Dash had been thrilled when she mentioned having to get to her toy shop job. "She works at a toy store, Daddy! Can we go see?" When I'd asked him if he knew where this mysterious shop was located, he'd scrunched up his little face thinking hard. "She said something about a lasso, and driving on the big highway." Highway 287 was the only "big road" around these parts, so I figured the place shouldn’t be too difficult to find.
I'd already picked up several holiday gifts for Dash—a new truck, some picture books, a stuffed horse—but something with Miss Flannery's personal recommendation would make his wholeyear. The kid talked about her constantly, and having her stamp of approval on a gift would mean the world to him.
The timing had worked out perfectly. Just as I'd been about to call Jenny, my seventeen-year-old neighbor who sometimes watched Dash, Mrs. Miller had texted asking if Dash wanted to join Jayden for dinner and a sleepover. Those two boys had been inseparable since Dash started coming to Story Time, and a night with his best friend sounded better than babysitter television anyway. No rush to get home, and the Millers wouldn't worry if the weather kept me out late.
I found the shop without much trouble—a modest building set back from the highway, Christmas lights twinkling warmly in the windows. The sign read "Lasso & Lace." I frowned, studying it. That didn't sound much like a children's toy store, but it was the only business with "Lasso" in the name I'd seen on this stretch of highway. Maybe Dash had gotten the details mixed up, or maybe it was some kind of craft store that also sold toys. Either way, I'd driven all the way out here in worsening weather. Worth checking.
The bell above the entrance chimed something that sounded like "Santa Baby" as I stepped inside, shaking snow from my jacket. The space was warm and well-lit, decorated for the holidays with red and gold garland, twinkling lights, and a Christmas tree in the corner.
"Shep!"
I looked toward the counter and my brain short-circuited. Flannery stood there wearing some kind of red velvet elf costume with a plunging neckline, short skirt, and striped stockings that bore absolutely no resemblance to her usual cardigans and long skirts. Her hair tumbled loose around her shoulders instead of being secured with those knitting needles she always used.
Holy shit. When had she gotten so gorgeous?
A snowy white cat sat on the counter beside her, eyeing me while grooming a paw. Vixen, if I remembered right. The library cat who tolerated Story Time with the patience of a saint and had somehow developed a fondness for Dash over the past year.
"I wasn't expecting—" Flannery clutched a clipboard against her chest. "What are you doing here?"
"Dash was so excited about your toy shop job," I managed, though my voice came out rougher than intended. "Thought I'd swing by, maybe pick up something special for holiday morning."
I looked around the space while she clutched that clipboard. The Christmas tree sparkled with what I'd initially taken for regular ornaments, but now I could see they weren't exactly candy canes hanging from those branches. More like... well, that wasn't shaped like any candy cane I'd ever seen. The shelves behind her were lined with packages that... those labels weren't exactly what I'd expect in a children's store.
Vixen meowed once from her spot on the counter, then went back to grooming—probably unimpressed by my obvious confusion.
I walked around, getting a better look at the displays, and comprehension started dawning. Over in the corner sat a display with a sign reading "Cowboy Collection." I moved closer to examine what I'd assumed might be toy cowboys and horses.
What I saw made me freeze. That wasn't any kind of saddle I'd ever seen. Those sure weren't the kind of chaps meant for riding horses. And that rope had hardware attached that belonged nowhere near ranch work.
"This isn't exactly..." Flannery's face had gone red as her costume. "It's not that kind of toy store."
I turned around slowly, taking in the full picture of what I'd stumbled into. Tastefully appointed place, professionally arranged, but nothing here belonged in the hands of a four-year-old. The "Cowboy Collection" looked like someone had taken legitimate ranch equipment and turned it into... well, hell.
"Well, I'll be damned," I said finally.
Before either of us could speak, Flannery's phone started blaring an emergency alert. The automated voice filled the shop: "Winter storm warning upgraded to blizzard conditions. Highway 287 closed to all traffic effective immediately. Seek shelter and avoid travel."
I pulled out my own phone, checking the radar. Solid red across the entire panhandle, with warnings for whiteout conditions and impassable roads.
"Closed," Flannery whispered, staring at her screen.
I looked toward the windows, which now showed nothing but swirling white. "Looks like we're not going anywhere for a while."
Vixen stretched luxuriously on the counter, looking mighty satisfied with the situation.
Flannery's phone buzzed with a text. She read it and her shoulders slumped. "My boss says since I'm already here, it's perfect timing to finish the inventory." She looked up at me with those worried eyes. "I'm so sorry. This is beyond embarrassing."
"No need to apologize," I said, hanging my coat on a nearby rack. "Takes guts to work two jobs. You must have your reasons."
She blinked at me like I'd just spoken French. "You're not... scandalized?"
I gestured around the shop, noting the neat displays and tasteful presentation. "Wasn't expecting this, but it's professional. You've got nothing to be ashamed of."
A laugh escaped her—relieved but with an edge of panic. "Professional. Right." She gestured at her costume. "Nothing says 'upscale retail' like jingle bells and velvet."
I couldn't help but grin. There was the Flannery I knew—quick wit hiding behind all that nervousness.
Her phone buzzed again. "She wants me to focus on the holiday inventory. Everything needs to be counted and logged." She shot a look toward the Cowboy Collection. "Including that disaster over there."
