“Small world,” he added.
“Miniscule.” My voice was shaky and the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end. My nerves had nothing to do with being on television and everything to do with the silly lie Kris and I told the day before. The last thing I wanted was for Sterling Shepherd to ask me about my husband, live for the whole of Minnesota to hear.
After a countdown, Sterling began his introduction about the joy of Christmas and the VIP guest who was in town from the North Pole. “And now let’s talk to one of Santa’s extra special helpers, Belen Goodwin. Now, Belen you’re the event coordinator here at Pavilion Grand, is that correct?” He pointed his microphone at my face.
“Yes, I am.”
“And you worked to make this space special for the arrival of the jolly fella.”
“Yes, when the North Pole called saying Santa wanted to visit the children in our city, we got right to work putting this all together.”
We walked around the space and I pointed out the spectacular tree and animatronic elves that twisted and turned in the life size toy workshop windows.
“This is quite the display. Are those dancing elves over there?”
“Yep, we have dancing elves, a candy fun land, build a toy station, and of course the main event, Mr. Claus himself.”
“Do you think that we could say hello?”
“Su … Sure,” I stammered before waving Kris over, trying to communicate that the jig was up with only my eyes. Kris’s jaw slightly unhinged when he recognized Sterling and he stopped in his tracks.
“Don’t be shy big fella. Come on down,” Sterling insisted. I silently pleaded with Kris to not fuck this up.
“Wow he’s tall, and it looks like Santa has trimmed down quite a bit.”
“He’s been getting in his steps.” I smiled at the camera.
“Well hello there Santa, welcome to town. How are you liking the weather here in Minneapolis?”
“I love it, not as cold as the North Pole,” Kris said in his fake Santa voice. “I feel kind of bad for the elves stuck at home. I’m sure they’re freezing their jingle balls off.”
Sterling laughed extra hard.
I chimed in reminding myself this was all about promotion. “Santa, do you want to tell them about the toy drive?”
“Yes, thank you Belen. When you stop by to see me make sure to bring a toy for a child in need.”
A man in the crowd yelled out. “Isn’t that your job?” And a smattering of laughter erupted.
Kris shot the man a glaring eye. “Yes, it is my job, but even Santa can use a few helpers.”
Agreeing, I backed him up. “That’s right, so please help Santa to make every child’s Christmas a merry one.”
“Well thank you to the both of you.” Sterling turned back to the camera, continuing. “Fun fact Aileen, my wife and I met Santa and Belen yesterday at a cookie decorating class. It was nice for once not being the only husband in attendance at one of those things.”
There was a moment of silence while Sterling listened to the newscaster in the studio.
“Yes, that’s right Aileen, Belen is indeed Mrs. Claus.” Sterling chuckled followed by another pause. “Yep, I’ll ask.” Sterling thrust the microphone in my face. Aileen would like to know how you stay so youthful?”
Beads of sweat dotted my edges. “Uhm … well you know … the North Pole is really cold and that helps to keep things preserved. So I guess the cold weather and good skincare.” AllI could think about were the thousands of viewers that now believed I was married. Not to mention my co-workers who would surely pepper me with questions about the nature of my relationship with Kris after this airing.
“So tell us what it’s like working with your spouse every day?” Once again, all eyes were on us. I spotted Chloe in the crowd of mall shoppers and lookie loos. Her eyes narrowed and head tilted in an attempt to grasp what she was hearing. I tugged on the sleeve of Kris’s jacket hoping he’d speak up.
“Working with a spouse definitely has its challenges but there are also benefits. You can carpool, you have a lunch buddy.” How he was unflustered I would never know because my hands were clammy and my stomach was churning. I was thankful for his generic answer. He didn’t double down and assert we were married. By leaving it open, we could claim it was all a misunderstanding, nothing more.
Once again turning to the camera, Sterling signed off. “That’s it from here Aileen. I’m Sterling Shepherd reporting from The Pavilion Grand Mall. Back to you.”
Kris
