Santa’s Coming (High Five Novella #1)

Chapter 7 Silent Night

Friday, December 20th

The silence since our last exchange has been as deafening as a silent night.

“Why are you staring blankly at your phone?” Aaron, my lead bartender, asks. He’s a fixture around here, always with an ear to the ground.

I’m clearly distracted. I shrug, and he squints at me, leaning in. “Don’t tell me you’re still pining over her. It’s been a week. If she wanted to hang out, she would.”

“This time of year is tough for everyone,” I defend and swirl my whiskey around in the glass.

“I haven’t heard of her going on a date in years,” Aaron says, trying to offer some solace.

Then my phone lights up. It’s a new text from her.

Emily: Santa, do you have any tips for dealing with family during the holiday season?

Santa: Wine. Lots of wine.

Emily: Haha! I have to drive my son to my parents’ house tomorrow for a Christmas gift exchange. Wine, unfortunately, won’t be an option …

Part of me wants to offer to be her driver, but it’s way too soon for that. Then, part of me wants to hire her a car. These gestures are too grand for where we are in this holiday-themed flirtation.

Santa: Just remember, Santa’s watching. So, don’t say anything too regrettable.

Emily: I’ll try my best, Santa. And … yeah, I have a son, by the way, but I have a hunch you already know that.

Santa: My elves keep me informed on these matters.

***

The next morning, I wake up with a spontaneous idea. Since she also has an iPhone, I Apple Pay her $20.

Santa: Buy yourself and the little guy a sweet treat this morning. Sugar is an antidote for Grinches, trust me.