“No, somewhere bigger, a hall or something. We could make it a big event on Christmas Eve? People could turn up and get food parcels, toys, whatever they need. If it’s a big community thing, almost a party, maybe people wouldn’t feel shy about taking things, if we’re giving stuff to everyone who walks in the door, it wouldn’t be so awkward, you know?”
I beamed, hugging him tight. “It’s the perfect solution, and you’re right it can be really hard to ask for what you need. Okay, so you let people know it’s for a special event and I’ll go looking for a place to hold it.”
I nodded, wondering how I was going to do that... I had rented small spaces for my music lessons, but none of them would be appropriate. I kissed Dillon and made to leave, but he grabbed my hand. “Start with the fire department, they have a hall that people use for community stuff.”
Relieved, I squeezed his hand and made my way out to talk to some fire fighters.
Oh, what a terrible chore...
***
“We love the idea,” the fire chief, who introduced himself as just Morris, shook my hand enthusiastically. “You can have it on Christmas Eve, and the guys will be happy to pitch in with decorations and things, just let us know. You’ll perform, right? Your concert at the store was so good, I think about it all the time.”
I blinked and cleared my throat. I hadn’t realised he’d been there for that.
“I hadn’t thought... but yeah, of course I could. A Christmas sing-along would really set the mood, eh?”
“Yeah, I’ll give the hard word to the guys who are our so-called choir, they might actually practice if there’s an event to plan for.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
After we exchanged numbers, I left, thanking him profusely.
My head spun, it was all coming together, and so fast too. I texted the people I’d been tutoring for music. If there were going to be live performances, I wanted everyone to have a chance at the microphone.
Tane (group text); Hi, I know you probably have plans for Christmas Eve, but Dillon and I are putting together a food drive/gifting event.There’s going to be space for live performances, and I’d love for you to be involved. Brush up some festive tunes and let me know if you’re in
I had replies within minutes.
When I got home, the online order of even more Christmas cheer had arrived, so I set about decorating our little apartment. Some of the order, though, I set aside for donating. I really had let the shopping high get to me, twice now. I was like Scrooge after the ghosts had visited him, spreading my largesse and fortune around willy-nilly. Well, there were worse things I could be doing.
It took an hour or so until I was happy with how the tree looked. I took a break for a snack and a cup of coffee.
Then I picked up my laptop and made an order from one of the New Zealand shopping websites of stuff to be delivered to my mum: books, bluetooth speakers, a new tablet for mum, toys for the kids, and some cakes and cookies as well.
Based on the estimated delivery date, it’d arrive nice and early so she could wrap stuff up and stick it under the tree.
Flying high on the Christmas spirit, I texted Ma for her best festive baking recipes. I bet I could make them just fine, right?
A text came through, assuming it was Ma, I flicked it open.
Unknown number: Hi, it’s Kelly here, you purchased my Christmas gifts for me? I’d like to send you some Christmas cookies, is there an address I could use?
I texted back, smiling.
Tane: Hey Kelly, good to hear from you. If you’re not up to anything on Christmas Eve, how about you come into Foggy Basin? We’re having a bit of a party and I’d love to see you and meet the kids.
Kelly: I think we can make that work! Send me the deets
Chapter 4
Chapter Four
Dillon
On December seventeenth, I had a brainwave of what to get Tane for Christmas.
I was closing up shop, smiling at the growing pile of presents and non-perishables in the donation box, when it hit me.
