Page 21 of Bear Creek Christmas
“Wow! How did you evendothat?”
Knox wriggled his eyebrows and wrapped his long tongue around Levi’s hand and wrist—pulling, twisting, grasping.
“Prehensile. It’s one of the things I have in common with my bear. Just wait until I eat out your ass. You’ll like it.”
“Uh... you’re probably right, but let’s save it for another time! Can you find my shirt?”
Knox helped him get redressed, and they compared notes for the coming week before a farewell smooch at the door. The relationship may have started one-sided, but Levi was running out of reasons not to consider something deeper with the sweet bear.
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Late September
After lunch, Levi checked his mailbox in the main office and found two interesting items. One was a simple phone message from Mayor Tillman, requesting a one-on-one meeting at his earliest convenience. It came as no surprise, having been warned by Eden to expect it. No doubt she would explain the committee’s proposal for his part in the upcoming holiday season. Just as well, since he couldn’t make any sort of plans without more information. Somehow, he’d have to balance it all with his school responsibilities and time with Knox.
After the Fall concert in mid-October, he’d be focused entirely on Christmas. He couldn’t wait to dive head-first into the holidays, even if they did turn out to be extra busy this year. On the way back to his classroom, he returned the Mayor’s call and reached her secretary, Carmen Perez, instead.
“Thank you for responding so quickly, Mr. Green. Would you be able to meet with Mayor Tillman after school on Friday at four o’clock?”
“Yes, that works for me.”
“Wonderful! I’ll send you a reminder with all the details. She’s looking forward to meeting you and discussing the public holiday performance.”
Levi had reached his office by then and ended the call. The other item from his mailbox was a rigid cardboard mailer, labeled with an eBay shop he didn’t recognize. Strange. Inside, he found a booklet entitled “Ye Olde Time Christmas Music”. According to the date, it was over a hundred years old and still in good condition. Along with the booklet came a hand-written note from the shop owner.
“This rare treasure is a gift from Mr. Knox McCoy. Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!”
Levi was smiling when Eden knocked on the doorframe with a puzzled look on her face.
“Don’t tell me—another gift from your man? What is it this time?”
Levi stood and came around the desk to show her.
“This is so cool! It’s over a century old and has pieces for piano, voice, and violin. Most of this is unfamiliar, but it’s giving me ideas! I certainly don’t have anything like it in my collection.”
Eden gave him a fake pout.
“Well, I suppose you’ll have to find a way to thank him. Anything come to mind?”
“I’m sure I can come up withsomething!”
The pair dissolved into giggles as the next-hour bell rang. Levi put the booklet back in the mailer to protect it. Perhaps tonight, he’d have time to figure out how to thank Knox properly.
Chapter 7
