Page 30 of Shy Santa

“I’m ready.” Alice-Grace yelled from the front of the house.

“See ya later.” I waved as I walked out of the kitchen.I was such a dork. Why’d I wave?

I felt his heat at my back as a flush worked up my neck.

“Hey, Ace, have fun with Addy today.” He hugged her close.

I wanted in on the hug but held back. One of these days I won’t be so hung up on this wonderful, sexy, sweet man.

Sadly, that day wouldn’t be this one.

* * *

“Ms. Addy?Can we stop at Minnie's Pie Shoppe?” Alice-Grace tugged on my hand as we walked down the crowded street.

For a Wednesday, the town was packed, but it was a week before Christmas, so it didn’t surprise me. The town decorated the streets at the beginning of November for Christmas. At night main street was lit with twinkle lights, the store fronts all decorated with cute, themed displays depending on the shop and owners’ love for the Christmas holiday.

“Hold up. It’s almost lunchtime. How about we snag lunch at the diner and then we grab pie and coco at Aunt Minnie’s Pie Shoppe?”

We hit Louisville first thing and found Bears present. He’ll never know that I’ve been paying his daughter to help me with the little annoying details of learning the self-publishing ropes. She’s a brilliant kid and reads beyond her grade level, so I figured she could help me find editors and make promotional materials. I just kept the steamier stuff on my list.

“Can I get a shake with lunch?” A wide smile beamed at me with a little twinkle in her eye. “Please?” she begged.

“I think we can do that. But it might make your stomach too full for pie afterwards.” I opened the door to the diner and a wave of welcome heat hit us.

The weatherman was hopeful we’d get a couple of snowstorms this weekend to make for a white Christmas. I hoped not; I hated snow. It was pretty to visit and look at, but I liked beaches and warm sunny weather. Hell, I’d even take a thunderstorm with tornadoes over getting dumped on with that cold, wet crap.

“Let’s grab a seat and order. Maybe just stick with water or juice to save room for pie.” I shuffled us over to an empty booth near the kitchen.

“Okay. Can Ms. Shirley eat with us today?” Alice-Grace slid into the booth as she looked for my aunt.

“Probably not. They’re super busy today. We got the last open table.” The diner buzzed with conversations and the clatter of silverware and plates. “I’ll grab a pad and get our order in. Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

After setting our bags in the booth, I entered the kitchen. “Uncle Gerald, where’s Aunt Shirley? I didn’t see her out there.” I pointed with my thumb over my shoulder.

“She’s down this morning.” He frowned as he plated a club sandwich. “Called in a couple of the girls to cover her shift today.”

“Think it’s okay for Alice-Grace and I to stop in and see her?” I nabbed a pen and order pad from the servers’ station that held aprons and other stuff they needed.

“Yep, soon’s you're done eating. I’ll pack up a meal you can take her. Made her favorite soup for the lunch rush today.” Gerald flipped a couple of burgers and patted his sweaty face with a towel.

“’K. I’ll get this back to you in a moment.” I walked out, writing my order on the pad.

When I looked up, there was a man standing with his back to the kitchen at the table. Alice-Grace shook her head, her eyes huge in alarm.

The man turned slightly; his face covered by a hat. Something about his profile was familiar, but once he spotted me, he hotfooted it to the door, knocking into an older couple coming inside.

“What did he want?” I watched the man disappear down the street before glancing back at Alice-Grace, noticing her pale, shaky face. “You okay?”

She shook her head, shrinking in on herself. “He asked about you and how I knew you.”

Setting the pad on the table, I slid in next to her, giving her a hug. “It’s okay. Don’t worry about him. I won’t leave you alone at the table again.” Poor girl trembled like a leaf.

“He wasn’t very nice. I didn’t say anything to him. Mommy always said not to talk to strangers. I would have gone to the back, but he blocked me in.”

I locked eyes with the waitress passing by.

“What’s up?” Sandy huffed. She didn’t like me much but was a great worker.

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