Nate's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Book 3)

by Jackie Castle

  Nate stopped at the doors to the band room. Charity’s check flashed in his mind and he knew exactly what he could do with it now. “I think you’re right. You never know what might happen to turn things around.”

  Chapter Four

  Kara sat in the front row of the auditorium, as the last scene from her play was acted out by the students. They needed more work. She needed more time. Not only was her time running out, but the funds were nothing more than a dry well.

  All wasn’t lost, yet. She was going to take a couple of her students to scourge the storage room for props they could use. Maybe there would also be some old costumes she could revive. Kara closed her eyes, sending up a little prayer for help. This was important to the kids. She was sure the Lord would see that and hoped He’d send a little favor her way.

  After they all finished for the day, Kara led her little group to the storage room next to the band hall. All the lights were out. They must have finished early. Mr. Cooper was a good teacher, but Kara had a feeling that he’d lost his passion for teaching. She prayed daily that she’d hang onto hers and not let discouragement get her down.

  The drama club was what drove her enthusiasm. She loved it more than anything. Though she could make a nice living by teaching English, she didn’t want to simply claim a check. She wanted to make a difference.

  You can still make a difference, even teaching English, Principal Lopez had said. Kara supposed he was right, but it wasn’t the same.

  The stale odor of dust and dampness assaulted her the moment they entered the large, dank room. Great. If they were able to salvage anything, it would probably be covered in mold.

  “Do you want us to pull things out, Ms. S?” Damion asked as he pushed aside several boxes to reveal a stained gingerbread house display. He played basketball. His tall, lanky frame made it easy for him to reach the taller shelves. “This might be usable.”

  On a dare, Damion had joined her drama class and found that he loved being in the spotlight. Kara had several students who joined thinking it would be an easy A, found out it wasn’t, but ended up enjoying the class anyway. Now the elective class was being thrown out to the curbside. Even if she did find a way to keep the Drama Club going, would anyone be interested if there wasn’t a grade involved?

  “Maybe,” Kara continued to look around. “I think today we’ll just take stock. Tami, will you make a few notes on what we find? Perhaps if we repaint that gingerbread house, we can make it look like a toyshop?”

  The girl with long black braids hanging down each shoulder nodded and made some notes on her clipboard.

  An hour later, they locked the room with a list of possible things they could use. The kids were covered in dust and looking rather discouraged. Even with several coats of paint, the set wouldn’t have the spark she was hoping for. Not to mention, she’d still need to find money to buy paint and glitter. Lots of glitter.

  And Lights.

  Oh, there had to be some way to make this work.

  Tami handed her notes to Kara. “I’d be willing to come up on weekends and paint. Maybe we could use some of the butcher paper they keep in the supply closet and paint scenes on that?”

  Kara loved their tenacity and willingness to help her problem-solve the situation. This was just as much their project as it was hers. Another reason she didn’t want to let it go. Where else would they learn these important skills in such a hands-on way?

  “I like how you think, Tami.” Kara headed down the hall toward her room. They’d all walk out together. The students that stayed lived in the nearby apartments, but she’d want to make sure they all got home safely. Damion would walk the girl’s home.

  He’d turned into such a gentleman over the past couple of months. After she’d given him a few lectures about helping his fellow students instead of always trying to compete and show them up.

  “We’ll make do with minimal scenery,” Kara said, still holding out hope that she might get the hardware store to consider donating a few things. She’d even promised to mention the store in their program. “What I’m concerned about is costumes.”

  “Let us wear our own duds, Ms. S,” Damion swept his hands over his baggy shirt and oversized jeans that looked to be three sizes too long for his legs.

  “I don’t know….” Kara thought for a moment, looking over the other girls’ outfits. “It is a modern-day number. Maybe we can work something out.”

  “Compromise and go with the flow.” Damion patted her shoulder. “That’s what you’re always saying Ms. S. We need to adapt and overcome the obstacles set before us. We can adapt and just wear our usual clothes.”

  Kara laughed, loving when they threw her own words back at her. At least they were listening. She ducked into her classroom and collected her belongings. Once they were heading toward the exit, she promised to think about it.

  Damion was to play the Rudolph character. A young man from the projects who was an outcast, though he had a brilliant plan that might save the toy store from going bankrupt. Nobody would listen to him. Until they were on the verge of ruin.

  Damion’s idea just might work.

  She drove the kids to their apartment complex, then waited while Damion walked the girls home. He gave her a thumbs-up as he headed around the corner to his own apartment, a two-bedroom that he had to share with his six siblings. Kara often saw his mother when she shopped at the grocery store and knew she was doing her best with what she earned. Damion had options of making money on the side that would help his family. Kara was trying hard to keep him from falling into that trap.

  On the way home, she stopped at the sandwich shop to grab something for dinner. She usually ate at the café, not liking to be alone in her apartment more than necessary. Pulling her tablet from her bag, she caught up with the news while waiting for her order to come.

  Her phone rang from in the depths of her bag and she almost missed the call before finding it.

