Page 39 of The Santa Claus Con

Scarlett takes a long, shaky breath. It’s the first time I’m hearing her sound scared? Nervous? Unsure?

Sadistic Santa is the one who should be scared, though. And if that’s Freddie or Cameron or any of the other Santa Wannabes lined up against the edge of the rink, I’m going to find them.

I’m almost back to where I started. Push, scoot, push scoot.

When I cross the finish line, I hear a groan in my earpiece. And then, “Oh no, this can’t be good.”

“What? I beat everyone in my heat. I’m for sure making it through.” I do a celebratory ho-ho-ho when a cameraman skates by. “You like that, Payne?”

“Love the intensity,” she says, “but get off the ice. Now. We need to get back to the hotel.”

“Can I even leave? There are still—”

“Three more rounds, I know. You’ll be back in time for the results readout,” she says, her tone urgent. “But time to haul ass to the room. We just got a letter from Santa.”

PennyThoughts Feed

@RoxyNolanCityDaily

One competition down at #TheSantaClausCon! A whopping 25 Santas are about to be eliminated in this morning’s first round @wollmanrinknyc. Find a minute-by-minute play-by-play on @thecitydailynyc. Link in bio.

@SantaBaby77

Cameron Pearson FTW! Her ornament rolling method was truly inspired. Watch out, Santas, she’s coming for you. #TeamCameron

@SantaBaby77

Also the cameramen are putting in the miles! Feels like I’m right there in the action.

@TreyBrooksInTheEmpireState

Security was so tight I wasn’t even allowed to bring my thermos of hot cocoa. They just want us to spend money at their vendors. My hot chocolate cost $8!!! What a cash grab.

@HolidayRomanceReader143

k, but that Sexy Santa who demolished his group? he can roll my ornaments anytime he wants. #TeamNate #HotSanta

@TreyBrooksInTheEmpireState

What does that even mean?

@GarlandAndTinsel0102

looks like he’s a newcomer this year. omg i love an underdog. #TeamNate

@LiveLaughLaLaLand

Nate as in the guy who was talking to himself the entire time? I’m #TeamClifford. He has the best Santa costume by FAR.

@GarlandAndTinsel0102

He was probably just pep-talking himself. have YOU ever tried walking on ice? sooo much harder than it looks.

@SantaIsTheDevil666

Either pep talk or singing. Mariah, Britney, Ariana, Kelly… they’re playing all bops this year, no skips.

@YoureAMeanOneMissesFinch