Page 74 of Santa of the Creek

I haven’t been to a party outside the town celebrations. Mind you, there are more than a few of those.

“Because you’re always working,” she points out. “The party comes to you. You know what Randy’s like.”

“It’s not exactly a party when people are barking drinks orders at you.”

Gloria thinks about that for a moment. “True.”

“Maybe I work too much,” I muse.

“Now you don’t have to. You have your boy to party with.”

I snort. Dean isn’t exactly the party kind.

She grins at me as if she’s read my mind. “Give him time. He’s never had anyone to party with before. He’ll relax. You’re good for him.”

I hope so, I really do. Because he’s good for me too.

I regard Gloria for a long moment. “You have a big heart, you know that?”

“I do, but don’t tell anyone. You’ll ruin my reputation.”

I hold up my hand. “Scouts honor. I promise never to reveal your secret.”

“Were you a scout?”

“No. My parents didn’t approve of the scouts.”

She gives me a curious look, but I don’t elaborate, so she says, “You have a big heart too. Not many people would have found the key to his closet. None of the other guys here even tried.”

“Did Dean give them a chance?” I know what it’s like faced with a guy who refuses to admit he’s gay.

She shrugs. “Probably not. But he trusted you.”

I smile at that, because it has taken time, but he’s learning to trust me not to break his heart.

Gloria claps her hands. “Get your party gear on, Echo. If your man is busy, you’ll have to rely on me.”

I wrinkle my nose. “I don’t feel much like partying, honey. I’m happy to crash out on the couch for the rest of the afternoon.”

“No. It’s party-time.”

I give my annoying friend the side-eye. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

She gives me a brilliant smile. “You know me so well.”

I sigh and get to my feet. “Okay, okay. Shower, shave, and?—”

“Moving on,” she says hastily.

I suddenly miss Dean. What’s he doing with Geraldine? Couldn’t I have come too? I know I’m being ridiculous. I’m overtired after the long week, and I just want Dean in my arms.

I take my time showering, ignoring Gloria’s bellows. I consider rubbing one off in the shower fantasizing about my special man, he gives head like his life depends on it, but it would be just my luck if she walked in at the crucial moment. She would; Gloria’s like that.

Gloria squints at me fifteen minutes later when I walk back into the lounge. “Not bad.”

I look down at myself. Tight jeans, black shirt with a faint sparkle, Chelsea boots worn to perfection. I could have made more effort with the boots, but if I’m standing for hours then I need to be comfortable.

She’s already got her faux fur coat on plus hat and gloves and is ready to go. I reach for my leather jacket, but she pushes me out of the way and hands me my thickest winter coat and hats and gloves.