Page 44 of Jingl
“Emily encouraged me. They gave me free range to decide how I wanted to present my featured piece and when I explained my vision, they helped make it happen. They used a bit of the budget for the projector since we didn’t have one on hand. I tried to change my mind to something different, but they said they wanted to see my vision through. Emily’s great.”
“That they are. I’m so glad they encouraged you to see it through.”
Shae sighs as he leans back. “I had a blast. I wish the concert had another showing, but it’s a once a year show. But I’m itching to play again. Christmas music always gets me revved up.”
“I know. I could see your mouth moving as you played. You were itching to sing along.”
“I really was.” Shae bounces in his seat. “I get so hyped up after a performance. I don’t know that I’ll be able to sleep, but I need to. Got the mall tomorrow.”
“I wish you didn’t, you need a break after tonight.”
“It’s only one more week then it’s no more mall until Easter.” Shae’s grin makes me laugh.
“You really love working the mall.”
“I love playing dress up and making people happy for a few hours. Billy may be the drag queen of us, but I can bring down the house, too.”
“That you can.” I slide into a parking spot. Looks like one elf squad pair is making out in their car.
We get out and I grab his hand, not wanting to be too far away from him. When we enter Felix’s the group already here waves us over. Alec and Juniper are awful cuddly and Shae shoots me a look.
The couple that was making out comes in laughing and they settle in too.
We all order and as we wait Alec raises his water glass. “To our fabulous drag queen Billy and our magical musical maestro Shae.”
Shae laughs and leans into me.
“And to the hottest kisses seen around the city,” Holli says.
The group snickers as I pull Shae in for another kiss, just to hear him moan and make his cheeks pink. “I fucking love you, Shae bae.”
“And I love you, Tracy.”
“You two are making my teeth hurt, you’re so sweet,” Alec says. “I’m glad you can finally be together, though.”
“Same.” I wrap my arm around Shae as we snuggle closer.
I can’t wait to take Shae home. The chat around the table is friendly and everyone pokes fun at us for being sappy, but I don’t care. Shae makes me feel like the luckiest person alive.
We’ve been sitting around for a while when Shae’s eyes start to droop and he yawns.
“Alrighty, guys, I have to get my Shae to bed so he can bounce around as Jingle tomorrow. Good seeing you all again.”
“You’re such a Daddy.” Holli slurps down a bit of his soda.
I shrug. “Kinda? I love taking care of Shae.” Of course, that makes Shae’s face even pinker, so I kiss his temple. “Come on, babe.”
Shae nods, and we slide out of our seats. He gives a small wave to his friends and we head out. Again, my hand seeks his out even for just this small walk to the car.
“Thank you for… everything,” Shae says as we buckle in. “I don’t think I could have accomplished anything this season without you. You helped so much and—”
I lean in and capture his words with a kiss. “I adore you and want to make you happy. If anything I do does that, then I’m happy.” I should probably send my sister a fruit basket or something, as thanks for pushing me to realize my feelings for Shae. If not for her, I might have kept denying to myself that all I’ve wanted was Shae. My life finally feels right.
Chapter 22
Shae
The last week went in a blur, with packed days at the mall and so many kids to entertain. If it weren’t for Trace, I’d probably have burned out like last year, but he made me slow down and relax. We spent the night at Mom’s house because she wanted us over for breakfast and presents. Who could argue with that? I’ll help tear down Santa’s Village tomorrow, but today, we relax.
