Page 27 of A Holly Jolly Mix Up
“Two hours?”
“I may have forgotten about it until the coordinator called this morning.” Captain sets down the two costumes in the chair. “But I know how much you love a good deed and getting out in our community,” he brightly adds.
No good deed goes unpunished.
So that’s how I find myself outside Jane’s bookstore twenty minutes later, shivering in the chilly afternoon air and clutching the red and white Claus’ suits like my life depends on it. Which, in a way, it does.
I’m willing to grovel, but I hope it won’t take much convincing to get Jane to spend a couple of hours with me. I mean, the woman adores Christmas, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than giving back to the town we both love so much?
Besides, she likes me, right? I mean, we haven’t declared anything specific, but I think I’d know if she wasn’t interested.
With a deep breath, I push open the door and step inside the cozy shop. The bell chimes above my head,announcing my arrival. I scan the shelves for Jane but don’t see her anywhere.
“Good morning,” a woman behind the register greets me with a warm smile. “Welcome to Timeless Tales. Can I help you find something?”
“I’m looking for Jane,” I tell her as I tilt my head to the side. “I’m Andrew. Nice to meet you.”
She nods, recognition crossing her face. “Oh, yes, I saw you here for the “Cookies and Holiday Tales” event. I’m Tandy; I just recently moved to town. I don’t think we’ve formally met.”
“Welcome to Oakridge Hollow.” I smile warmly. “I am Jane’s…” I pause, unsure how to label our relationship.
We haven’t said anything out loud; we haven’t confessed anything besides being happy to reconnect after our wintery weekend. I want to make it clear to Jane that she and I are exclusive and that I’m all in. But for now, all that matters is that I have a Christmas emergency to attend to.
Tandy smiles wide. “She’s in the back doing inventory.” She thumbs over her shoulder.
I move past the rows of bookshelves to a small door that leads to the backroom, knocking lightly before I push it open.
“Andrew!” Jane beams at me, looking up from her inventory sheets. “Did you need something?”
I hold up the Santa and Mrs. Claus outfits, shaking them slightly for emphasis. “Yes, actually.” I grin sheepishly. “You.”
Jane looks at me quizzically before glancing at the outfits I’m holding. She bursts into laughter, clutching her sides as she bends over the table.
“No way,” she says once her laughing fits subside, wiping tears from her eyes. “You want me to be Mrs. Claus?”
“I’m afraid so,” I reply solemnly.
Jane props an elbow on the table, resting her chin on it and assessing me. “And why should I agree to this?” she teases, a mischievous spark lighting up in those expressive green eyes.
“Because it’s for a good cause,” I reply. “Think of the children, Jane.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she says, glancing around, that spark still in her eyes.
I pout. “And me. Cause if I have to do this, at least join me to make it more bearable.”
She straightens, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I have this bookshop to run. And an old lady’s cat to rescue from a tree. And a pie to bake for Mrs. Haroldson down the street who’s still recovering from her hip surgery. Not to mention—”
“Sarcasm becomes you, Jane Brooks,” I interrupt, holding up a hand and grinning at her exaggerated list of excuses. “Three hours is all I need. I offer charming company and an unlimited supply of candy canes.” I’m practically begging now.
“Oh, you should have led with that. I’ll do nearly anything for a candy cane.” She winks.
“Wow, not even for me, huh?” I grumble.
“Maybe a little for you,” she teases with a wiggle of her eyebrows that has my heart skipping a beat. She grabs the costume from me. “Let’s go Santy Claus.”
She walks to the bathroom to get changed. She comes and does a little twirl before asking how she looks. I’m breathless. I didn’t know polyester suits could look so good, but Jane keeps proving me wrong.
We make a good team, Jane and I. She has a natural knack for drawing people in with her wit and charm, making even the shyest kids feel comfortable enough to share their Christmas wishes.
