Page 45 of About Last Christmas
“Oh, the mirror’s actually from the ’30s.”
The mom lifts a narrowed shoulder. “Close enough.”
“Great, I can hold this for you if you’re still shopping or?—”
“We’re ready to check out now,” she says, digging through her purse.
Walking to the register, I smile at the daughter, a spitting image of her mom with crystal blue eyes and dark hair. “What school are you going to?”
“Harvard.” She cracks her gum again as if it’s no big deal, but then adds, “Well, not officially. I didn’t get accepted yet.”
“But she will,” her mother puts in. “We’ve got it all worked out.”
“Oh, yes.” The teen shoves her phone into her coat pocket. “It’s what I asked Santa for. I mean, not like the mall Santa, but the Silver Creek secret one. A full ride to Harvard would be the best Christmas gift.”
I inwardly wince. “Even though you didn’t get accepted yet?”
She shrugs, then sneaks a glance at her mom, who seems to be answering a text. “If I don’t get in, then I’ll put the money from the Secret Santa toward a new car. My Jeep’s a year old.” She wrinkles her nose as if her car expired like rancid meat. Meanwhile, my Highlander’s pushing twelve.
I’m going through the motions of the transaction, but my mind’s disengaged. I vaguely recall a Secret Santa letter asking for college tuition, but I didn’t imaginethisscenario. I would think there are members of this community who need real support and are not just trying to get free cash. But how am I going to find that one? So far, I’ve already ferreted out two candidates who were frauds. How many more are in that folder? How can I tell? Leo said he learned over the years how to spotthe phony in people, but I don’t have the luxury of time. I’m on a deadline.
I finish up with the mother and daughter, exchanging goodbyes, as my business phone rings. I numbly answer, “The Memory Bank. Greta speaking.”
“This is Jeff Reilly from Timeless Treasures. I was told you’re on the hunt for a Vallerton Nativity.”
I blink as the words sink in. The Vallerton. Leo’s antique! The unicorn! “Yes,” I say calmly, though my head’s spinning. “I have an interested customer.”
“I’ve got what you’re looking for.”
Say what?Pen, I need a pen. I sprawl across the counter and scramble for one. He gives me the address. Usually I would arrange the sale and have the owner ship me the piece, but one, this man isn’t from my regular, trusted contacts. Two, there’s no way he’ll let that set out of his sight. Not that I blame the guy. “Okay, I’ll pass this on to my customer.”
Said customer is walking into my store even now.
My pulse races, but this time it has nothing to do with the Vallerton. Leo’s smile is enough to make me forget a person is speaking to me on the phone.
“I can only hold this until closing.” That brings me back to reality. “We lock the doors at seven.”
I glance at my watch, and my stomach drops. It’s already after four. “That doesn’t give my customer much time, especially since your shop’s over an hour away.” Possibly an hour and a half.
“Well.” He draws out the simple word into two syllables. “I’m certain I don’t have to tellyouhow in-demand a Vallerton Nativity is.”
Not sure I like his tone, but the man has a point. “I’ll let him know.” I hang up with a huff.
Leo approaches with a swagger I’m not exactly prepared for. He holds out a purple tumbler. “I realized I should’ve bought one of these for you too.”
My jaw sags at the unexpected gift. “Thank you.”
“I take hydration levels seriously.” His tone is teasing, but I detect an earnestness in his eyes. After the scare with Mitzy yesterday, I’ve been much more conscious of my own water intake. I checked on our doll-loving patient before work this morning. She seemed disappointed to find me at her door rather than Leo, but other than a little pouty, she was doing great.
I lift my new cup in acheers. “I promise I won’t faint in your arms.”
He dimples. “No, I’d rather you step into them willingly.”
“You’re such a flirt.” I feebly swat him. “Okay. I’ve got good news and I-feel-like-throat-punching-someone news. Which first?”
He eyes me as if unsure if he should laugh or throw chocolate at me from a distance. “Let’s start with good.”
“I just got a call about the Vallerton.”
