LITMIR.BIZ

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phone rang and Sally hurried to answer. It wasn’t often that they had phone calls. “Bailey General Store,” she said cheerfully.

      “Is this Sally Rogers?”

      “Yes, it is. How may I help you?”

      “Hello, Miss Rogers, this is Wilbur Hunt. I hope my grandson is behaving himself.”

      Sally smiled at the voice on the other end of the line. “Hello, Mr Hunt. Yes, he is. He’s being very helpful, actually.”

      “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Could I speak to him, please?”

      “Just a moment, please.” She put down the phone and turned to call Hunter to the phone.

      “Me?” he asked in surprise.

      “It’s your grandfather.”

      Hunter frowned and made his way to the phone, taking the receiver from Sally.

      “Hello, Granddad?”

      Sally moved to a department as far away as possible. Even though she strained her ears, she couldn’t hear what he said to his grandfather. Maybe the man was recalling him. That would certainly solve her problem, but the thought suddenly made her feel a little sad.

      Hunter hung up the phone. “Sorry about that.”

      “Not a problem. When do you have to leave?”

      “I’m not going anywhere. Why would I?”

      “Oh, I assumed that’s why your grandfather called.”

      Hunter gave her his lazy grin again. “Not hardly. He actually wanted to know if you were working me. He thinks it’s important that I earn my keep.”

      “I wanted to talk to you about that. We’ve been very busy today, so I intend to pay you the same as I’m paying Mary and Ethel—it’s only fair.”

      “I wasn’t talking about a wage, Sally. I don’t expect you to pay me. I’m here to learn about your business for my own benefit.”

      “Well, you will definitely work hard during the two weeks you’ll be here if today is anything to go by. We have been very busy already.”

      “Well, I’ll be happy to do anything you ask me to. Just say the word.”

      Sally suddenly thought of something he could do that neither lady could do for her and which had been troubling her for some time now. “Actually, Hunter, I do have an additional way you can help me.”

      “Sure. Like I said, I’ll be glad to do anything. What do you have in mind?”

      Sally smiled, knowing that this request would at least take Hunter by surprise. “I’ll need you to play Santa.”

      CHAPTER THREE

      HUNTER stared at her. “What did you say?”

      “I’ll need you to play Santa. Remember, I told you that my dad and my uncle used to play Santa every year. Well, this year we don’t have anyone.”

      Hunter paused a moment while he digested this information. Then he said, “But I’m not good with kids,” his expression earnest.

      “I’m sure you’ll learn fast enough,” Sally replied, sensing Hunter’s resistance.

      “Sally, I think you should find someone else, someone more used to little kids. And besides, I don’t have a Santa suit.”

      “But I do. You’re about the same size as Dad, except for his weight. He’d put on a few pounds but we can disguise that with pillows. It will look great on you.”

      “And you expect me to go out there all by myself and play Santa? Don’t I even get a helper?”

      “I’m sure you’ll do fine on your own, Hunter.”

      “Oh, no, I’ll need a Santa’s helper. Like you, for example. Then I could play Santa.” Hunter smiled, if playing Santa meant spending more time with Sally, then maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea.

      Sally tensed a little, sensing that her good idea was maybe turning into a bad move. “Hmm, we’ll see. I’ll have to think about it.”

      “Come on, Sally. What’s to think about? Unless you’re scared to go out there with me.”

      “Of course I’m not scared! But I just don’t see how a helper is necessary. You listen to what the children want and say you’ll do what you can. No promises. That’s against the rules. Then they take a picture and leave.”

      “Pictures? They’ll take pictures? But it will ruin my image!”

      “Exactly what image are you trying to portray?” Sally asked, feeling that Hunter was teasing her again.

      Just as he was going to tell her, the door jingled, and several shoppers came in. “Later,” Hunter promised and went to offer assistance to the shoppers.

      Sally watched him smile at the customers and knew he was going to do fine as a salesperson. He seemed willing to guide them through the store. Mary and Ethel must’ve done a good job showing him around.

      Suddenly she realized Hunter was signaling her and Sally hurried over to greet the shoppers.

      “Can I help?” she asked Hunter.

      “Mr Carson’s wife here would like to have some assistance in the men’s department.”

      “Certainly, Mrs Carson. How can I help you?”

      “I need to buy someone’s present,” the woman said, motioning in her husband’s direction.

      “Ah, let’s discuss it over here,” Sally said, leading the woman away from her husband and Hunter. “Do you have anything in mind?”

      The lady had plenty of ideas and Sally showed her all the possibilities. When they’d looked at everything, Mrs Carson decided on a small, portable television.

      Sally suggested some other shopping the woman might need to do, in case her husband hadn’t finished with his shopping.

      “I really don’t feel like shopping anymore. I did my Christmas shopping early for everyone except Mr Difficult.”

      “Then why don’t you join me for coffee? That will give them the entire store to shop.” Sally led the way to the break room and fixed two cups of coffee. Then she sat down at the table with her customer and they discussed the goings-on in the town. Sally reminded Mrs Carson about the Christmas Festival and asked if she had any contributions to donate.

      “You know, come to think of it, I believe I do. I’m glad you mentioned it, Sally. I’ve got some toys that don’t have any wear and tear. And some clothes, too. I’ll be glad to bring some things to be given away.”

      “Oh, good. I’ll—yes, Hunter?” Sally stopped talking as she noticed Hunter standing by the doorway.

      “Sorry to interrupt your coffee, ladies, but Mr Carson wondered if his wife is finished shopping?”

      “Yes, I am,” Mrs Carson said, smiling at Hunter.

      Since Sally had covered the gift Mrs Carson had purchased, all Mr Carson had to do was carry the package for his wife. The couple left the store, both smiling.

      “That worked well,” Hunter said as he took Mrs Carson’s place at the table.

      “Yes, they’re a very nice couple, old friends of Mom and Dad. I was reminding Mrs Carson about the Christmas Festival. She’s going to donate some things.”

      “Who takes care of donations like that?”

      “We do.”

      “We who?”

      “We do. People bring things to the store and we have to sort through them and decide if the donations are

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