I am sending Rudolph to you to help calm your nerves. He’ll be carrying wine and cake.
Don’t worry!
I’m writing while wearing a Mrs. Claus hat and my slippers with Christmas ornaments!
Bellini
To: Bellini O’Donnell
From Maisie Brown
Subject: Sure you’re writing?
Now I’m worried. Can you tell I’m worried? Do you hear me gnashing my teeth? Did you hear my blood pressure go up?
You don’t like Christmas.
I’ll take the wine and cake, but I know you’re not wearing a Mrs. Claus hat or slippers with Christmas ornaments.
You STILL haven’t started the next Roxy Belle book, have you?
Be honest.
Maisie
To: Maisie Brown
From: Bellini O’Donnell
Subject: Santa brings gifts to people who don’t lie
No, haven’t started it, but never fear—a story is percolating. Like eggnog at the North Pole. Wait. Does eggnog percolate? I don’t think so. The story is baking in my head like sugar cookies. Like peppermint schnapps. Like pecan pie on Christmas Eve.
While the story is percolating, I will be running my mother’s bar in Montana. I have told you about this bar. It can be a wild and edgy place. I am also planning a Christmas show that we doevery year to raise money so all kids get Christmas presents. I’m going to be a tad busy.
But don’t you worry! Don’t you gnash your teeth. Don’t you be a grinch!
Roxy Belle is dancing in my head wearing a red T-shirt that says “Christmas Rocks.”
Bellini
To: Bellini O’Donnell
From: Maisie Brown
Subject: Vodka
I knew it. Nothing’s done. No story is written. Not a word.
You’re going to make me drink a straight shot(s) of vodka. The Grinch is looking better to me each day. Perhaps he will write his memoir and send it to me.
Portia, your dear editor—remember her? She is not going to be pleased.
She’s scary. She could eat the Grinch.
Maisie
To: Maisie Brown
