Page 87 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

Doris stood next to Maggie, shivering. “What rotten luck. Of all the days to get a flat.”

“It’s these plows,” Walt complained. “Pushing the snow, dragging all sorts of junk with them. I didn’t see anything in the slush, but I felt the tire go.”

“What now?” Maggie said, checking her watch. “If we don’t get the choir to the community center soon—”

“I know,” Julian cut in.

“We won’t make our time slot.”

“I know.”

“And we won’t get to perform!”

“I know!” Julian rubbed at his face. She sounded utterly heartbroken. This was all his fault. He’d gotten their hopes up, he’d encouraged their excitement, he’d somehow even managed to chase Charlie out, leaving the residents high and dry. Maybe he’d put too much pressure on everyone to win a competition that probably wouldn’t change anything anyway.

He felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Let’s not panic,” Doris said, derailing his sour thoughts. “What are our options?”

“The bus is a bust,” Walt said.

“Yes, thank you, Walter,” Doris said. “I am aware that we will not be taking the bus.”

Julian stood. Doris was right. He didn’t have time to feel sorry for himself or to sulk about freak accidents. He had to get the choir to the community center.

“We could drive ourselves,” Maggie suggested.

“The lack of licenses might be a problem,” Doris said.

“No, I meant…” Maggie gestured toward Julian.

“I can only fit four people in my car,” he said. “I’d need to make like five trips to the community center. With all the back and forth, we’d never make it in time.”

“Too bad you don’t know a bunch of dedicated Glendale employees who might also be willing to lend you a hand,” Maggie said, failing to hide her grin.

God, she was right! Why was he being so obtuse? Julian whipped out his phone, texting Warren: SOS.

What’s up?

I know it’s Christmas Eve day and you’re off with your family but any chance you could swing by Glendale for an hour? Bus has a flat and I need to get the choir to the community center ASAP.

A devil emoji. You will owe me big time.

Whatever you want.

A gingerbread house rematch.

Done, Julian typed, laughing. He’d buy out all the gingerbread kits leftover at the supermarket if he had to.

On my way, Warren replied.

Thank you. You’re a lifesaver.

Warren sent through an emoji of a masked superhero. Nurse by day. Chauffeur by day off.

“Okay,” Julian said to Maggie and Doris. “I’m working on alternate transportation. So far I’ve secured Warren. Let’s get everyone gathered up in the lobby so we don’t freeze while we’re waiting.”

Maggie took charge of that, ushering the rest of the choir back into the building.