Page 13 of Daniel
“It was amazing,” I said simply. “I’ve never danced so much, and we had a great time.”
“That’s it?” She scoffed. “Did he at least make a move?”
“No comment,” I said, trying to sound snobby, but giggling.
She laughed at my tone. “Okay, keep your secrets. I’ll just assume that you guys screwed in the back of his pickup outside in a field somewhere.”
“Are you nuts? It was way too cold for that.”
We laughed together, then Lila said, “I have to jet. Meeting up with some folks for coffee. Have a good Christmas Eve.”
“Thanks. You too.”
I had just picked up my sketchbook again when I heard a ping.
Daniel:Hey – do you have a bright red dress?
I went to the closet where Mom had moved all of my old clothes to confirm that it was still there.
Me:Yes, but it’s bright red, with a ruffle around the bottom. It’s from a rag doll costume three years ago.
Daniel:Perfect. Sorry, this is a rush. I’ll explain later. Can you please wear that dress, and tie your hair back? I’m sending Andrew to pick you up in twenty minutes.
Although it was definitely odd, I couldn’t see the harm in wearing a stupid old dress.
Me:OK. I’ll be ready.
Daniel:Great. Thanks. I can’t wait to see you, baby.
I threw on the dress, then rolled up a normal dress and tucked it in my shoulder bag.
Since I looked strangely pale in the bright red color, I added some blush and berry lipstick. If it was some sort of Christmas photoshoot, at least I would look healthy and festive.
Rushing outside as soon as I heard a pickup in the driveway, I waved to the burly man who looked a lot like Daniel. He jumped out to shake my hand. “Hi, Prairie. I’m Andrew. Sorry we didn’t really get a chance to meet last night.”
“Hi.”
He took one look at my dress and grinned from ear to ear. “Wow. That’s perfect.”
As we drove away, I asked, “Can you tell me why I’m wearing this thing?”
“Nope,” he laughed. “I was supposed to, but it’s going to be much funnier if I don’t.”
“And here everyone said you King boys were nice,” I grumbled.
“Seriously, you’re a great sport to do this.”
I had no idea what he meant by that, but didn’t want to distract him anymore since he was driving pretty quickly.
It was ten minutes to noon when we pulled up to the Town Hall, where a bunch of people were gathered in front. Andrew drove toward the back door, then grabbed his phone. “We’re out back.”
I got out and waited for a few seconds until the door popped open.
“Ho ho ho.”
The rich laugh was unmistakable, and I doubled over in laughter.
Santa’s white hair and full beard looked pretty realistic, as did his cherry velvet suit that matched my dress perfectly.
