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And there wasn’t enough coffee to keep Kate from yawning.
After Wes had left the prior evening, she hadn’t been able to sleep. She’d stayed up brainstorming and baking. When she was worried, she liked to keep her hands busy. And she thought a tray of Christmas cookies would help smooth the Monday morning transition for everyone at the office.
With a wrapped tray of cookies in one arm, she rushed down Main Street. Her usual smile was lacking that day. There was so much to worry about that not even the Christmas decorations and a fresh layer of snow could lighten her mood.
Jingle. Jingle. Jingle.
There stood that Santa again, with his brass bell and red kettle. She still didn’t know his identity, but she was too distracted to figure it out right now. It was best to keep going. The Steaming Brew was just ahead.
“Kate, slow down.”
The mention of her name made her stop in her tracks. “How do you know my name?”
“I know many things, Kate. And I know you’ll find the answers you need. Just don’t give up.”
“Wait. What?” Did this guy always talk in riddles?
“Keep searching. You’ll get there.”
“Get where?’
Two little girls all bundled up in pink hats and glove
s came running up the walk, yelling, “Santa!”
Their mother was just steps behind. “Girls, slow down.”
The girls moved between Kate and Santa, putting an end to their conversation—if you could call it a conversation.
“I’m sorry about the girls,” the mother said.
“Not a problem.” Kate smiled. “Merry Christmas.”
She puzzled over who was inside the Santa suit as she made her way to the coffee shop but was soon distracted as she said good morning to passersby with their Santa hats or red coats with holiday pins or just an extra bright smile. Christmas brought out the best in most everyone.
When Kate went to open the door of the Steaming Brew, she found patrons lined up to the entrance. Not even the cold, snowy weather could keep people at home when the number of shopping days before Christmas was dwindling.
With every seat taken, Kate remained at the counter after placing her order. For the moment, there was a lull in new customers.
When Abby handed over her coffee, Kate asked, “Do you know who’s down the street pretending to be Santa? He’s saying some strange things.”
“Someone’s playing Santa at this hour of the morning?” Abby looked baffled. And then Kate repeated what Santa had said. Abby called someone to take over the register.
When Abby started for the door, Kate followed. “Where are you going?”
“I want to see this fortune-telling Santa.”
When they stepped onto the sidewalk, they looked in every direction, but there was no sign of Santa anywhere. How could that be? Kate had just been talking to him a couple of minutes ago.
Abby turned to her. “Are you getting enough sleep?”
“I didn’t imagine him.” When Abby just nodded as she headed back inside, Kate said, “I didn’t. He was as real as you and me.”
Abby picked up the red to-go cup with Kate’s name on it and handed it to her. “You sure you don’t want to add one or two shots of espresso?”
“I’m positive,” Kate said firmly. She wasn’t imagining him.
The rest of the way to the office, she replayed the scene with Santa. What was he trying to tell her? Was he referring to the business? Or her thing with Wes? Then, deciding that some stranger was just pranking her, she shoved aside the thoughts.
