Chapter 30 #2
“I’m sure,” she says, shaking her head. “In any case, you put the fear of Aaron Farrell into them, and no one’s willing to risk your wrath.
Plus, the potted trees are doing way better than the cut trees at this point.
” She holds up a hand as though to forestall me.
“They’re still okay, don’t worry. But they’re definitely starting to show signs of reaching the end of their indoor Christmas tree lifespan. ”
I shrug. “That happens with real trees. They’re still better than artificial trees, if you ask me, though.”
Giggling again, she shakes her head. “This, coming from a Christmas tree farmer? I’m astonished.”
I give her a mock glare. “I’m serious, though. At least these trees can be turned into mulch or something. Fake trees, while they get reused, still shed pine needles, but instead they’re plastic ones that can only be thrown away. Still messy. Less eco-friendly.”
Still smiling, she nods. “And now we have the live trees to raffle off, spreading the joy, and also helping grow the new youth hockey program in the area. It’s a win for everyone.”
“Oh, yeah. How’s that going? Have you sold a lot of raffle tickets?”
She nods eagerly. “Oh, yeah. People love it. The trees are beautiful, and they like supporting the local community. Like I said, win for everyone.”
“I’m glad.” That finally reminds me of why I brought her over here. “Oh, yeah. Are people still giving you grief, though? You said you think people are hoping you’ll quit and leave. What’s going on?”
Sighing, she shakes her head. “It’s just the same people. I know you’ve told me they’ll come around, but so far they’re showing no signs of that. I just hate knowing there are people here who think I’m a Grinch trying to ruin Christmas.”
“No one thinks that,” I counter automatically.
She gives me a pointed look. “I literally heard them say that.”
“That was weeks ago!” I protest.
“And what exactly has changed in the meantime?”
“You’ve been running a spectacular event that whole time? You haven’t stolen all of the decorations and told Cindy Lou Who that you’re taking them to the North Pole for repairs only for everyone to wake up the next morning to no trees or presents?”
She laughs softly. “I suppose that’s true.”
Before either of us can say anything else, though, a familiar voice yells, “Daddy!” and then I’m being hugged from behind by a pair of little arms.
Turning, I smile down at my son. “Hey, little dude! How are you?”
He squeezes my legs harder, then lets go so I can kneel down and give him a real hug. “Hi, Dad!” he says, sounding so thrilled to see me.
Looking up, I spot Amelia standing a few feet away, smiling as she watches Colin hug me. Her smile falters, though, when she spots Jenna standing next to me.
“Hi!” Colin says to Jenna.
“Hey, Colin,” Jenna says, holding out a hand for a high five. When he smacks it as hard as she can, she shakes it out. “Ouch!”
He grins. “Sorry,” he says, not sounding sorry at all.
“Hi,” Amelia says, stepping forward and holding out her hand. “I’m Amelia, Colin’s mother.”
“Hi,” Jenna says, all smiles, shaking Amelia’s hand. If she picks up on Amelia’s subtle way of sizing her up, she doesn’t show it.
“I see you’ve met Colin before?” It’s inflected like a question, but it’s more of a statement.
Offering another smile, Jenna nods. “A couple of times. He’s a great kid.
You and Aaron are doing a wonderful job raising him.
” Amelia sniffs at the compliment, and I’m not sure if it’s from surprise or something else.
“We compared notes on our favorite building blocks,” Jenna continues, laying a hand on her own chest. “Mine are LEGO, and Colin told me his favorite are Magna Tiles. I haven’t tried those before, so I can’t offer a good comparison between the two, but from what Colin tells me, they’re pretty cool. ”
Eyebrows raised, Amelia reaches out and ruffles Colin’s hair. “Is that right?”
“Yeah, Mom,” Colin confirms, nearly bouncing with his enthusiasm. “I invited her to come to the library with Dad and me to try out the Magna Tiles there, but she had to work.” He looks sad at the memory, and Amelia gives him a big, toothy smile.
“You had fun at the library with your dad, though, right?” She looks to me for confirmation. “I remember you telling me about it.” Then she looks at Jenna. “I don’t remember him telling me about you, though.”
Something like confusion flits across Jenna’s face. “Oh, well. I can imagine it wasn’t that remarkable.”
Not sure what’s going on here, but definitely wanting it to stop, I straighten. “Are you guys out doing last minute shopping?”
“Mom’s bringing me to see Santa!” Colin volunteers.
I give him and Amelia a quizzical look. “Again?”
She shrugs. “I’ve never gotten to do that before. Yes, you always send me the photos you get taken, but I thought it would be nice to do it myself for once.”
“Of course. Makes sense.”
Jenna clears her throat. “I’ve got to …” She hooks a thumb over her shoulder and starts edging away from the wall, clearly—at least to me—uncomfortable with this turn of events. And I can’t really blame her. Amelia’s being weird.
“Why don’t you boys go get in line for Santa,” Amelia says. “I’ll be right there.”
“Where are you going?” I ask, not sure why she’d try to send me ahead with Colin. She’s the one who wanted to bring him here, after all.
She grins. “Oh, I just need to use the restroom. You don’t mind watching him for a few minutes, do you?”
Oh. Right. Makes sense. “Of course not.” To Colin, I say, “Come on. Let’s go get in line for Santa.”