“Really well, actually. I think the spa treatment worked. I feel very relaxed. How about you?”
“Same, although my stomach is sore from laughing.” I zip my lips to hold back a giggle.
Eddie scowls.
“Sorry, I’m just remembering your hyena sounds during reflexology.”
He shakes his head, but I can see a smile trying to appear. “I can’t help it, my feet are ticklish.”
“It’s true,” I reply, returning to a professional demeanor. “Will Roger be joining us?”
“I guess he tried snowboarding when we were at the spa yesterday. When I talked to him this morning, he said he’s stiff as a board. I told him to take the day off.”
I grimace. “That’s very common after the first time snowboarding. He might need a spa day too.”
Eddie nods.
I notice a swell of people heading to the ballroom and say, “Are you ready for breakfast with the kids and Santa?”
“I think so. I’ve never dined with Santa before.”
“The kids love it. First, elves serve us breakfast, and then Santa appears. Kids line up to sit on his lap and get their photo taken. Later he’ll come around with gifts.”
I lead him to the ballroom where other athletes, parents and kids are filing in. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” blares through the ballroom speaker. The smell of freshly-baked cinnamon rolls fills the air.
Our assigned table is near the stage. There are two young boys already seated.
“Hello,” I say. The boys look up at me and then quickly shift their attention to Eddie.
“Hi,” they reply in unison, still staring at the pro tennis player they clearly admire.
“I’m Eddie,” he says, taking a seat.
“Oh, we know,” the one with blond hair says. “I’m Colt, and this is my cousin, Asher. We’re huge fans.”
“Thank you,” Eddie replies.
Colt starts right in. “Remember at the Australian Open when you played Juan Ramiro? It went five sets, and somehow you hit that incredible passing shot around the net. I don’t know how you were able to play for almost five hours. Plus, you were down two match points and somehow came back and won.” He shakes his head and smiles at Eddie the whole time.
Eddie smirks. “That was a fun match. Do you both play tennis?”
“Yeah. We play a lot,” Asher joins in. “You have to tell us, what’s it like playing at Wimbledon? That’s my dream someday.” His green eyes light up, waiting for an answer.
Eddie tilts his head and squints at the boy. He swallows and then replies, “It’s amazing. The history and the atmosphere are incredible.”
Next, I see Eddie pull out something from his sweatshirt pocket. “I know it’s not Wimbledon, but if you guys would like to come to the next US Open, I’d like to pay for your tickets.” He sets an envelope on the table.
“Really?” The boys’ eyes bulge. “Thank you!” they both say in unison. Then they high five each other and tear open the gift. I feel my eyes welling up at their excitement.
“You’re welcome,” Eddie says casually, then pushes his chair back. “I’m really sorry boys, but I’m suddenly not feeling well.My agent Roger will touch base with your parents with details.” Then, he stands and heads toward the exit.
Colt and Asher are so stunned by his gift, I’m not sure they’ve registered his parting words.
Before I can problem solve Eddie’s sudden departure, I hear a familiar voice ring out over the microphone. “Welcome to Breakfast with Santa!”
I follow the sound to the stage and see Holly decked out in a sparkly-red ball gown. She is drop-dead gorgeous with her blonde curly hair flowing over her shoulders. She’s smiling from ear to ear. This must be the new assignment she mentioned.
Sparkly Holly continues, “The elves have been busy preparing. We need to sing their favorite song to let them know we’re ready to eat. Does anyone know Jingle Bells?” Hands shoot in the air and cheers ring out. “Oh good! Sing with me!” Holly is the perfect person to emcee. As much as her beauty is radiant, her fun-loving personality is what really shines.