  “Betty Grimes, my friend,” Kara answered, then added, “Thanks for returning my call so soon. I know you’re busy, sweetie.” Kara already felt the heavyweight of concern fall from her shoulders. “How is married life treating you?”

  She was only a little jealous that her old buddy had managed to marry so well. What were the odds?

  “The Lord has blessed me indeed, Kara. He’s a wonderful, kind man. And yes, I love being married. My decorating business is booming, thanks to all his socialite friends who’ve hired me to spruce up their mansions.”

  Kara sat back in her seat, picking the little seeds off the sandwich bread. “You’re still working? For goodness sakes, Betty!”

  “Yes! I love my work. I’ve always dreamed of having my own business. He supports my choices. I’m truly blessed. Now, enough about me, tell me how you are doing. How is your play coming along?”

  Kara contemplated if she should paint a pretty picture, or be miserably honest. She hated dumping all her problems on people, but she and Betty went way back. They’d talked each other through all sorts of life problems.

  “Uh oh,” Betty said. “I know that pause. What’s wrong, Kara? Spill it.”

  Blinking away the impending tears that clouded her vision, Kara explained the school’s cuts and how difficult she was finding it to fit in with the staff of this new school. “I don’t want to quit so soon. But I’m not looking forward to being stuck in a classroom all day, either. Oh, I shouldn’t complain. I still get to teach. The principal could have simply told me that he didn’t wish to renew my contract for next year. I need to be more grateful.”

  Betty listened patiently, then said, “I’m going to be praying that the right opportunity presents itself to you. We both felt that moving to Snowflake was the right thing to do. Are you having second thoughts about this move?”

  “No, I love it here. It’s such a beautiful little town. And the kids are wonderful.” She talked about some of the problems a few of them faced, without mentioning names or giving away too much information. “I love watching
them come to life when they’re on stage. And giving them something that they have ownership in. We’re all trying to figure out ways to get by without my dream scenery, but I’m afraid the production won’t be as wonderful as it could have been. Still, I suppose that doesn’t really matter, does it? I need to focus on what we do have and be grateful for it.”

  “Yes. And no.” She grew quiet for a moment. “You want them to be proud of putting on a great play. If the setting is substandard, their attitudes will match. I find the same thing when decorating. There is nothing like renovating a boring room into something that pops with color and character.

  “The kids you work with, they need to feel special, too. I want to help, Kara. Let me be an investor, will you?”

  Kara sipped at her cooling tea. She’d decided to take her sandwich home to eat later. After pouring out her heart, she’d lost her appetite. But Betty’s offer had her stumped. “I…Betty-boo, that’s very generous, but I can’t ask such a thing from you.”

  “You’re not asking, silly. I’m offering. Promote my business in your programs and on the playbill and we’ll call it even. I’m not too far away from Snowflake.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I have a private helicopter at my disposal now.” Then she laughed and said, “Send me the details of where you’re ordering the materials for the stage props. Will you need costumes?”

  “I…we…uh….” Kara pinched the bridge of her nose. Was this really happening? “No, I think we decided to go with our normal clothes. I’ll only need a few costume props, but I can cover that. A few of the parents are willing to help us, as well.”

  “Fantastic. Get what you need and have them send me the bill. When is your play? I’d love to see it. We both want to help support the arts. We both love attending plays. It’ll be fun.”

  “Please, I’m sure he’d rather see a professional play.” Kara rolled her eyes. Her friend was too much sometimes.

  “You’d be surprised at what he likes. He’s not stuffy like people assume wealthy people are like.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I do have an order with the local hardware store. The only one in this town. I’ll head over there on the way home and—”

  “Don’t trouble yourself. Jerry has already located them. He’s on the phone now making arrangements. You’re good to go, lady. Don’t forget to send me a couple of tickets. Okay?”

  Kara’s throat locked down as tears filled her eyes again. Was this really happening? Just like that? Swallowing down the tightness in her chest, she managed to respond with, “I’ll make sure to save you front row seats. I can’t thank you enough. I’m so looking forward to meeting your husband, Betty. You’re truly blessed.”

  “I am, and I want to be a blessing for others. You were meant to do this, Kara. Don’t lose heart, boo. Everything will work out, I feel it. Talk to you soon. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything else, okay? Jerry has left the bill open in case you forgot something. Tell the owner to charge it to our account.”

  When Kara ended the call, she bowed her head and sent up a heartfelt thanks to God for giving her such a wonderful friend. Then she bound from her seat with a loud cheer that caused everyone to stop talking and gawk at her. Kara made her apologies and gathered her dinner, needing to take it with her. She had so much work to do now. “Yes, the show will go on!”

  Chapter Five

  “What do you mean the bill has already been paid?” Nate asked the man behind the counter. He’d found out from Debbie Banner that Ms Shay had placed an order at the hardware store—the only one in town—but that she’d not been able to pay the bill.

  “Are you sure that you have the right order? This is for a Ms. Shay. She teaches—”

  “The drama teacher,” the old man gave a nod, staring at his computer screen. “Right. Have the order right here. Paid in full along with anything else she might need in the weeks to come. Looks like you’re too late, buddy. Can I get you anything else?”

