A few people smile at me and wave as if I’m a member of the community. I return the gestures with ease. None of them really speak to me as to being the person I need.
I’m having to trust my gut on this. I don’t know how else I’ll pick anyone.
“You need help finding something, kiddo?” A man dressed as Santa stands beside me holding a platter of sugar cookies. “Want one?”
I blink at him, confusion rolling through me. “Aren’t you supposed to take the cookies instead of giving them out?”
Despite my words, I still manage to take two from the tray. I’m no fool. A cookie offering is a gift one should never turn down.
“That’s true, except what most people don’t realize is this only counts for Christmas Eve night. I can share all the cookies I want before then. Now, I’ll ask again: Do you need help? You seem to be looking for someone.”
I nod as I take a bite of the cookie. A sigh leaves my lips as the perfect balance of sugar and butter hits my tongue.
“These are delicious,” I say around a mouthful.
Santa nods as he smiles. “My husband made them earlier today. He was inspired after making a friend yesterday.”
“Oh, cool.” I swallow my bite. “I’m here to see a friend. That’s what I was doing. I need someone to drive me up to his cabin. The guy who drove me to town refused to go somewhere that secluded. He told me he wasn’t about to be part of some horror movie.”
The man in front of me chuckles. If I didn’t know he wasn’t the real big man in red, I’d be questioning everything with how perfect his laugh sounds. I’d bet just about anything he practices in front of a mirror to get it just right.
“Definitely don’t think you’re a serial killer or anything, kid. You’re too sweet.”
“Why thank you! I like to think I am too.”
He nods slowly. “Now about that ride. We could take you up to wherever you need to go; however, I have to ask one more thing. Does your friend know you’re coming?”
I drop his gaze at the question. How is it he picked up on the fact that I’m here as a surprise? Guilt sits heavy in my chest at having to admit to this stranger that I’m crashing Bram’s vacation.
“Well, actually…” I pause to think of how I’ll word it. “My bestie doesn’t know I’m coming. It’s a surprise! He’s been upset lately, and I don’t think being alone is good for him. I don’t want him to be lost in his thoughts for a whole week, you know? That’s dangerous.”
My wide eyes plead with him to understand the situation. I don’t want him to tell me I’ve made the wrong choice. I’ve done enough worrying about that my entire journey here.
Santa opens his mouth as if he’s going to say something in response but stops when his eyes latch onto something behind me. I turn to see another older gentleman walking up with a familiar person beside him.
“Look who I found wandering around, hubby. I told you he’d show up. You owe me five bucks!” The stranger says.
Meanwhile, the other man’s eyes are locked on me. “Edward?”
His tone is carefully blank. I can’t read him to know if he’s happy or upset I’m here.
“Hey, Bram! Surprise!”
The two men beside us look between us, then at one another. Santa is the first to speak up.
“Edward here was just telling me he came to surprise his friend. What are the odds you’re that person?”
Bram nods. “That’s me,” he replies in a low voice.
The other man claps Bram on the back, then extends a hand my way. “I’m Link, by the way since my husband has decided not to introduce me.”
“I don’t think he’s one for introductions. He still never told me his name. I’ve been thinking of him as Santa,” I answer back.
The men laugh, though Bram remains silent through it all. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. He’s not reacting the way I expected him to.
Sure, I didn't think he’d run right at me with a smile and a hug. But this cold shoulder thing is too much.
“My name is Marian. I should have said something before. I tend to forget when I’m in character,” Santa admits. Though I guess now I should call him by his real name.
