Mrs. Claus

by Amanda Lanclos

  Good job!

  I stutter, “What? Nnnnnnnn–– No. It’s not that. I just don’t want you to go out of your way. That’s all.”

  Before I can say anything else, Joy interrupts. “There’s a little grill a couple of blocks over. I just overheard a couple of the other volunteers talking about how good it was. Why don’t you just meet her here and you two can walk there, Mason?”

  Becky and Brad walk back over and Becky asks coyly, “Oh, where are you two walking to?”

  I mumble. “Oh, to dinner. At the grill. To talk about the piece and all.” I see Brad’s brows raise at Mason and he shakes his head in response.

  Oh… so this is not a date.

  It’s a business thing.

  Ok, then. That’s for the best. I don’t need to be distracted with daydreams of Mason Christmas. I have enough on my plate with providing a Christmas for those here already!

  Mason nods at Becky. “Yes, just to dinner. Since this is my job for the next few weeks, I need to be as informed as I can be. The more I know, the better I can make the pieces. And the better the pieces are, the more money you’ll raise for your shelter.”

  Well, ouch. If I did have any illusions on what this might have been they were just firmly cleared up.

  Business it is.

  Great!

  Mason looks back at me. “Ok, so I’ll be back here between six forty-five and seven. Or as close to that as I can get here, depending on traffic. Sound good?”

  I nod. “Sure does. See you then. Thanks.”

  Before he can see the disappointment on my face that I’m not even sure why it’s there, I turn and head back toward my office. I wave over my shoulder as I walk, “Thanks for coming out today.”

  I don’t stop walking until I reach my office and then I lean against the wall and sigh.

  My eyes are closed and I’m trying to convince myself that wasn’t as weird as I know it was when I feel someone stop beside me. Cracking my eyes open, I peek up and see my sister. She’s smirking at me. “So… you’re having dinner with the sexy reporter tonight, are you?”

  Opening my eyes, I glare at her. “I’m having a business dinner with him, yes. You heard him. It’s for the story. No other reason. Stop smirking at me like that.”

  She clucks her tongue and laughs. “Uh huh. So, you don’t want to have him jingle your bells then?”

  My eyes widen and I laugh at her idiocy. “What the hell are you even talking about? What bells is he supposed to jingle?”

  She grabs her full chest and squeezes her boobs. “Oh, sis. You have so many things he can jingle. Time to shine the ornaments.”

  The laugh that escapes me causes her to grin harder. I retort through my laughter, “You’re completely ridiculous. No bells will be jingled. No ornaments will be shined. No trees will be fluffed.” I mock glare at her and point. “It’s business. He wants to know about the shelter and the concert. You heard him. He’s not interested in anything else and neither am I! I have enough on my plate with making sure we can give these people counting on us a Christmas. I don’t want or need any additional Christmas of my own!”

  Becks laughs and turns to plop into the chair in front of my desk. “Uh huh. Keep telling yourself that, sis. You most definitely do want some of that Christmas that just left here. Hell, not that I blame you. He’s one fine present. Though, I’m thinking I’m going to have some café au lait in my stocking… you know I like milk with my coffee.

  “Hell, forget the stocking. Do not pass ‘Go’, just head directly to my bed for Christmas.

  “Damn, that man is fine as hell.”

  I snicker. “You are not right. You sound like a hoochie. Poor, Brad.”

  Becks glares at me. “Poor Brad nothing. Hell, Noelle. We both work so hard for everyone else. We deserve a little something for ourselves. And you know that for all my talk if I’m interested in someone, I’m interested. Hoochie my ass. You know how long it’s been since anyone has unwrapped this gift?!”

  Oh, I know. And it’s been even longer for me.

  I nod at her. “I know. I just like to pick on you. I’m the big sister, that’s my job. You’re not a hoochie.”

  She laughs. “Yup, I know.” She looks me over and I see the “I’m up-to-something” look come over her face.

  I shake my head. “No. Whatever you’re thinking… The answer is no.”

