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“Right.” He blows out a long sigh. “Well, you got your wish, Dawson. A day full of people laughing at me in tights.”
“Please. Barney just thought I wasyour‘flavor du jour.’ Anyway, it’ll all be worth it if we help save animals.” In Eleanor’s note, she said that the shelter was in dire need last year, but we found out that the situation is even worse this year. Overcrowding has made it so animals have to be euthanized at a higher than normal rate, not that any rate is acceptable. We need to raise enough money to fund expansion. “And Eleanor was right, as always. This is a worthwhile thing to do.” I start snapping my gum—something I always tell myself I’m not going to do—yet I can’t stop myself once the gum’s in my mouth. I hear my mother’s voice:Don’t you dare snap that gum, young lady,and I feel rebellious and free.
Sawyer holds out his hand, palm up. “Hand it over. You know you can’t handle chewing gum.”
My lip curls. “It was just one snap. I’ll be good from now on.”
“You always say that, but after the snap comes the series of pops that never end.” He wiggles his fingers. “Hand it over. It’s gonna scare away donors.”
I hate that he knows me so well. “Fine.” I acquiesce, but only because this means Sawyer must hold my already-been-chewed gum in his hand. When it lands on his palm, I give it a good squish. “Dare you to chew it on the way to the trash bin.”
Sawyer can never say no to a dare. He stares me down, not saying a word as he pops the gum in his mouth and chews with vigor all the way to the can on the street. Then he hocks it straight into the bin.
“Nice shot,” I say.
“Thanks.”
Time to get to work. I swing my sign around and try to put someumphin it. It’s an arrow pointing to the donation stocking that says, “Your Donations Save Animals!”
But it’s cold out here, and when it starts to snow, Sawyer and I end up doing elf dances to stay warm, which actually works in our favor as we draw attention to ourselves. Once we get people’s interest, we have a laminated photo album of animals that are up for adoption in hopes of finding them good homes.
“Hey, Denise, long time no see,” Sawyer says to a woman holding bags from the 5 & Dime. “How about getting Jared and Ethan a new dog for Christmas?”
After I give Denise a wave and a greeting, she walks over and flips through the pictures. “The boys want a dog so badly, but I’ve been hesitant because I’m not sure they’re ready for the responsibility.”
Sawyer points to a Corgi and says, “But look at this one. He’s three, and he’s the best. I have a video I took of him, too.” Sawyer presses play on his phone, and it shows the Corgi fetching a ball.
Denise squeals and says, “Okay. He’s adorable, and he’s exactly who we’ve been looking for.”
Sawyer takes the bags from her and carries them to her car that’s parked on the street in front of us. Once she unlocks the door, he loads them into the trunk. After he shuts it, he says, “Now, go. You have to get him now because he’s on the list to be put down. It’s an ugly situation with space.” Sawyer’s tone is dire, and his genuineness makes his argument even stronger.
She groans. “Okay. You’ve convinced me. I’ll go get him now. You’re a very persuasive person, Sawyer Quinn. But we already knew that, didn’t we?” Denise winks as she steps into her car.
When she drives away, Sawyer shoots me a smug smile. “Sawyer for the win.”
My competitiveness with him boils to the surface, as usual, and I say, “I can do better. Easy peasy.” I start to walk away.
“What?” His face drops. “Where are you going?”
“None of your business. You stay and work this corner. You’ve clearly got East Main covered. I’m going to West Main.” I shuffle away, my elf shoes making V-shaped tracks in the snow.
When I approach the Cheery Cherry Bar, I tug down my elf top to show some skin and paint on my best smile. I’m going to drum up so much money Sawyer is going to cry. Like the baby he is.
When two burly guys in flannel coats get out of their Jeep and approach the entrance to the bar, I realize I don’t know them, which is going to make my job harder. I thought I knew everyone in this town, but I have been away for a long time. Still, I’ve got a job to do, so I’m smiling big and ready to be something I’m not: pushy. “Hello, there. How are you two today?”
They return glowing smiles. The one with rosy cheeks says, “Howdy, elf. What can we do you for?” He chuckles, glancing at his friend wearing a knitted cap.
I laugh back, spying Sawyer in the distance, approaching with his signature scowl. My smile falls away. “This time of year is really hard for animals on the streets. They need in out of the cold, and I’m here to make sure they get adopted, or the shelter gets everything they need to give them the care they need.” My eyes automatically squint when I say, “I’m doing this in memory of Eleanor Quinn. Did you know her?”
“We sure did.” The knitted-cap guy shuffles his feet. “So sad. She was a force in this town.”
“She was my best friend,” I whisper. “And one of her last wishes was to save the animals this year. So, what do you say? Any amount will help.” I hold out my stocking.
“Aw, dang it.” The guy reaches for his wallet, handing me a couple of twenties. His friend does the same. “Hope this helps.”
“You two just saved some animals’ lives. You have a Merry Christmas.”
“You too, now.” Knitted-cap guy gives me a nod before they both walk away.
