Our moms shared a look, then turned back to us. “This has gone on long enough. You used to be the best of friends. At the very least, you two could be cordial.”
I felt stupid. A grown man getting lectured by his mother at Christmas in front of the whole town. And you bet they were all gawking. Gossip and small towns go together like milk and cookies.
“Mayor Schroder,” Gail called, lifting her hand in a wave. “Over here.”
Internally, I groaned. I thought I was done with him until next year’s mistletoe harvest.
And,oh, goodie, he had his son in tow.
“Mrs. Hodge. Mrs. Thomas. Good to see you this evening. Hope you are having a merry season.” The mayor greeted them. Then to us, he added, “Nice to see you both again.”
We both nodded.
“Hi,” Brett said, sidling up to Toby.
“I’ll be going,” I said, trying to make my getaway.
Mom stopped me. “Not so fast.”
“Mayor, I think these two need to assist with the raising this year,” Gail suggested.
“Oh, no—” Toby began.
“A wonderful idea.” Mayor Schroder jumped in. “It will be a lot easier for Brett to raise it with some help while I give my little speech.”
Well. The mayor was good at standing around and talking.
Never did see the man do much else.
“I’d appreciate it,” Brett said, eyes on Toby.
Could he do anything without Toby?
“It’s settled then,” Mom announced.
“Mom—” I began, but she cut me a glare.
“Well, it’s about time to get started. You boys meet me at the front of the gazebo.” He went off, long wool coat flapping aroundhis legs, the white ball on the end of the Santa hat he wore bouncing with every step.
“You two go and help. Let the mistletoe magic in the air heal some of whatever got between you,” Gail ordered.
The mistletoe magic is what caused all this to begin with.
“We want to see smiles,” Mom insisted.
“Yes, ma’am,” we echoed like we were teenagers again.
“Oh, there’s your father,” Gail announced, looking into the crowd. “Finally made it out of Bab’s line. Come on, Connie, you can stand with us.”
Our moms moved off, and we looked at each other awkwardly.
“Let’s just get this over with,” Toby muttered.
“You can help me light up the tree,” Brett offered.
Why was he still here? Frankly, I’d had rashes more pleasant than him.
“It doesn’t take two men to flip a light switch,” I pointed out.
