Page 26 of Bear Creek Christmas
Knox was, of course, the most handsome of the lot and the only one he could identify in bear form at the moment. Levi directed them to take their “stage” places and stand up, tying a bright holiday apron around each bear’s mid-section for modesty.
“I want you to wear these during practice so you’ll be used to them by the time we perform in public. Also, there’s a storage shed behind the stage where you can shift and change without flashing anyone.”
Once they were properly attired, Levi set up his phone to record and started the music. With Knox stationed front and center, they all had a fellow bear to watch for their cues. There were, of course, numerous missteps, some confusion, and a lot of huffing going on. Leroy got himself turned around while Hugo and Thad nearly collided. Rowan ended up three paces behind everyone else, and poor Jace got his rights and lefts mixed up.
Once the music stopped, the befuddled bears all sat down and waited to see what came next. Levi wheeled over a large cooler, wrinkling every nose with interest. Out came the Bear Brownies, served up on paper plates.
“I got you a little something for a job well done. Enjoy!”
A minute later, only the plates remained, and Levi encouraged them to shift and re-dress. Each man received recordings with all the songs in the program, and the dance routine, to practice at home.
“We’ll meet once a week for now, then twice a week through November. Later, I will invite the choir to join us so we can put it all together. Mayor Tillman also promised to send a photographer soon so the promotional materials can be printed up in time. You guys are fantastic, and I know you’re going to be the talk of the town this year!”
####
Delicious, Saturdayafternoon
Aiden watched his new employee prepare a tray of Bear Brownies. The tip of Toby’s tongue made an appearance, belying his nerves, and Aiden gently gripped his shoulder.
“Relax. There isn’t much you can do to mess these up, and if you do, I won’t be angry. Just make sure the batter completely fills the pan and is level like I showed you.”
The shy teen nodded without looking up.
“OK, Mr. Romero.”
“You can call me Aiden. Now, when that’s done, put it in the cooler and start the next one. Let me know if you have any questions, all right?”
“Yes, Sir...umm, Aiden.”
Returning to his own worktable, Aiden considered himself fortunate to have the high school senior working for him. He’d received a strong recommendation from Levi, suggesting Toby Finch for a part-time position as his new assistant.
“He’s a great kid and already has food service experience. I heard his co-workers at the restaurant have been harassing him, and the owner won’t do anything about it. He came out to his mom last year, right before his parents divorced. Toby’s on the quiet side, but I think having a welcoming employer would do wonders for his self-esteem.”
Aiden liked the young man from the start, impressed with his manners and eagerness to work. Levi didn’t know that his own background was eerily similar to Toby’s, and if he could provide a safe haven for the teen, all the better. So far, it seemed like a good decision, and Toby’s confidence grew with each new task Aiden assigned him. Though he enjoyed the company, it was odd having someone else in the kitchen after three years of working alone.
A glance at the clock reminded him of how much time remained to finish the last of his holiday recipes. Each year, he whipped up several new Christmas treats, and after closing tonight, his invited group of taste-testers were due to arrive.
####
Meanwhile, on the road
Daniel mumbled a curse as he passed the halfway point to Butt Crack Pennsylvania, as he called the place. While the scenic drive soothed his nerves, he’d been unable to leave first thing and resented the need for making the trip in the first place. Daniel could have hired a driver, but the personal nature of the journey ruled it out. The last thing he needed was some loose-lipped chauffeur spilling details about his pathetic love life. His mother already thought him foolish for the continued pursuit of Levi Green.
“Really, Daniel, you could do so much better! It’s bad enough that you insist on bedding a man, but couldn’t you find someone less...plebeian?”
She didn’t understand the difficulty of finding the right companion, especially in the Cleveland area. Daniel wanted someone who needed him, or at least needed his money, and could be easily led. Unfortunately, Levi persisted in following his dreams and didn’t appreciate the kind of life Daniel could provide. Nevertheless, he intended to prove to Levi that he was serious about their future together and willing to fight for it. If this grand gesture didn’t convince him, he didn’t know what would.
####
Saturday, late afternoon
Levi opened the apartment door, stepped into Knox’s strong arms, and kissed him enthusiastically before turning to lockup.
“I want more, but we’re running late. By the way, you look downright edible tonight.”
Knox keened with need, palming Levi’s bubble butt on the way down the stairs.
“No fair! You can’t say things like that and then not DO anything about it.”
