Page 50 of Santa of the Creek
I love dogs…mostly. Even small, fluffy hounds from hell like Barky. Geraldine’s dog had rehabilitated himself in the town’s opinion by the way he adopted the sheriff and helped him win his last election. But a dozen hounds from hell in a confined space all barking and yipping?
“I should have brought noise-cancelling headphones,” I mutter.
“What?” Helena Dudek, the current owner of the feed store, bellows in my ear.
“Headphones,” I yell.
She shakes her head, and I give up.
I point at Santa’s seat. It’s bright red, surrounded by twinkling reindeer and stuffed penguins. “Ready?”
Helena can obviously lip read that because she draws me to one side and pulls out a large sack behind the checkout.
“Each dog gets a present depending on size. If you’re not sure, look at me. The owners will ask for a swap if necessary. One present only,” she emphasizes, waiting until I give her a nod to say I hear and will obey. “Some of the old ducks will take a handful if you let them.”
I wish I had Echo by my side as Mister Elf. He’s so good at handling people.
She peers around the corner to the grotto. “They’re all here. Let’s get started.”
I take a deep breath. I can do this.
She fixes me with a stern gaze. “Don’t show any fear.”
“Is that the animals or their humans,” I ask drily.
“Both.”
I force a smile. “I’m going to kill my brother.”
She snorts. “Where is he? I expected the mayor to be here today.”
So did I, Helena. So did I.
Unaware of my murderous thoughts, Helena steps into the center of the grotto. “Welcome everyone, to the first of our annual Santa Paws visits.”
I heave the bag onto my shoulder and stand next to Helena. “Ho ho ho, doggies and their humans.”
I’m faced with ten women and two men staring at me. Most of them I know, three of the women are strangers to me. I hopedNoel was going to be here with his dachshund, but I guess he didn’t want to be with the oldies.
One of those women, sorting a purple ‘do and a large pitbull wearing a Santa hat sitting placidly by her side, purses her lips. “Ooh. He’s better than last year. He fills out that suit very nicely.”
She’s elbowed by her companion who I recognize from the library. “Jools, I can’t take you anywhere.”
Jools laughs raucously. “Yes, you can. The second time to apologize.”
“What a lovely pitty,” I say.
She gives me a surprised look. “Most people are scared of Rina.” She sweeps a scornful gaze around the circle and most of the women clutch their dogs to them.
I remember the role I’m supposed to be playing. “I’m Santa Paws. I’m not afraid of any dogs, and she’s beautiful.”
I’m scared of at least three of the little dogs in here, but this beautiful old pitty is a doll. I love on her for a minute, and she soaks it up like the lovebug she is, then Helen coughs, and I remember I’m supposed to be here for a reason.
I pat the pitty one last time and take my seat on the throne.
They’re all staring at me.
I can do this.