  Nate tucked his bank card back into his wallet. He’d finally put Charity’s check into his account. Now, what would he do with all that money?

  Shoulders slumped in discouragement, Nate left the hardware store and hopped back into his truck. At least the cabin was still warm. Buster Brown, his boxer mix greeted him with several licks on his face. Nate pushed him back to his side of the seat.

  “That was a waste of time, Buster. She doesn’t need my help, after all, it seems.” He’d been sure that helping Ms. Shay would be an easy fix to the problem of what to do with the fifteen hundred dollars. To top it off, he was sure that he’d score extra points for helping someone who was such a thorn in his side.

  Nate didn’t want to have to give the check back. Deep down, he really wanted to fulfill Charity’s request.

  He patted the dog’s head. Buster whined and pressed his nose against the passenger window. From their parking spot, the corner diner was in view. Nate hated cooking for himself and often stopped in for dinner.

  The owner loved Buster and always added a few hambones or a side of pot roast to his order for her favorite pooch.

  “Hungry?” He started the engine. “Me too. Let me call in our order.”

  He drove slowly to his destination, wanting to give them ample time to prepare his order. Once he reached the parking area, it took longer than he anticipated to find an open spot. Was everyone in town out tonight? He’d ordered his gifts online and they were already being shipped to their destinations. Nate didn’t even bother to put up a Christmas tree. What was the point? Buster thought it was his own indoor bathroom stand, and Nate didn’t want to deal with the hassle of figuring out ways to set the dog straight.

  He finally found a spot at the end of the block by the coffee shop.

  “You want to come along with me?” Nate pulled the leash from the glove compartment. Buster’s whole body trembled as he whined in anticipation. The mutt was so excited to be out around people, he nearly yanked Nate off his feet as he tried to make his way past the patches of snow.

  All the shops on the main block were decked out in blinking lights, brightly colored tinsel and frost painted windows. Even the street lights were adorned with red ribbons and wreaths.

  “Oh, oh, well hello there,” chuckled a familiar sweet voice. Nate realized he’d let the leash out too far. Buster had managed to corner a red-headed woman, her deli bag catching his interest. “Oh no, that’s my dinner.” She gently pushed him away with a laugh.

  Nate reeled in the leash. “Buster, stop that! I’m sorry Ms. Shay. Sometimes he forgets his manners.

  Of all the people to run into…. His luck was destined to keep spiraling downward.

  She smiled as if she had a smart remark dancing on the tip of her tongue that she had to bite down on to keep it from leaping out. As he got his dog under control and was able to give Ms. Shay his undivided attention, she seemed rather pleased about something.

  He didn’t dare ask her about the order at the hardware store. This secret angel stuff was supposed to be a secret. Besides, it was none of his business, anyway.

  He searched for something, anything, to say before she tired of scratching Buster behind his floppy ears.

  “Aren’t you a handsome boy?” She cooed.

  Nate almost wanted to say, “Thanks for noticing,” but refrained from completely embarrassing himself.

  Instead, he said, “We were heading down to the corner diner to grab something for dinner. Have you eaten yet?” That was a normal, polite question, wasn’t it? He tried to act casual, even if his mind was spinning with how pretty she looked in that white snow cap. The cold had turned her cheeks a delightful shade of red and her green eyes were alight with excitement.

  Something about meeting her outside of the high school had sent his common sense reeling out of control. Her hair wasn’t pulled back in that usual, tight bun. He had no idea it was so curly when she let it go free.

  She held up her bag. “I usually order out, too. Sometimes I eat here so I don’t have to fe
el so alone. But tonight, I have so much to do.” She grabbed his arm as she gleefully announced, “My play has been funded by a dear friend. Now we can start building the stage props. It’s going to be spectacular. I’m so excited right now.”

  Nate found himself smiling along with her. Strange. He would have been moaning over all the extra work and she acted as she’d just won the lottery. What was it about this club that kept her fighting so hard to keep it going?

  “That’s wonderful, Ms. Shay. I’m happy for you. So, now you have everything you need?”

  She nodded. “Pretty much. We are back on track now. I mean, we could have managed without the fancy setting, but…I want them to be proud of their production. I want to see them shine.” She waved her hand. “I’m sorry to be going on like this. I’m sure you find it silly.”

  “No. Actually, I’m inspired.” Buster started tugging at his leash and Nate realized that he should get going. His order would be ready by now. “And I’m happy that you found the help you needed. What a blessing. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She waved and then skipped-walked toward the side parking lot.

  His heart wanted to skip right off after her, but Nate quickly turned away, pounding down his crazy emotions. It would be easier to stay mad at her if she wasn’t so darn cute.

  * * * *

  “Why is this so difficult for you people?” Nate asked after stopping the song the orchestra was playing for the third time. The notes fell flat and they weren’t keeping up with each other. “Matt, you came in two beats late.”

  The boy set his trumpet in his lap. “Sorry, Mr. Cooper.”

  Another boy from the percussion section asked, “Why do we have to play the same old songs every year? My oldest sister played these same dumb songs and she just graduated college. Can’t we play something new for a change?”