Page 16 of Sexted By Santa
“Santa Claus is coming to town!”
The carolers sounded just as close as before. I glanced over my shoulder to see themfollowingme. I waved a hand. “Shoo. Go sing at someone else.”
They ignored me, their voices seeming to grow louder and more determined. Of course, they had to choose the song that reminded me of my embarrassing debut as the worst Santa ever. Just thinking about Jaxson’s critical gaze made my cheeks heat with embarrassment. But I didn’t want to be agoodSanta. Christ, I didn’t want to be a Santa at all. Or be chased by holiday carolers.
I picked up my pace even more, speed walking until my carolers fell behind. A quick glance confirmed they’d found a new target in a group of students at the courtyard nearby. I breathed a sigh of relief and stepped into the student union—only to hear Christmas songs piping through the sound system.
I frowned. There was no escaping the holiday spirit. I should have packed a lunch and holed up in my office. That made me think of Barry. We didn’t often eat together, but I should have asked if he wanted anything while I was out.
I reached for my phone as I approached the deli sandwich counter, but my pockets were empty. I stopped to check my briefcase, but it was stuffed with the finals I needed to grade and nothing more. My wallet was missing too—I must have forgotten to retrieve them from my desk drawer before going to class that morning—but fortunately, I had a ten-dollar bill in my pocket.
I approached Toasted, a sub sandwich shop, which also happened to be rumored to sell a little something else that would get you toasted on the side. Not that they’d ever offer such a thing to a stodgy old professor likeme. Despite the colorful rumors, this was the healthiest food option at the student union. But then, marijuana wasn’tunhealthy, I supposed.
“I’ll take a turkey on whole wheat, no cheese, extra pickle and tomato. Coffee to drink.”
Our department head brewed a pot for our building every morning, but it was atrocious. I never passed up a chance to get a better cup when I was out. I tried to keep a healthy diet, but coffee was the one vice I couldn’t give up.
“Would you like to try our turkey-cranberry? It’s a seasonal special.”
I scowled. “No, I want what I ordered.”
The redhead behind the counter flinched slightly. “Right, and just a plain coffee?” She tentatively pointed to a placard advertising a peppermint-mocha coffee.
Tempting, but no—I wouldn’t give in to the Christmastizing of all things during the winter season.
“Plain,” I affirmed.
The Toasted clerk wrinkled her nose, as if she couldn’t understand my life choices. Thank goodness classes would wrap up soon, and I could hide in my house.
Except for the department’s holiday party and those godawful Santa appearances.
My jaw began to ache, and I realized I’d clenched my teeth. I forced myself to relax and smile as I handed over the cash. “Thank you. Have a good day.”
See? I could be polite.
I took my sandwich and coffee to go, returning to the sidewalk. When I saw the carolers, I ducked between two buildings and crossed the crunchy frosted lawn to avoid them.
When I made it safely back to my office, Barry was behind my desk, eyes intent on the phone in his hands.My phone.
“Hey,” I protested. “What the hell?”
Barry jerked his head up. “Oh, you’re back. Where have you been?”
“I had class, and I went to grab a sandwich.” I raised the bag and coffee. “I would have called to see if you wanted something, but…” I nodded toward my phone, still in his hands.
“I was hoping you might be sporting that Santa coat again,” he teased. “I should have gotten a photo.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I will wear that coat exactly two more times and never again.”
“Two more, huh? Can you send me the times and locations?”
“Over my dead body.”
He chuckled. “So how did it go Saturday? Where’d you end up?”
“Retirement home.”
“No kids yet, huh? Starting off easy.”