  She smirks again. “Yeah, right. Like you can tell me no.

  “So, what are you going to wear tonight?”

  I point at my clothes. “This. What else?”

  Her lips purse and she shakes her head. “I think not. We can do better than that. Time to make the present undeniable.”

  I roll my eyes and moan.

  Mason

  Brad laughs as I open my desk drawer and grab the keys to my truck. “Just dinner, huh?”

  Ignoring his goading, I nod. “Yup. I’ll be back here by nine-thirty. Just dinner to learn what I need to know.”

  He grins at me again and checks his phone. “Mind if I grab a ride with you? Becky just invited me to join her for dinner at the shelter, too.”

  My head raises and I stare at him. “Becky did? So, you’re interested in her? Because you know that for the next six weeks, we’re there all the time. If you’re not really interested, don’t go. I don’t need some pissed off female making our job harder than it needs to be.”

  He glares at me. “You know me, man. I don’t play with women. I rarely date. I’m interested and if things don’t work out with Becky and me, then I can still do my job. I’m not that guy.” He points at me. “Why? Are you interested?”

  Am I interested? In Becky?

  “Interested in Becky?”

  Brad chuckles and stands. “No, I know you aren’t interested in Becky. Blondes aren’t your thing and you barely even noticed her today. But Becky’s big sister is a beautiful woman and I know she threw you off your game earlier. So, are you really worried about me… or are you trying to warn yourself off of the other delectable Miss Holley?” He smirks. “Oh, I didn’t miss the way you snuck that ‘Is it Miss or Mrs?’ in there, man.”

  Shit!

  I was hoping against hope that no one caught that.

  I sigh. “I’m not warning myself off anything. I’m not interested. I’m only in it for the story. This story is my job and since she’s a big part of the story, she’s my job. That’s it.”

  Yet, that’s a damn lie.

  Brad stares at me and then shakes his head as he just looks at me until I can’t help but glance away. “Ok, whatever. I’m not arguing with you. But, can I ride down with you?”

  He gave that up really easily.

  Too easily.

  I watch him as I nod and close my hand around my keys. “Yup. Let’s go.”

  We leave the station and he jumps into the passenger seat as I crank the engine. After circling the parking lot, I pull out and head up the street to get back to the shelter.

  How crazy that it’s literally right there and I had no idea.

  I suppose it’s true that people generally ignore things that don’t directly affect them.

  Brad and I chat about the LSU game this weekend while I drive. Within ten minutes, I’m back at the shelter. There’s a parking spot right in front of it and with some quick maneuvering, I take it. As I park, I look at the front of the building. If I wouldn’t know it was a shelter, I’d think it was another office building. The lights are on in the downstairs and a few windows are lit on the upper two floors. With the sky darkening, you can actually see into the building and I’m once again taken aback by how warm and inviting it looks. I can see people on the couches, in the chairs, and at the tables. Again I’m reminded of a coffee shop.

  It’s pretty remarkable what these two young women have done here. The number of people at the shelter, both women, and kids, causes a pang to hit my chest though.

  What happened to these families to have them come here? Why are they not safe within their own homes? What hav
e they endured to find themselves here?

  Brad sighs and my head turns to look at him. He’s also looking into the windows. He says quietly, “So many kids… So many people in need. Thank God they have a place like this to come to.”

  I nod. “Yeah. I can’t believe I never even knew it was here.”

  He looks over at me and claps my shoulder. “Well, now we do. And we’re going to make sure others know, too. We have the power to help, so we’re going to help.”

  Turning off the truck, I reach for the door and step out. He follows and we walk to the front door.

  Pulling on it, it doesn’t budge. It’s locked. Eyes turn toward the door and then the petite redhead from earlier appears in the glass with a smile. The lock clicks and the door opens. “Mr. Christmas. Welcome back. Come on in.”

  Brad steps in behind me and she smiles at him. “Hello, again.”

