Page 59 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
Max:And now I need to water them.
Storee:Please, let’s not be corny.
Max:You’re the one who said “planted the seeds.”
Storee:And like always, you’re the one who took it too far. You could have just left it at that.
Max:You’re right. I’m sorry again. So it went well?
Storee:Yeah . . . she’s actually . . . really kind of cool.
Max:Um, pardon?
Storee:I’m serious, she’s cool. Sweet. Fun to talk to. Has a sense of humor...
Max:Are you sure we’re talking about the same person, because the soda wielder I know has no sense of humor and is a beast when it comes to soft beverages.
Storee:We’re talking about the same person. I could see you two getting along.
Max:Oh no, you don’t. Don’t be getting any ideas. This wooing is pure business. There is nothing personal about it.
Storee:I know. But just let me state it now: If you were to date, she’d be a great match. I could see you two having a lot offun together. I don’t think she’s this hard-ass that you think she is.
Max:I don’t think she’s a hard-ass. I think she’s a devil. The mistress of sin.
Storee:You’re being dramatic, but I’ll just let her change your mind, because mark my words, it will happen.
Max:Anyone trying to put my family out of business will always be the devil to me.
Storee:Very mature.
Max:We’re getting off track. Enough about this stupid attraction thing. We’re on a mission, and that mission is to bide time and make her feel guilty for what she’s doing. So the seeds have been planted. What’s next?
Storee:Another BTMC of course.
Max:And this is why I’m working with you.
Storee:No, you’re working with me because I’m the only one who would.
Max:A simple “you’re right” would have sufficed.
Betty
Storee:I’m on the right-hand side of the bleachers. Got a spot for you.
Betty:Thank you, see you there.
Gosh, it’s busy. I shut my car door and close my jacket tighter as I make my way through the high school parking lot toward the gymnasium. During my coffee with Storee, she was telling me all about the Christmas Kringle competition and how it’s one of the best things to experience while living in Kringle. She said that all the competitions are open to the public. What better way toexperience the town than with a Christmas competition? So she invited me to watch the fruitcake challenge with her.
Never had any serious thoughts about fruitcake—I always hear how bad it is—so it might be fun to see if these competitors can change my mind.
I open the door to the high school and follow the signs toward the Christmas Kringle competition, taking in how even the halls are decorated for Christmas. Is it like this year-round? Or just for the season?
What I like is that they made a garland out of cutout hands. It seems they traced every hand in the school on green construction paper, stapled them all together, and taped them to the top of the wall. It’s a really festive and inexpensive way to decorate that adds character to the space. Not to mention every door is decorated as well but with different movie themes. TheHome Aloneone is my favorite because they have Harry sticking his head out of a fake doggie door.
Obsessed.
When I find the gymnasium, there’s a coat check at the door.
