Page 161 of Santa Daddies

Starla pretends to look at the new selection of blouses while I wrap up with a customer, but I know she’s far more interested in why I sent the ‘big question, need to meet’ text.

“Spill it,” Jolene says as she rushes through the door. The second she sees the customer approaching, she apologizes, but the woman isn’t concerned.

Jolene holds the door for her, and while I’m certain a completely rational amount of time has elapsed, it seems to take forever for the woman to leave and the door to close itself.

“Okay, now spill it. What’s going on? Are you okay?” Jolene’s questions come too fast to answer. She’s usually the one to send overly dramatic text messages, not receive them.

Starla and I share a laugh at the tables being turned.

“I’m fine.” Ironically my voice wavers. “Mostly.”

“Whatever it is, we’re here for you.” Starla gives me a hug. “Are you getting cold feet about the auction?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Do you want to give up your life and run away with Krampus, who I might mention you stole from me?” Jolene shakes a finger at me playfully.

“You’re closer than Starla.”

Jolene sits onto the counter. “Really? I was joking.”

“I saidcloser, not correct.”

“Do tell, this sounds intriguing.” Starla pushes Jolene’s legs to the side so she can stand opposite me.

Turning my attention to the pile of clothes Krampus bought me, I remind myself that I didn’t imagine it. “A guy came into the store earlier and the whole exchange seemed kind of weird.”

“Oh no, did a creeper come in to fondle women’s underwear again? Now you wish Krampus was here to protect you?”

I shake my head at her. “Krampus was here. He was the guy who came in.”

Her smile drops. “He tracked you down? Ishea creeper?”

“He’s really nice in person… as a person. He said he asked around, found out where I worked, and wanted to know if I’d go on a theoretical date with him.”

“He’s going to be into some kinky shit. Those ropes and–” Jolene’s words cut off when Starla slaps her leg.

Starla asks, “Did you say yes?”

“I didn’t answer.”

“Why not?” Starla and Jolene both ask.

“It was theoretical.”

“What is a theoretical date?” Starla asks.

“I told him I couldn’t go on a date right now, so he asked about a theoretical date.”

“Which means he was asking you on a date anyway.” Jolene gets tired of turning to talk and hops back to standing.

Starla nods in agreement. “So, theoretically, was he as hot in person as he was as Krampus?”

I worry my lower lip, trying to distract myself from how he makes me feel. “I suppose.”

“So that’s a yes,” Jolene clarifies for me. “Which leaves me confused as to why you told him you couldn’t date.”

“The auction.” It feels odd to me that I have to explain that.