Page 69 of The Holiday Fakers
It’s so different to LA or New York. There’s a warmth here that has nothing to do with my woolen clothes, and everything to do with the mood of the people around me. Everyone’s smiling like they know this is the place they’re meant to be.
I glance at Piper and shift my arm slightly outward, my hand extended in invitation. She takes it and my heart leaps.
“Mom! Over here!”
Harper’s up ahead, standing next to a raised wooden platform. John and a few others are on it, talking and pointing as they arrange things for the race. Runners fill the street, held back by a line of bunting. All of them are wearing Santa hats, and most have gone for the full Santa suit.
“Did you bring them, honey?” Erica asks as we reach Harper’s side.
“Yep.” She hands Santa hats to all of us. Many look handmade and are embellished with bells or stars.
“I made these at the crochet and romance book club,” Erica says proudly. “Right after we finished reading that scene inHooked on the Highlander. Felicity gave us a choice between a vagina and Santa hat. That opening at the back is when I mixed up the instructions for a bit.”
Marv pulls a face and gingerly tugs his hat onto his balding head.
“What?” he asks as I laugh. “I’m gettin’ in the Christmas spirit.”
“You look like a Mafia don at a school nativity show,” Piper says.
His chest puffs up with pride. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Ain’t no one gonna mess with Mobster Marv.”
Piper laughs, and Cara joins in.
A tap-tap-tap comes through the sound system, then Piper’s dad speaks into the microphone.
“Hey, everyone. I’m John Locke, Hideaway Harbor’s mayor, and I’d like to welcome you all to the Santa Fun Run!”
People cheer and clap.
“We’re raising money for the Locke Trust, so give generously, folks. It’s also Glögg Appreciation Day—the perfect drink to keep you cozy on this December afternoon. The race follows a loop around Hideaway, so we hope you all stick around to watch the winners come across the line in about half an hour. There are prizes in all kinds of categories, including the best-dressed Santa, so make sure you show your support for the runners today. We’re also delighted to welcome Hollywood royalty Amanda Willis to give out the prizes this afternoon.”
“Should have been you,” Marv grumbles under his breath to me, then lifts his chin toward a good-looking man standing by the stage. “Stuck-up little schmuck.”
“Who?” Piper asks him.
“Jack Lourd,” he replies. “Amanda’s agent. Pah! Just look at him. Running off good looks and charm.”
“You can be charming, too,” she replies.
Marv’s chest puffs up. “Don’t forget good-looking.”
“Absolutely,” Piper says and I hide a grin.
“There’s an ice carving event at the Locke Reserve running all day,” John continues. “And caroling by candlelight in the town square at 4 p.m., where you can help us beat our own world record for the most people caroling while wearing Santa hats!”
More cheers, claps, and whistles fill the air. I can’t believe how many events Hideaway Habor now has, and I’m sure a lot of that has to do with the energy Piper’s dad pours into the town.
“And don’t forget, we’ve got another night of live music across town, plus a full program of events tomorrow, including the woolen sock-running championships around the LockeReserve, and children’s story time at the library with hot chocolate, whipped cream, and marshmallows.”
A few nearby kids fist pump.
“You can find all the information at hideawayharbor.com or on our event app. Just download it from the site. Any questions? Just find me or any other Hidie and we’ll be happy to help. Okay, then, are we ready?”
People shout, “Yes!”
“I can’t hear you!” John cries. “I said, are you ready?”
“YES!” people scream.
