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“Yup,” Chris said. “Definitely gonna need that.”

“And we’ve got…” Jayce checked his watch. “Six days until the movie premiere.”

Tay arrived back at the table with a tray of cups. “Espresso, anyone?”

- 31 -

First New

TV Christmas Movie

The next six days were a blur of recruiting helpers for the premiere,

lobbying the right people to ensure they could use the theater on short notice during a typically busy night, securing tech, and gathering enough decorations for a festive set.

On the morning of the first batch of show recordings, Maye looked on from the side of the stage as snowflakes were hung from the rafters with care. Christmas trees of varying heights made a mini forest on stage; some even had wrapped presents under them.

Near the back of the stage was a faux fireplace with a giant wreath in the center above the mantel. Amazingly, the event was fully organized and the theater was nearly half full.

“This is way more people than I expected to come out at 10:00 a.m. for a movie marathon and review show.” Maye said, peeking at the crowd from behind a curtain.

“I think they’re here for the free snacks,” Tracy said. “I mean, I know I am.”

The two watched from the side of the stage as Chris stepped into the spotlight.

“Welcome to the first, maybe annual, Unofficial Christmas Season Kickoff Marathon!” Chris announced.

A few audience members “whoop’d” while most continued chewing their popcorn.

“What we’re going to do here today is special,” he paced the stage, giving each side of the crowd his attention. “We’re going to watch some classic made-for-TV holiday films, we’re going to laugh and feel comforted and have an all around wonderful time together. On behalf of my co-host, Maye, and all of the people who pulled this together, I am so glad you’re here with us. Let’s have a great time! We’ve aired the first two movies, and we’re about to record our first two episodes of this event. So, get ready to bring the energy and have a great time! We’re going to get the set ready and we’ll begin shortly.”

Maye bit her lip, wondering how her hometown crowd would receive her criticizing their beloved Chris. She was prepared for an uphill battle, but hoped she would have at least a few people on her side. As Chris formally introduced the show and welcomed the audience, she took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves.

“We’re going to start off with the first movie that we aired today, A Polar Vortex Christmas” Chris said. “And it went a little something like this. When a weatherman gets unexpectedly snowed in, he is forced to face his fears and the past traumas he’s been keeping buried under a snow bank. Can the lovely, calming innkeeper help him find a reason to move on? And will she finally find a companion to help her run the inn she’s been running alone since her high school sweetheart cashed in his 401k and ran off to Costa Rica? Since we already watched it we all know the answers to these questions. So let’s talk about it. Maye? Your thoughts?”

Maye cleared her throat. “I would like to begin by reiterating that he is a weatherman who is afraid of weather.”

A smattering of laughter worked its way through the crowd.

“Not all weather,” Chris defended. “Give him a little credit. Just snow. He has a serious affliction. It’s called chionophobia and it’s a real thing. Environmental anxiety affects millions of people.”

“I know that,” Maye said. “I am not making light of weather-related fears and trauma, what I am saying is he’s a weatherman who is afraid of weather.”

A more encouraging wave of laughter swelled.

“I will say,” Maye sat back in her chair. “Your character’s commitment to facing his chionophobia and taking strides towards healing was well done. The innkeeper who helped coach him down those five steps so he could taste an icicle, very well done.”

“See,” Chris said, “It feels like you’re being disingenuous.”

The audience roared as Maye and Chris hit their stride. By the end of the show, the audience was on their feet cheering, and Maye caught a smile and a sly wink from Chris as they joined hands and bowed in unison.

Tracy was waiting at the side of the stage when Maye jogged off. “That was so good, you guys!” she said.

“That was thrilling!” Maye said, panting. “I feel like I could run through a wall!”

“Two down, four to go,” Chris added. “Try to preserve some of that energy.”

Maye was jittery with adrenaline. “I think I’ll get some fresh air and move around a bit,” she said. “Anybody need anything?”