  Becky walks from around the desk and meets us while Joy relocks the door. I turn to look at it and Becky smiles. “Once it gets dark, we lock the doors. We lock up down here around eight and everyone heads upstairs for the night.” She points to the large man that looks like a bouncer standing at the other end of the room. “That’s Nick.” He nods at us in greeting and waves. “Nick or one of our other two night watchmen are down here every night. They keep an eye on the place, and when necessary, they get new people situated until either myself or Noelle can get here. We are the only two people that can check anyone into or out of the shelter.”

  A warm voice comes from the right, near the desk, and I turn toward it. “We don’t take people in off the street. We’re a little different than most of the other shelters.” Noelle smiles at me and gestures around the room. “We take people and families in from the other shelters around the city. Though, we only accept women and children here. They’re all vetted before they’re brought here. We take in those who find themselves in situations beyond their control. Drugs and alcohol are not allowed here and everyone must pass a drug test before they’re allowed to stay. We don’t place limits on them, but we do require the women to work or learn a skill and we help them find employment so that they can get back on their feet. The children are required to attend school. Everyone helps out here. There are chores and tasks assigned to everyone. But, we don’t kick anyone out until they’re ready to leave. Most people only stay with us a few weeks. Some stay a bit longer. The longest was four months. But it works and everyone feels safe while getting the things they need.

  “We rely solely on grants and donations though and this year has been harder than most.” She smiles and points to the massive poster advertising the Joyful Noise Christmas Concert on the table. I nod as I find myself completely transfixed by Noelle. She’s changed her clothes. She’s still wearing the jeans she had on earlier, but she’s now wearing a bright purple shirt that slides down her arm, exposing one slender shoulder while her feet are encased in sexy brown boots that reach her knees. “That’s why this concert event is so important. I don’t want to have to turn anyone away and with it being Christmas… the children here deserve to experience the magic of the season. It’s not their fault they’re here.”

  I’m not fan of Christmas, but I also don’t think children should be penalized because adults in their lives fall on hard times.

  Brad claps his hands and I blink with a jolt. My eyes leave Noelle and turn to him. He tries to cover a smirk. “You promised me dinner, Becky.”

  She nods, “I did. So, let’s go make it.”

  Brad throws his head back and laughs. “We’re making dinner? I’m a fantastic cook, you know.”

  Becky laughs back and pulls him toward a door in the far left corner. “Prove it.”

  Noelle and I are left standing in the room, surrounded by people, but seemingly alone. She clears her throat and looks at the door. “Um, so do you want to go to the grill or would you like to stay here…”

  I blink again and smile. “Well, I asked you to dinner, so I think we should head to the grill. We can catch dinner here another night.”

  Another night?

  What are you doing, Mason?

  Business… just business…

  Oh, shut the hell up.

  Chapter Six

  Noelle

  Another night? We can have dinner here another night?

  What does that mean?

  Nodding, I smile at Mason nervously. “Ok, great.” We walk to the door side by side. As we reach it, Nick is there to unlock it. He nods at both of us. “Stay alert. Watch your surroundings, Noelle.” His voice is protective and I smile at him. “Will do. Thanks, Nick. We’ll be back in a bit.”

  I see a slight tightening of Mason’s jaw before it’s gone.

  I must have imagined it.

  We walk two blocks toward the river before crossing the street and walking another block. The fountains and square are directly in front of us and I stop for a second to watch the red and green lights reflecting in the water. Garland and twinkling lights are wrapped around the light posts and give the spot a perfect dose of holiday cheer. Christmas carols are piping through the speakers and drifting on the breeze. Smiling, I tilt my head and watch the magical display. The coolness of the evening sneaks up on me and I shiver slightly. The weather is cooperating and the air is crisp. Louisiana holidays aren’t like the rest of the country.

  It’s not cold by far, I mean it’s Louisiana, but it’s cooler than normal and with my exposed shoulder, I have a slight chill. Mason asks gruffly, “Cold? We should get inside. I don’t have a jacket.”

