Page 79 of The Christmas Dash

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this, man. Everyone’s going to love you. I mean, everyone already loves you, so that’s a good place to start.” Jack chuckles, even as Gabe’s eyes shoot to mine.

I can read the question in them. Are you okay with this?

It was my idea, I know. But the irony is not lost on me that my suggestion places Gabe in the spotlight, doing the exact thing that separated us all those years ago.

I give him a slight nod, as if to tell him I’m okay.

I am, aren’t I? This is a good thing. It’s for the kids.

Gabe’s smiling at me, but then his face falls.

“What’s wrong?” I’m immediately on alert, ready to go into crisis-prevention mode.

“The market is tomorrow. How in the world are we going to get the word out to people that I’m performing? I won’t draw a crowd if no one knows I’m singing.”

I slip my phone from my back pocket. “Don’t worry. I know a guy.”

Dasher Daily Download

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dasher Vallians of all shapes and sizes, I bring you breaking news tonight. Dasher Valley’s own Gabe McKenzie is putting on a free (you read that right, free) Christmas concert tomorrow at the Dasher Valley High School Christmas Market. Be there or be square. And bring your extra pennies. Word on the Rudolph Run street is that the high school kids have put together a mighty fine selection of crafts that are sure to charm your pants off. You know you still need a perfect gift for Aunt Linda. Look no further. Happy sing-along-ing and happy shopping!

Comments:

@deacondave – I wish I could still buy a Christmas gift for my Aunt Linda, may she rest in peace.

@lolanotashowgirl replied to @deacondave – I’m so sorry for your loss!

@deacondave replied to @lolanotashowgirl – That’s real kind of ya to say. Linda was the best. Always snuck me licorice nibs.

@lolanotashowgirl replied to @deacondave – That’s so sweet!

@therealmarilyn – Dave, Linda passed fifteen years ago. Don’t be out here on the chat looking for condolences.

@deacondave replied to @therealmarilyn – Not sure who made you queen of anything, Mar. Lola and I are having a real nice exchange!

@therealmarilyn replied to @deacondave – Well, I’m just saying!

@therealmarilyn – I’m looking forward to Gabe’s concert. If the craft section doesn’t charm our pants off, I’m sure he will, right, Lola??!

@lolanotashowgirl – No comment! Don’t want to be removed from the chat again.

@jackteachesgym – Let’s keep the pants on, folks. Clothing is not optional at the market.

@DasherDailyDownload replied to @jackteachesgym – It was a figure of speech, Jack. Don’t make it a thing.

@jackteachesgym replied to @DasherDailyDownload – I didn’t want to leave room for any gray area

@DasherDailyDownload replied to @jackteachesgym – . . . or any tighty-whities

@jackteachesgym replied to @DasherDailyDownload – What happened to keeping things classy around here, Wallace?

@DasherDailyDownload replied to @jackteachesgym – I’m overworked and underpaid. Let me have my fun. (But everyone, please wear pants.)

Chapter 24

Beth

The Dasher Valley High School gym rivals a European Christmas market this evening. Just call us Dasher Valley-slag, or something.