Page 4 of Santa Daddy’s Curvy Little

Since there was practically no one else working, I had only one day off throughout the week, which was more than enough for me. The job was easy enough, and it mostly revolved around doing the occasional favor in order to make Roger happy rather than anything else. On my first day off, I took the day off to go visit Mother and Father, who were both worried about their family home as well as upset by the fact that they were getting homesick. When I finally arrived, they were pleased to see the tin box of homemade gingerbread men I had made the night before when I got off work.

“These are just like what we used to make when you were younger,” Mother said as she bit down into the cookie. “I wished I could have made these with you.” I winced as I realized I should have thought to bring her over to visit and make cookies, especially since it was tradition.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I told her with an apologetic smile. “I’ve been getting off work after visiting hours, so I haven’t been able to come by and pick you up so we can make them together. I thought that making you cookies would help.” Mother was too preoccupied with the cookies, but Father smiled and nodded understandingly as he patted me on the shoulder.

“I’m sure she forgives you,” he informed me. “After all, keeping someone like Roger James out of trouble while his mother is away is a full time job, and you’ve been doing an amazing job.” I froze as I turned to Father.

Did he really know what I was doing for Roger? The way he said it, it almost sounded like he suspected I was up to something more than just spreading the holiday spirit. I frowned as I looked at him.

“You know about my job as a mall elf?” I asked, not even remembering mentioning it to then. Mother smiled as she finished yet another cookie.

“Of course we do,” she exclaimed happily. “Everyone knows, and the whole town is talking about it. You helped restore the Christmas spirit.” I tilted my head in confusion as I looked at the two of them.

“I don’t know what you mean,” I told her, and Father heaved a sigh as he poured a cup of black coffee for the three of us.

“Normally, we wouldn’t gossip about someone like Roger, especially considering the fact that he’s still one of the most respected people in town,” he began as he offered Mother and I a cup of coffee each, “but, since this is your first time back in years, I suppose it’s appropriate to warn you.” Mother nodded in agreement as she sipped her coffee.

“Roger was seeing a nice young woman from the city last Christmas,” she informed me, picking up the conversation for Father. “The two of them were practically inseparable, and there was even talk that he might finally settle down and start a family of his own. However, the two of them had a falling out when her ex came looking for her, and he was left broken hearted and alone.” Father nodded as he stared down at his coffee.

“At first, everyone thought that he might stay broken-hearted for a while,” he continued. “However, by the end of January, he seemed perfectly fine, so the town let him be, writing it off as nothing but young love. However, when his mother started up Christmas Wonderland after Thanksgiving, like always, everyone immediately noticed the change in his behavior.” Mother held up a single gingerbread cookie, holding it up like a doll as she played with it.

“He was always glum and short tempered with the kids,” she droned on, sounding distracted. “At first, everyone thought that it was because Franny got someone else to play Santa this year, but, when they learned the truth, they knew it was because of what happened last year." Father patted Mother on the shoulder.

"It's likely that too many people are reminding him of what happened," he reassured her. "After all, he's about to turn forty this new year, and everyone's been waiting for the day he settles down and starts a family." Looking back at me, he smiled. "Everyone in town is grateful for the kindness you've been showing Roger. Whatever his reasons are for being so melancholy, you seem to be improving his mood." I blushed a little as I shrugged.

"He's just my coworker," I informed them. "It's not like showing him kindness will do anything else but help him feel a little better this holiday season." Father laughed and shook his head.

"We'll see," he remarked as he watched me closely. "We'll see."

CHAPTER SIX

Roger

As much as I hated to admit it, Lana Nathaniels was getting under my skin. No matter what, she was always doing what she could to make my day easier, and I didn't know what to think. I couldn't even figure out why she was so nice to me all the time. That was the more frustrating part of this.

Every day for the first week after Mother left town, Lana showed me every ounce of kindness she could from bringing me coffee and muffins in the morning all the way to buying me lunch on our lunch break. On the first day she did this, I thought it was because she was thanking me for saving her from a nasty fall in the parking lot. Once she continued her act of kindness, I realized that it had to be something more than expressing her gratitude.

She was beautiful, especially with the way she looked in her adorable costume. The way she braided her hair down the side gave her a child-like appearance, and I couldn't help but smile when I saw her. She reminded me so much of Crystal, and I slowly found myself falling in love with her, despite the fear I felt when I realized that she could just as easily leave.

Throughout the week, I got plenty of gossip from the townsfolk, especially with the way they were intrigued by her actions and how they affected me. From what I understood, her parents had gotten I'll and had to move into the nursing home in order to insure they received their daily needs. However, when her parents refused because they didn't want to move from their family home, she agreed to come back to town and maintain the home for them. Knowing that the house would stay within the family, they finally agreed to go to the nursing home, and she returned to town.

I also heard about how she had been kicked out of the university as well. According to the talk around the town, it was because of some drama caused by a professor and another student, but no one seemed to blame her for what had happened. As far as everyone was concerned, they felt sorry for her and were glad she was back.

By the end of the first week, I couldn't figure out what her feelings were towards me. She was kind a civil to me at work, but, as soon as the costumes came off, we always went out separate ways and never really spoke to each other. I wasn't sure if it was because I was afraid that she would run off like Crystal had or if it was because she was afraid of me. Either way, it was frustrating to no end.

"Good morning, Roger," Lana exclaimed the following Monday before Christmas when we returned to work. "I trust your weekend was nice." I raised an eyebrow as I turned away from the door and looked at her.

She was dressed in a beautiful black coat that looked warm and fuzzy, and her hair was braided to the side, sticking out in two half sized braids that hung on either side of her head from underneath the bright red hat she always wore. Her red and white striped scarf was tucked up next to her chin, keeping her warm while her leather gloves clung to the box of muffins she always brought each day with the coffee we shared. I rolled my eyes as I unlocked the door.

"Morning," I told her, not wanting to get too deep in conversation with her at this point. As always, I had been drinking over the weekend, and my hangover was as severe as ever. Not taking the hint, she followed me into the mall.

"I brought you some coffee and muffins," she told me, keeping a gentle smile on her face as she spoke. "You seem to really enjoy it." As soon as we reached the office, I finally turned to face her, completely lost for words and annoyed beyond all belief.

"What exactly do you think you're doing?" I demanded, the anger in my voice as clear as day. "Is this all some sort of game to you? Or are you just looking to annoy me?" The Daddy in me cringed as I stared her down angrily, but my hangover kept me from caring.

She had been annoying me for the entire week before with her good natured acts of kindness and attempts to spread the holiday spirit, but I planned to know exactly what she was up to. I didn't want to be played by someone like her, and there was no way I would put my heart out there only to have it broken. I was already a broken Daddy, and I didn't want to get hurt again by another perfect Little.

Lana winced as she stared me down, looking hurt and confused, and I knew I had made a mistake. She looked as though I had ripped the muffins out of her hands and stomped on them multiple times, stating that they were nothing but garbage. Rather than tearing up, she gave a brave smile and held her head high.