Page 29 of Jingl
“You sound like Trace and my mom.”
“Probably because they’re both right. Classes should be done soon, right?”
I grab a water bottle from my bag. “Finals next week, then I’m free until the new year.”
“Good. You need to make sure you take some time for yourself during the winter break.”
I don’t mean to sigh, but it happens. “I have the mall and it’s the busiest time of the year. I’m the lead elf. These guys rely on me to release my magic.” I wiggle my fingers, but Emily doesn’t seem amused.
“Shae, you’re too young to overwork yourself. You’re benched from practice tomorrow. Do something fun.”
My mouth drops. “I—I… there wasn’t practice yesterday. I can’t not practice with the group tomorrow.”
“Everything will work out, kiddo. Now go dress up and make your magic. Then it’s an early night for you.” Emily glares at me before pushing to their feet.
The stage floor creaks. I’m glad we won’t be using the theater for the actual concert. We’ll use the events plaza for that. More room, less stink and fear of falling through the floor.
“I’ll do what I can. But there are still finals to study for and the mall and practice and—”
“Shae.”
“I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” I give them a bright smile. “I have everything planned out.” Except when I planned everything earlier, I hadn’t accounted for Trace moving back home.
Chapter 14
Trace
“Thanks Peggy.” I lug the case of Shae’s beloved keytar across my shoulder. “It took a bit of convincing to get him to stay the night and oh my God, why am I telling you this?” My eyes go wide when I realize what the hell I just said.
Peggy laughs, her high ponytail bobbing as she does. “Sweetie, I’m glad he stayed over. He overworks himself and if you got him to relax, all the better. Wait one sec, ‘kay?” She leaves me standing in the kitchen.
It looks exactly how I remember it. The salmon pink counters that match the linoleum floor. Pale wood table with the white tile inlays and matching white chairs. Lacey curtains in the window. There are still yellow stains on the counter from one year’s science project. I can’t even remember what we were trying to do. Probably a volcano.
“It’s good to have you home, Trace.” Peggy startles me back from my thoughts and she holds out a bag. “Shae’s not allowed home until after finals. Tell him we’ll get our tree like usual next Saturday and the three of us will decorate it.” She gives me a curt nod. “Problems with any of that?”
“Not one bit.”
“Good. He’s got plenty of underwear in there.” She waves to the bag. “And I put anything elf-ly I could find. Oh, and his bag of makeup. He never goes to the mall without his sparkles.” Peggy smiles and I match her.
“That he does not. Uhm. What about the… I assume it’s body spray that makes him smell good enough to eat?”
That makes her chuckle. “He doesn’t want anyone to know what he uses. But yes, the spray is in the bag. And his breath mints. And deodorant. Fresh toothbrush. He should be good for the week.”
“Thanks Peggy.” I open my arms for a hug and she fits right in.
“You’re a good boy, Trace. Take care of each other, ‘kay?” She pulls away and pats my shoulder.
“That’s the plan.” I turn, but don’t hear the faint jingle of bells in the bag she gave me. “His bells?”
Her smile lights up her face like Shae’s does. “He should be wearing them.”
“Right. See ya later.”
“Hold up.” Peggy rushes from the kitchen to return with a bright purple scarf. “It’s cold out there. Don’t want you to get sick.” She wraps the soft scarf around my neck and pulls it up to cover the bottom part of my face. It’s so cozy and warm.
“Thanks again, Peggy.”
“No problem, kiddo.”
