Page 14 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
“It’s very nice to meet you,” I say. “I’m Betty.”
“Betty, I love that name.”
“Thank you.”
“My husband is Cole Black. He takes care of the reindeer here on the farm. We live over on Whistler Lane, right across from the Dankworths.”
“The Dankworths. Aren’t they the ones who own Baubles and Wrappings?” I ask.
“Yup, that’s them.”
“Ah, on my run this morning, I knocked over that statue they have in front of the store.”
Storee cutely clutches her chest. “Dear God, and you’re still alive?”
“Apparently,” I say on a laugh.
“Shocking. They’re very protective of that statue.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“There you are,” a deep male voice calls out just as a tall dark figure steps in next to Storee. I watch in fascination as a very attractive man with the carved shoulders of a Greek god slides his arm around both Storee and Florence, and lightly presses kisses to their heads. “Get me out of here.”
Storee chuckles. “Atlas driving you nuts today?”
“You have no idea.” He takes Florence from Storee and then spots me. “Is Evelyn with your sister?”
“With Aunt Cindy.” Then Storee turns to me and says, “Look at me being rude. Cole, this is Betty. She’s new to town, just got a job here.”
“Hopefully not at Evergreen Farm,” he says.
“Stop that.” Storee elbows him. “You’ll scare her away.”
“Babe, you have no idea the kind of day I had. If she accepted a job here, she should run.”
I laugh and shake my head. “No, not a job here.”
“Glad to hear it.” He nods toward the parking lot. “I’ll load her up.”
“Okay, be right there,” Storee says, and then when he’s out of earshot, she continues. “Sorry about that. He’s a bit of a grump.”
“That’s okay. No need to apologize.”
“He does have a kind heart.”
“I believe it. From the way he looked at you and your daughter, I could see it.”
That makes Storee smile. “Thank you.” She looks toward the parking lot. “Well, I should get going, but hopefully I will see you around town. Florence, Evelyn, and I are always out and about. I take them to Ornament Park almost every day if it’s not too chilly, just to let Florence run around as much as she wants. Evelyn is only a few months old, so she enjoys the fresh air.”
“Great. Maybe I’ll catch you out there.”
“Yes, and if you ever need a friend, you know where to find me. My sister lives here too, so feel free to search us out.”
“Thank you, that means a lot.”
“You’re welcome. And good luck with the new job.”
“I appreciate it.” I offer her a wave before she takes off.
