I heard shouting from downstairs. Without hesitation, I rushed to find out what was going on.
Mrs. Presley was in the foyer and she had a grown man by the ear, which she was yelling into. “How dare you wait this long to tell me?”
“What’s going on here?” I asked, not sure if I needed to defend Mrs. Presley or the man she was assaulting.
She looked up at the guy, who looked to be about my height, although it was hard to tell when he was bent over, grimacing in pain. “Do you want to tell him, Marc Larson, or should I?”
“I can’t be the Easter Bunny this afternoon,” Marc said.
“And why not?” Mrs. Presley asked.
“Because I forgot tonight is my anniversary,” he said miserably.
She let him go and shook her head in disgust. “Poor Gina. Don’t take that wife of yours for granted.”
“I’m not,” Marc said, rubbing his ear. “That’s why I’m spending today getting ready for tonight, not dressed as the Easter Bunny.”
I looked between the two of them with confusion. “Mrs. Presley, I’ve never seen you so worked up.”
“I just take these Easter events seriously. It’s my favorite time of year.” She wrung her hands in worry. “Christmas is great but it’s too cold. Easter is when folks can get outside together as a town.”
“What event are you talking about?” I asked. “Why do you need a bunny?”
Marc chimed in. “This afternoon is the Meet the Easter Bunny event.”
“It’s happening right outside in the town square,” she said, pointing out the B&B windows where people were setting things up. I saw a bunch of giant eggs in pastel colors, a little stage where a band was setting up, and a wide chair that looked like it was meant for the head bunny himself.
“He’s my size,” Marc said, grabbing my attention away from the town square. Was he referring to me? “Have him do it.”
Mrs. Presley spun on me, eyes glittering like a shark’s. “Now there’s an idea.”
I backed up, ready to cover my ears before she grabbed one. “Now hold on just a second.”
Marc saw his chance and he took it, scampering out the front door while she was distracted. Not unlike a bunny. I saw why they had chosen him.
“Carter Allory, don’t you run off now too,” Mrs. Presley said, advancing on me. “I needed an Easter Bunny and here you are. It’s clearly the stars aligning. This is meant to be.”
“You know I’m willing to lend a hand, but I’m no good with kids,” I said, my back hitting the wall. “I’ll probably traumatize them.”
“You don’t have to do anything but sit there for pictures with them,” she said. “You’re not playing Santa. There’s no asking for gifts or dodging delicate questions.”
“Now that I think of it, does the Easter Bunny talk?” I asked.
“Not if he doesn’t want to,” Mrs. Presley said, walking over to the bench where the folded bunny suit was. She picked up the head and passed it to me.
“It’s heavier than I expected.” I looked the bunny in the eyes.
“Your girlfriend will get a kick out seeing you in that,” she said. “If nothing else, she’ll appreciate the effort.”
“And who is my girlfriend?”
Mrs. Presley scowled playfully. “Don’t even try.”
“Shelby’s not my girlfriend.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just be suited up by two, okay?”
“Will do.”
