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Kenzie
Last weekend was magical.
I’ve basically been floating on a cloud all week. I wasn’t kidding when I told Andrew I have a lot to do this week, though it hasn’t stopped me from daydreaming about him nonstop since he dropped me off at home on Sunday evening.
It’s Wednesday and the evening of the Mancinis’ party. It’s an intimate gathering of just them and their closest family and friends with Santa greeting all the children first, followed by a festive dinner.
I’m putting the final touches on the place settings and making sure all the decor is on point when my cell phone rings. I smile as I pull it out of my dress pants pocket, hoping that it’s Andrew, but sadly, it’s an unknown number.
“Hello?”
“Hey, is this Kenzie?” a man asks.
“This is she.”
“Yeah, it’s Matt. Just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to make it for that Santa gig tonight. Booked a spot on a TV series as an extra and they’re shooting a night scene tonight.”
I suck in a breath and pull the phone away from my cheek to check the time. “But you’re supposed to be here in three hours!” My voice is shrill and panicky.
“Yeah, sorry about that. This could be my big chance though. Can’t pass it up. You gotta understand.”
I shake my head, wondering if I should argue with him—I mean an extra? I don’t think that’s going to be his big break. He doesn’t even have lines, not to mention he’s in his sixties. If he hasn’t made it yet, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say maybe it’s not going to happen for him.
“Okay, well, thank you for letting me know.” I hit End and cringe.
Andrew would probably tell me I should have stood up for myself and gone up and down the other side of the guy, but that won’t accomplish anything. It’s T minus three hours and I don’t have a Santa. Something I need to rectify immediately.
I consider calling the agency I used, but it’s nearing the end of the day and I doubt they’d be able to get someone over here in time. And even if they could, I certainly wouldn’t be able to vet that the person is of sound mind, not a pervert, and can actually give a convincingHo ho ho.
I work through my mental database and my mind snags on one person. No, he’s not ideal for the job, given the role he’d have to play, but he might be more inclined to say yes than anyone else I know. I’m pretty sure my brother would laugh at me if I asked him.
So I press Andrew’s name on my phone and cross my fingers he won’t be in the middle of something at work that doesn’t allow him to pick up. He answers on the second ring.
“I was just thinking of you,” he says by way of answering.
“Oh really. What about?” I’m in a rush, but I can’t help my curiosity.
“Just thinking about that elf costume.”
“The one at the restaurant?”
“Not likely.” There’s amusement in his tone. “What’s up? I thought you had that party to set up for? I’m surprised to hear from you.”
“Well… I have a favor to ask.” I bite my bottom lip.
“Okay, let’s hear it.” Papers shuffle in the background, and I know he’s always so busy.
“It’s a big favor. Like really big. Huge.”
He chuckles. “What is it?”
“And keep in mind how much you love that elf costume and that I intend to wear it whenever you want as a thank-you.”
“Now you’ve got me intrigued.”
“The guy I hired to play Santa tonight just canceled and I’m in a bind. I need someone, a.k.a. you, to play Santa for an hour for a handful of kids.”
I’m met with silence.