  Turning my head, I nod. “I didn’t think to grab a sweater, either. I’m not cold. It’s just a little cool. I love it though. I hope it sticks around for the holidays.” He watches me with a strange expression on his face before nodding at the doors to the restaurant. I follow as he leads and within seconds, we’re inside.

  We’re led to a table near the windows immediately. I face them as he sits with his back to them and mumbles something under his breath. “Would you like to switch sides, Mason? Or would you like to sit on this side, too, so you can see the display?”

  He quickly looks up and shakes his head. “No. I’m fine over here.”

  Damn, ok then.

  No need to be so blunt about not wanting to be near me.

  My face must show a glimmer of the hurt that flared at his rebuttal. He exhales rapidly and says, “I’m sorry. That probably came out wrong. I wasn’t insinuating that I didn’t want to sit near you, Noelle.” He sighs. “I’m just not a fan of Christmas.”

  My mouth falls open and I feel my eyes widen as I stare at him. “You don’t like Christmas? Are you serious? Why? Who doesn’t like Christmas?” My hands fly up and cover my mouth as I exclaim through my fingers. “Oh, shit. I’m sorry. That was so rude of me.”

  He chuckles. “It’s ok. I get it from Brad all the time.” Turning his head, he looks out the window and then back at me. “I just don’t. Christmas hasn’t really been all that good to me.” He laughs harshly. “Add my name to that and it’s like a double whammy. I’ve been screwed with my entire life for my name and when your name is Christmas and you don’t actually care for Christmas… well, it sucks.”

  Christmas hasn’t been all that good to him? What does that mean?

  How can he not like Christmas?

  Don’t pry, Noelle.

  Trying desperately not to ask the questions I really want to ask, I nod. “Well, ok. I won’t pretend to understand that. I love Christmas. It’s my favorite time of the year. I’ve always loved it, but with having the shelter, I love it even more. Something about it just warms my soul. It’s like no matter what else happens, some part of people always opens up to embrace the holidays. It’s like magic.”

  Mason snorts and his lips twist. “You seriously think that Christmas brings the good out of people? Really? What about those who lie, steal, cheat, kill, drink and drive? What about those who count on people like you and take advantage of it?

  “No, Christmas doesn’t bring
shit out of people. Most people only care about what’s under the tree. They don’t care how it got there or what people had to do to put it there. People are selfish year round, but especially at Christmas.”

  Wow, he’s really bitter.

  What happened to him at Christmas?

  I sigh and fold my napkin. “I’m sorry you feel that way. Whatever happened to make you so cynical must have been terrible.” His eyes flash and he glares at me. His nostrils flare and his lips are white. I can see him practically biting his tongue. “I’m not trying to push your buttons, Mason. And you are entitled to your opinion and your privacy. I happen to love Christmas though. I choose to see the good in people and I think Christmas helps people do that. Sure, for some people, it’s about the presents and the pomp and circumstance. But for most people, it’s genuinely a time to reflect on what they have and share what they can with their fellow man.

  “Are there bad apples in the bunch? Hell yes, there are. Doing what I do, I see and hear all about the bad. But I’ve never once had a single person in my shelter who didn’t leave with the belief that deep down, most people are good.

  “Life is what you make of it, Mason.”

  I probably shouldn’t have given him the speech that I use in the shelter. But I believe it. I believe that people are inherently good. And I think that Christmas is the time when people can be reminded of that fact.

  Maybe Mason can be reminded of that by doing his story.

  Maybe that’s why he’s here with me right now. Maybe Mason is just another person that can find themselves again thanks to the Blessings House.

  Mason

  Noelle loves Christmas. I can clearly see that.

  I hate it. And nothing will change that.

  But that’s neither here nor there. We’re here, at dinner, to get to know each other and for her to educate me about the shelter.

  I can see that she is a genuine person and she believes what she’s saying.

  I just believe differently.

  Another reason to push whatever attraction is here between us away.

  I’m not here for anything but the story and we would never work anyway.