Jimmy brought Santa to the Dare’s Destiny party with all the pomp and circumstance of a foreign dignitary. Trey emerged from the limo playing the role to the hilt. Deep-voiced “Ho-ho-ho’s” bellowed throughout the winery as the few youngsters in attendance shrieked with joy. Having hit a lull in the shuttle schedule, Jimmy lingered in the background to watch Santa at work, impressed with Trey’s sincere rapport with the crowd.
Trey posed for pictures with babies and giggling young ladies alike. For the children in attendance, he presented each with a small wrapped package—Jimmy learned later parents had arranged with the winery to have gifts sent over ahead of time—and everybody received candy canes.
As the party progressed, the music tempo changed to a more upbeat holiday jingle and Trey passed by Jimmy, the sack of treats slung over his shoulder.
“And have you been a good boy this year?” Trey’s baritone Kris Kringlish accent vibrated through Jimmy.
The limo driver shrugged and grinned. “Unfortunately, yes, but not for lack of trying to do otherwise.”
“Well, I suppose that’s worth half-credit,” Trey conceded, smiling through his fake beard, “and this.” He reached into the sack and pulled out a large striped candy rod. Jimmy had seen them before—huge peppermint sticks without the cane hooks, something that could easily substitute for something else.
Jimmy held the stick in his fist, turning it over as one might try with a baton. “You trying to tell me something, Santa?” he said, trying to keep his voice light.
Trey leaned a bit closer. “Just thought you might want something to suck on later.” Then, even quieter for Jimmy’s ears only, “If that won’t do, I can find something else.”
Ho, ho, ho.
Jimmy sucked in a breath and nodded. “Interesting. What time do the elves get off?”
“Not before me, I hope.”
Before Jimmy could retort, Trey switched back to good Santa mode and ho-ho-hoed his way into the throng of partygoers. Jimmy tapped one end of the peppermint stick against his lip and wondered how long he’d have to wait before taking Santa up on his offer to “tour the North Pole.” |
