Page 33 of Just A Dash of Holiday Magic
“I’m just happy to help.”
“Thank you again—” her gaze dips down to the name tag hanging from the lanyard around my neck. “Ryan.”
I have to admit I really like the way she says my name. I wonder what it might sound like if I had her in my bed and I was buried deep inside her—my dick twitches as that image pops into my mind.
“You’re welcome.” I smile.
She looks down at the mess on the counter she's made, emptying her purse. Then, in one swift motion, she drags her arm across the counter and scoops it all into her bag. Messy but effective.
After she leaves, I head to the back to work on some paperwork before the afternoon rush. I’m elbow deep in invoices when Javi knocks on the door. He’s holding up an envelope.
“I think this belongs to your girlfriend.”
I don't bother correcting him. Even though I'd like Julianna to be my girlfriend, she isn't, not that it would stop Javi from cracking jokes.
“What is it?” I ask.
He looks at the writing on the front of it. "It looks like it’s a letter to Santa.”
“Why would she—” I start to ask out loud when the chime over the bell lets us know that a customer just walked in.
“What do you want me to do?”
“I’ll take it.” I hold out my hand.
He gives it to me and leaves to deal with the customer. The writing on the front is definitely a kid, but there is no way to tell their age.
I had no idea she had a kid.
Not that having a kid is a deal-breaker for me. It just in all the times she's come in for coffee, she never had a kid with her. I flip the envelope in my hand and see that it's already been opened, so it should be fine if I read it.
Dear Santa,
I'm not sure if I should even bother writing this to you because Stevie Marcum says that you aren’t real. Aunt Julianna says that you are too real and that Stevie is a butthead. She whispered that last part, but I still heard her. Please don't put her on the naughty list if you are real. She has been taking care of me since Mom had to leave. Sometimes, we get video calls from her, but it isn't the same here without her. I miss her chocolate-chip face pancakes. Aunt Julianna's don't taste the same. I know it’s a lot to ask, but is there any chance you could bring my mom home for Christmas. I don't think it's too much trouble since you will be flying over her on your way to me. She's really nice, and I bet that she will help you pass out the presents. I just miss her so much. I get sad at night when she isn’t there to kiss me good night. She is what I want for Christmas. But I also want a Go-Go Sonic scooter, a baseball bat, and a couple of packs of Legends Together cards. If you can bring her home, I will know you are real.
Thanks,
David
“Well, shit.”
