"I'm surprised you kept it on. You didn't have to." Her gaze was filled with respect.
I shrugged, feeling a little uncomfortable under her scrutiny. "The kids seemed to like it."
"It has to be hot," she murmured.
"We've been busy since we unlocked the doors," Steve said.
Eve walked around the room, talking about what they had before this morning, and what she hoped to collect for the kids.
"How do you plan to deliver the toys?"
"I thought families could pick them up, but I'm getting messages that some people don't have transportation. This is my first year doing this. I'm not sure how it's all going to work."
"If you need help transporting items, we can help. Just let us know when," Steve said.
I nodded. "I'm sure the rest of the guys will be on board."
"I can't thank you enough for stepping in. I'd originally planned on having just one person here, but it's clear that we needed more," Eve said, chewing her lip.
I was sure she didn't like when things didn't go according to plan, but in this case, it worked out. "We were happy to help."
A woman came inside. "Where should I put this?"
Steve approached her.
"I thought you didn't like this part of the job," Eve said to me.
Sofia helped Steve empty the bag of toys.
"It's good for me and for her."
Eve smiled. "She's getting into it, huh?"
"She wants to buy her own toy to donate."
Eve placed her hand over her chest. "I love that. What a sweet girl."
I never thought another woman could love Sofia. But Eve genuinely seemed to like her. "Since you're here, I'm going to duck into the bathroom and change out of the suit."
Eve touched my jacket. "I'm going to miss seeing you in this suit. it's kind of sexy."
I gave her a dubious look. "If you really like it, I can bring it home."
Steve called her over to ask her a question.
I ducked into the bathroom and changed out of the suit. I'd been dreading dressing up as Santa and waving from the top of the truck. But it was fun. Seeing those kids smile and run for the candy was the highlight of my morning. But it was equally as satisfying to collect toys.
People in the community genuinely wanted to help people. I was lucky to have my parents and my brother to help with Sofia. But others didn't have the social or financial safety net that I did. I wanted to help others who weren't in that same situation.
After I placed the suit in Eve's office, I saw a flyer on the bulletin board about a grief support group that met in Telluride. It was for single parents. It would be good for me to talk to others in the same situation.
I pulled off one of the info sheets and tucked it into my back pocket. I felt more open to trying new things. I wanted to get past this heavy haze of grief. I wanted to do better with Sofia. She deserved a dad who was happy, healthy, and whole.
I hadn't been showing up for her in the way she deserved. That was changing now. I would be the dad she needed. I'd stop thinking I had to fill her mother's role. That was unrealistic and defeating. I couldn't be Marla. I could only be Sofia's dad.
When I returned to the hall, it was empty.
Eve gave me an apologetic smile. "I sent the guys home."
