Page 61 of Santa of the Creek
Marty’s mom follows my gaze. “I heard about Santa and Mister Elf. I didn’t realize it was you.”
I flinch at twenty years of accusation in her tone.
“I’m afraid Santa is busy,” Charlotte says firmly and ushers them to the exit.
They leave without a backward glance. I’m not sure if I’m happy about that or not.
“Who was that?” Suzie asks, looking concerned.
“My past.”
I finish the session in a daze. I don’t think anyone notices. I fake a smile until I feel my face is fixed in place. Bless them, Charlotte and Suzie take care of me, bringing me hot chocolate, making sure I’m all right.
Finally it’s all over and I can run home and hide. But Charlotte rushes toward me.
“Dean…Santa, we have so many children wanting to see you, please can you do another hour?”
I stare at her in dismay. That’s the last thing I want to do.
Charlotte obviously sees my hesitation. “I’m sorry, we misjudged how many kids would want to see you. You and Mister Elf have been a hit this year.”
I take a deep breath. I can’t let the kids down. “Okay. One more session. But I need a break. I’m really cold.”
That’s the truth. I’m cold to the bone, body and soul.
But Charlotte’s eyes light up. “Thanks, Santa. I’ll say you’ll be back in an hour. There’ll be another candy cane crisis at the North Pole.”
If only my problem was as easy as that. Can Santa fix a crisis of the heart?
I put on my coat and gloves and slip away from the grotto, waving at a few people I know. I need to talk to Echo. It’s time I’m honest with him and myself. I’m a screwup, and I can’t hold down a relationship with a guy like Echo. He’s too good for me. He needs someone who can love him whole-heartedly, not someone frozen in time like me.
Marty’s parents were wrong about me. I’ve never moved on. I’m as stuck in time as they are, and maybe that’s the way it should be. Echo deserves better, and I need to tell him. He’ll soon move on. People always do.
Chapter Thirteen
Christmas Bash
Echo
The day seems an endless stream of festive greetings and pouring warm drinks because the temperature has dropped. Everyone is into the holiday spirit. Even grumpy Jim wishes me a Happy Holidays with a smile. I’ll return a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, HappyHanukkah, and Feliz Navidad, however my customers celebrate.
But as the afternoon draws on, I spend more time looking at the door, waiting for Dean. He’s late, but I know the grotto is going to be popular and we’re busy here, so Randy won’t complain about me working overtime.
“Echo, Santa’s outside waiting for you,” Randy bellows from the other side of the bar.
Finally!
I don’t hide the huge grin on my face. “Thanks, boss.”
“Get out of here.”
That’s the nicest thing he’s said to me all day.
I’m virtually on my knees after a late shift followed by an early morning, but at least I get time to be with my man. Dean might have to pinch me awake, but we’ll be together.
Randy waves me away. I call out goodbye to the other staff and grab my jacket, almost jogging out the door to the parking lot.
I see Dean standing by the Ford. He seems deep in thought because he doesn’t notice me as the door closes.
