“Really?” Her blue eyes lit up as she moved to his side.
I stood and asked, “Is it okay if I take her inside and get her a cup?”
“Sure.” He smiled warmly, and I grabbed Poppy’s hand. The agents followed me inside, and Poppy squealed as she took in all the decorations.
My mother went all out, transforming the museum into Santa’s village. Every square inch was decked out with lights and ornaments. Elves worked on fake toys in an exhibit as though they were making the presents Santa would bring on Christmas Eve. Seeing how excited Rhett’s daughter was made me realize the amazing work my mother did for the event, and then it hit me that she would be in D.C. the next four years, and likely hosting events at the White House instead.
I stopped at the entrance of the room where the breakfast was being held. “Why don’t you and your dad find your seats, and I’ll get that hot chocolate?”
Poppy let go of my hand, and Rhett held out his phone with the barcode on it for the staff to scan his tickets. Just as I walked away, I peeked over my shoulder, and he winked and mouthed, “Thank you.” My heart swelled, and even though I didn’t have much experience with kids, I thought meeting Rhett’s daughter went well.
If only he could have introduced me as his boyfriend and not the man he works for.
* * *
Standing off to the side,I watched Rhett and Poppy eat their waffles and bacon. Poppy sipped her lukewarm cocoa while Rhett drank coffee. I’d already said hello to my parents and my sister. Finn was nowhere in sight. I wondered if he left, or maybe he was making his rounds and asking everyone for money. I razzed him earlier about why he was broke, but deep down, I knew. My brother had always had a gambling problem. I wasn’t sure if my parents knew, and if word got out the president’s son had an addiction, there was no telling what would happen. Maybe it would be eye-opening for Finn, and he could get help.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, and when I pulled it out, I realized it wasn’t my regular phone, but the prepaid one.
Can you sit with us?
My gaze moved from the screen and locked with Rhett’s. He nudged his head to the empty chair next to him.
Are you sure?
Yes, if you can
I had no reason not to. His table was open, and I could eat anywhere I wanted, given that my mother ran the show, but what would the agents think? If anything, I would play it off and say something about Poppy.
I made my way over to Rhett’s table, and Poppy beamed.
“Hey, little lady. Are you having a good breakfast?” I smiled warmly.
“When is Santa coming?” she asked.
It was like the man himself was listening because suddenly, the door opened and we heard, “Ho, ho, ho!”
The kids went nuts, and with all eyes on the man in the red suit, Rhett reached under the table and squeezed my knee. I tried to show no reaction as I glanced at the agents standing in the back of the room, but I felt movement below my belt. Luckily, everyone was distracted by the man of the hour.
I took out the prepaid phone again and sent Rhett a text:
I want to kiss you so badly right now
He quickly sent a response:
Me too baby boy
I still want to go to the bathroom and make out
I would if we could
Santa came to our table before I could reply. “Well, hello, Poppy. Are you enjoying your waffles?” he asked.
The little girl’s eyes widened as she looked at her father. “Santa knows my name?”
“Of course, I do,” Kris Kringle replied. “I have my naughty and nice lists, remember?”
Each table had assigned seating. When the parents purchased their tickets, they entered their child’s name. It was an added touch my mother had the great idea of doing, and over the years, I’d watched children react with awe when Santa addressed them by their names.
