffee, setting the mug down with more force than necessary. Time to make a beeline for the door…before I could get roped into it too.

But Betty was already wending her way toward our table, Secret Santa bag in tow.

“Clay, I’m so thrilled to see you’re participating this year!” she said.

“Really, Betty, I—” I started to protest, but she wasn't having any of it.

“Come on, Clay, don't be a grump,” Livy chimed in.

“Fine,” I grumbled, reaching into the hat without looking. The slip of paper felt too light in my fingers, like it carried some kind of curse. And when I unfolded it, my gut twisted.

Grace Gibson.

Of course.

“Who'd you get?” Kat peered over, trying to catch a glimpse.

“Nobody,” I lied, trying to shove the paper in my pocket. “Just…nobody.”

Livy snatched the paper out of my hand before I could hide it, and her eyes went wide. Gabe looked over, eyebrows rising.

“Whoa,” he whistled low. “Look who's playing Santa this year.”

“Hey!” Kat chastised them. “It's supposed to be a secret! Don't spoil it.”

Gabe just grinned, not one bit chastened, as he nodded across the diner. “I think I know who drew your name.”

I lifted my head only to find Grace again—looking right at me.. She held a slip of paper in her hand as if it was going to bite her.

“Uh oh,” I muttered under my breath. The last thing I needed was this kind of drama.

But the universe, or at least Betty's Santa hat, seemed to have other plans.

“Still findin' this funny, huh?” I grunted.

“Absolutely,” Gabe chuckled, not even trying to hide his amusement. “Ten bucks says she gets you coal.”

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