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department tray will hold a dozen bags. All you’ll have to do is pick up the tray, stand next to Santa, and hand the bags to him, one by one, after a child is seated on his lap.” Tory stopped speaking to smile at Herb. “This year, Trudi has fashioned a new lap robe. Not only is it washable, she has wisely inserted a rubber sheet inside the lining. As our Santa knows quite well, some of the younger children in the audience become a bit too excited when they sit on Santa’s lap. This new, improved lap robe should generate a goodly savings for the Lake Eden Players in dry-cleaning costs during the holiday season.”
    There was a burst of general laughter from backstage, and Hannah glanced at Lisa. Lisa was smiling, and she leaned over to whisper in Hannah’s ear.
    â€œThey had to dry-clean Herb’s costume three times last year. The rubber sheet was my idea.”
    Tory cleared her throat. “Are you ready, Miss Bates?”
    â€œReady for what?”
    The question from Phyllis was casual, and Hannah realized that Phyllis was not at all intimidated, even after being dressed down in public by their famous director. Hannah glanced at Lisa, who was frowning slightly, and then she turned back to the stage just in time to watch Tory Bascomb give her next instruction for Herb and Phyllis.
    â€œWhen the last child leaves, Santa will stand and toss his lap robe on the chair behind him. “Action, please, Mr. Beeseman.”
    Herb got to his feet and tossed the lap robe on the chair.
    â€œMiss Bates? You will stand next to Santa. Santa will put his arms around you and give you a hug.”
    Hannah wasn’t surprised by the instruction. In previous years, Santa had always hugged Mrs. Claus at the end of the show. She watched carefully as Herb put his arms around Phyllis and gave her a hug. Then she glanced at Lisa. Lisa did not look at all upset by the casual hug that Herb had given to Phyllis.
    â€œPerfect,” Tory said, cocking her head to the side. “But I think we’ll try something new this year. Do you know how to deliver a stage kiss, Miss Bates?”
    â€œI think so. That’s a kiss that looks real, but isn’t real. Is that right?”
    â€œBasically, yes. This is what I want both of you to do. Mr. Beeseman will pull you into his arms. You, Miss Bates, will reach up to put your hands on his face. Then you will use your thumbs as a barrier and kiss your own thumbs right after Mr. Beeseman turns you to the side so that the audience cannot fully see what you are doing.”
    â€œI get it,” Phyllis responded quickly.
    â€œAre you sure? Stage-kissing often takes some practice.”
    Phyllis shook her head. “No, it’s okay. I got it.”
    â€œAll right then. Let’s try it. Mr. Beeseman? Please pull Miss Bates into your arms.”
    As Hannah watched, Herb pulled Phyllis into his arms, but he was careful to keep some space between them. It certainly didn’t look as if Herb were interested in Phyllis, and that made Hannah doubt that Lisa truly had anything to worry about with her husband. Of course it was always possible that Herb had spotted Lisa in the audience and his apparent disinterest could have been for show. Hannah just wasn’t sure.
    â€œProceed, Miss Bates,” Tory directed.
    Hannah glanced over at Lisa again. Her hands were clenched in her lap. It was clear that Lisa didn’t trust Phyllis to follow the director’s instructions.
    â€œAction!” Tory called out, and Phyllis put her hands on Herb’s face. Then, without waiting for him to turn, she began to kiss him.
    Hannah gave a little gasp. This wasn’t a stage kiss. This was real! And Phyllis was kissing Lisa’s husband in a very passionate way. She reached out for Lisa, wanting to make sure that Lisa stayed in her seat and didn’t make a scene right then and there, but her hand encountered empty air. Lisa wasn’t there. Her seat was