Page 41 of The Christmas Keepsake
Hollis’s phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, the name of the head of the local boys home flashing on the screen. He picked up the phone and answered excitedly. “Hey, Steve. How’s it going?”
“Hey, Hollis. Doing all right. Hope you are too.” Steve’s familiar voice crackled through the speaker. “Listen, I’ve got three boys here at the home who could really use some work this holiday season. You think Pop’s Farm might have a need for a little help?”
Hollis leaned against the counter, memories of his own time at the boys home flooding back. “Absolutely,” he said without hesitation. “We could definitely use the extra hands, especially with me tied up with the Christmas play rehearsals.”
He knew Steve had already guessed his answer would be yes. Boys from the system had come out to help over the last few years under Hollis’s direction. “That’s great, Hollis. These kids remind me so much of us at that age. They need a fighting chance, you know?”
“I agree,” Hollis said softly. “They can tag trees, wrap them up, load them onto cars. It’ll be good for them.”
“You’re a lifesaver, man,” Steve said.
“Happy to help. You know, we should catch up sometime. How’ve you been doing?”
There was a brief pause before Steve answered. “Taking it one day at a time, you know? But having this job at the home, being able to help these kids, it’s good for me.”
“Glad to hear it,” Hollis said sincerely. He knew Steve had struggled over the years, battling his own demons. “Hey, how’s Bart? That beagle still keeping you on your toes?”
Steve laughed. “Man, that dog is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Man’s best friend is right. I can’t thank you enough for training him.”
Hollis felt a warmth spread through his chest. “Dogs have a way of healing us, don’t they?”
“They sure do. Healing us and tearing up our best shoes,” Steve agreed with a laugh. “Hey, speaking of dogs, I heard you’re finally going to open that rescue and training business of yours in the new year. That true?”
“Yeah, it is,” Hollis confirmed, excitement bubbling up inside him at the thought. “I’ve found a great property, just working out the details now.”
“That’s awesome, man. You know, I was thinking, maybe you could take some of the boys from the home, teach them how to train dogs like you used to do. It could be really good for them, you know?”
The idea had never occurred to him, but now that Steve mentioned it, it seemed perfect. “I’d love to do that. It would give the kids a skill, something to be proud of.”
“Exactly,” Steve said. “And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire some future dog trainers.”
They chatted for a few more minutes, ironing out the details forthe boys who would be working at the tree farm. As they wrapped up the call, Hollis felt a renewed sense of purpose. “Thanks for calling, Steve. It’s always good to hear from you.”
“You too, man. Take care of yourself, all right?”
After hanging up, Hollis stood in his kitchen for a moment, lost in thought. The conversation with Steve had stirred up a lot of memories—some good, some painful. But it had also reinforced his commitment to giving back to the community that had given him so much.
Glancing at the clock, he realized it was time to head to the theater for another rehearsal. His eyes fell on the Santa hat sitting on his dresser. With a grin, he picked it up and placed it on his head. Maybe wearing it would help him get into character.
As he drove to the theater, Hollis’s mind wandered from the boys home to Mallory, who’d been on his mind a lot lately. Maybe too much. Every thought he had led back to her and how she would see certain things. What she would say. He’d always valued her opinions, but now he craved them. Talking to her satisfied a need for deep connection.
When he pulled into the theater parking lot, Hollis caught sight of his reflection in the rearview mirror. The Santa hat sat slightly askew on his head, and he couldn’t help but grin. Who’d have thought that the troubled kid from the boys home would end up playing Santa in the town’s beloved Christmas play?
With a spring in his step and the red Santa hat on his head, Hollis stepped out of his truck and headed into the theater, ready to embrace his role as Santa, both onstage and offstage. After all, wasn’t that what the spirit of Christmas was all about? Bringing joy, offering second chances, and believing in the magic of new beginnings.
Christmas music spilled out as he pushed open the theater doors, followed by heated voices coming from the auditorium. Hollis paused for a moment, his gaze jumping around to assess thesituation. Esther Woods was wagging a finger in the air while raising her voice at Mallory.
“Your grandmother would be ashamed. Absolutely ashamed.”
Hollis zeroed in on Mallory’s flushed cheeks. Even from a distance, he could see the shine in her eyes.
“Well, I’m sorry you feel that way,” Mallory said in a shaky voice. “If you would like to remove yourself from the performance, I will not stand in your way.” She looked at the entire group. “In fact, if any of you are having second thoughts, tell me now so that arrangements can be made to fill the roles. This play is in honor of my grandmother.”
“But then you’re going to just throw away her life’s work,” Esther shot back. The older woman turned to face the group. “Mallory isn’t telling us the whole story, but at least her sister is honest. They’re going to sell this theater right after the holiday. They’ve already spoken to a real estate agent.”
By the look on Mallory’s face, that was news to her.
Hollis’s feet started walking with a quick, determined pace. “Easy to run your mouth, but how many of you have helped Mallory keep this theater afloat? If you are so concerned, why aren’t you donating to the cause? Why is Mallory spending all her money on this project? And, another thing. If you all love Nan so much, why aren’t you visiting her at Memory Oaks? I’m there a couple of times a week, and from what I’m told, Mallory and I are the only guests Nan sees.” To include Mallory’s sister, Maddie.
