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Beth

It’s okay. I’m okay. Been busy all day prepping for the Dash. I think everything’s ready.

I wish you were here too.

Gabe

I’m gonna come back after I record the show. Maybe not until Monday, since I’ve gotta wrap up some stuff. But I want to spend Christmas with my mom.

And with you, if you want that.

I thought we could talk more about the future. If there is one for us?

I’d felt like a fool, having this talk over text, but I needed to know where Beth stood before I tried to sing today. As much as it would kill me, I knew I couldn’t force her to love me, to see that we could be really good together.

She had to figure it out for herself. I hadn’t heard from her since I left her on Rudolph Run, so I had no idea how she ended her date with Cal, and the thought of her choosing him was the definition of a blue Christmas. It would be better just to know where she stood. That’s what I told myself, and that’s why I sent that message.

I waited a full ten minutes before another text from her came in.

Beth

I’d like there to be one for us.

If my heart could have flown out of my chest, it would have.

I wanted to pick up the phone and call her, but I told myself to be patient. I needed to tread carefully. Beth wasn’t a fragile person. She was strong and independent. But she’d suffered loss in her life, and I’d hurt her before.

I wanted to see her face-to-face and have the type of conversation she deserved.

Gabe

I can’t wait to see you.

She’d sent me a heart in reply, and that was that.

Now, I hum a couple bars of the song I wrote in a flurry late last night—after that heart emoji came through.

My manager told me it’s my best effort yet, and like so much of my other music, I have Beth to thank for it.

The show coordinator pops his head into my dressing room. “Gabe, you’re on in five. Let’s go.”

I follow him out and down the winding hallways that lead to the back entrance of the stage. There are Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling and wreaths on the doors I pass. It’s festive. Not Dasher Valley festive, but it’s nice.

My mind cuts to the Christmas Dash. Maybe I should go back today and surprise Beth. I could see about catching a flight out after finalizing some work stuff—get back to the Valley in time for the ball at Valley Peak. The allure of being with Beth has me rearranging my commitments in my head. The more I consider it, the more I like the idea.

I snap to attention as Josh, my manager, approaches.

“You ready, buddy?”

“Yes, sir.”

“The crowd is rowdy out there.”

“Rowdy for a Christmas special?” I arch an eyebrow. It’s kind of hard to get down and dirty to a rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy.”

“We leaked that you’re debuting a new song. We wanted there to be some extra energy and anticipation in the crowd. Also, your fans are going crazy on social media, and the network can’t wait to air this because ratings are going to be through the roof. You’re welcome.”

I chuckle. “No pressure.”