Page 13 of Reindeer and Restraints
I’m checking out the goodies she included in our bags when my phone rings. “Oh no, it’s the babysitter.” Did I celebrate being here too soon?
“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out,” Bellamie assures me.
The ringing continues. I can’t make myself take the call.
“Want me to get it for you?” Bellamie asks.
“Yes, I’m such a terrible mom. I just want one evening to myself.”
Starla laughs. “You sound like a seasoned mother already.”
Bellamie takes the call, easily sorting out where Jane’s woobie might be. “It’s in my car. She’s on her way to pick it up.”
“Sacred blankets, so much to keep track of. What would I do without you?”
“You wouldn’t lose woobies in my backseat.”
A knock on the dressing room door is followed by Laz, the owner of the Aubergine Affair, asking, “Can I come in? I have some exciting news to share.”
Starla tugs her dress up. “Yep, we’re all decent.”
“Great news, ladies!” He enters and flashes the program at us.
Bellamie takes the shiny cardstock from him and gasps.
“Hot off the presses. Molly is on her way, and Roxy is bringing a dress that should fit her.”
The three of us are too confused or stunned to react. Roxy was in the first Christmas Cherry Auction and still lives in the area. She’s friends with everyone so it doesn’t surprise me she could find a dress for Molly at a moment’s notice.
“That’s what you wanted, right?” Laz asks.
Starla and I jump up and down, squealing in excitement.
“Oh my gosh, really?” The ponderous tone in Bellamie’s voice makes me worry that she can’t get Krampus off her mind and is looking for a way out of the auction. I’d almost forgotten about her situation.
“Yeah, after you contacted us, we looked into it and long story short, her invite must have gotten lost.”
While he continues, I’m watching Bellamie’s wheels turn. We can’t let her back out. Being in the auction is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Does this mean she can take my place?” Bellamie’s question verifies my concern.
“She’s not taking anyone’s place. We added her.” Laz tips the edge of the program down so he can point to the names.
I have to convince her to stay. I step close. “Don’t back out.”
Laz is confused. “Yeah, don’t back out. We’re reprinting the programs. This was the first one, I grabbed it off the copier to show you because I thought you’d be excited.”
“We are,” I say.
“Bellamie?” Laz asks.
“Can I have a minute?”
“If you’re backing out, we’ll have to reprint. I need to know right away.” He checks his phone.
Starla ushers him out of the room, then she and I team up on Bellamie, determined to support her the way she supports us.
“What if this is a sign?” Bellamie asks.
