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“I dunno. Maybe we can do the long-distance thing.”
“Sure. Because that always turns out well.” His voice drips with sarcasm, and I hate to admit it, but he does have a point. Ivy and I do have some serious logistics to work out.
I square up my shoulders. “I’m sure we’ll think of something.”
Levi’s expression softens and that makes me feel even worse somehow. He pats me on the back. “I hope so.”
My phone buzzes with a text.
Scott: Slight schedule change. Costumes lost, so we’re moving things around. Axl needs you for the next few scenes. Can you get over to the island?
Maddox: On my way
“Gotta bolt. Schedule change and they need me out at Mistletoe Island.”
“Damn. Are they almost done filming yet? I could use your help with inventory.” Levi crosses his arms over his chest, annoyed.
“Soon. But I know they’ve had some delays, what with the rain and some scheduling issues. Ivy said they’re at least a week behind, maybe more.”
“Super.” Levi rolls his eyes, picks up his clipboard. “I’ll take inventory alone this month, but you owe me, man.”
“Deal.” I grin, then hustle out the door, eager to get to the set and see Ivy again. “Promise!”
I hop on the boat and motor over to the island the movie crew rented out. Approaching the shoreline, I spot Axl in his signature all-black outfit, shouting into a headset. He’s surrounded by the typical circle of groupies, ready to jump at his every command. Josh and Ivy stand further down the beach, along with an assortment of extras dressed in elf costumes and bathing suits, a weird mix anywhere but Candy Cane Key.
Ivy spots me and waves, smiling. Josh doesn’t bother with any type of greeting, ignoring me altogether.
“Oh my god! A gator!” one of the extras shouts and points at the shallow water.
Sure enough, a large alligator snout pops up just above the surface, his tail swish-swishing through the water as he makes his approach toward shore. Some people scream and run, while a few brave and foolish souls move in closer, snapping photos.
Ivy’s face blanches and Josh backs up, moving behind Ivy.
Real brave guy.
I cut the engine of the boat, not wanting to scare the gator onto shore. But the reptile has a mind of his own, lumbering onto the beach. He’s a big boy—I’d guess at least ten feet long— and apparently not at all afraid of people. He stands at the edge of the water, the sun reflecting off his glistening leathery back.
“Everyone move away!” I shout, hoping the amateur photographers hear me over the general hubbub and excitement stemming from this wildlife development.
A woman in an elf costume glares at me, bending down to get a better angle.
“I’m not joking—gators can move quick!” I cup my hands and yell at the elf.
She shoots me the bird and keeps snapping photos. The gator hisses, low and loud, and the elf jumps back, shrieking. I barely manage to hold in my ‘told-you-so,’ instead texting Ivy:
Maddox: Back up really slowly and head toward the dock. I’ll pick you up
Ivy immediately texts me back.
Ivy: Thanks. How many can you pick up?
Maddox: I can fit ten at a time. Maybe twelve. But tell everyone to move slow and stay far away from the gator
Ivy: Will do
Ivy motions to Josh, who scowls in my direction, then she waves a few elves and camera crew over to the dock. The gator makes no movement, content to bask in the sun and warm himself. I motor over to the dock, flinging the rope to one of the crew members.
“Thank god you’re here!” A scantily clad elf fans herself, her face flushed as red as her costume. She’s breathing hard and fast as she clambers onto the boat. “That gator could kill us! Have you seen the documentary on the nature channel, the one where a gator just like that attacks an innocent chihuahua?”
