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prior to making a speech, but he was pushed aside by the rush on the food.
    Once the tray had been vacuumed clean, everyone drifted off into the night. Mom declared that she was absolutely
exhausted,
and Dad gave her a fond smile. The Muddites went away mumbling, although I noticed that their mayor managed to snatch a couple of extra cookies and stuff them into his pocket. Nigel Pearce drew Jackie to one side and, peering down the front of her sweater all the while, whispered in her ear. Kyle had gone to get her coat. Russ snapped one last shot of me at the moment I took a bite of the cookie I’d been able to snatch out from under the grasping hands of Sue-Anne. She gave me a look that would curdle Santa’s milk before forcing her face into a smile and turning to Russ.
    â€œWhy don’t you walk me to my car, Russell, sweetie? It’s getting so slippery out there, and these boots aren’t suitable for ice. I need a man’s strong arm.”
    Vicky wiggled her eyebrows at me, and I stifled a laugh. The sidewalks had been scraped so thoroughly they’d probably lost a quarter inch of pavement, and enough salt and sand had been laid in the parking lot to equip a California beach. The last thing the town of Rudolph wanted was for one of those tourists to slip and break a leg.
    But Russ was young and attractive and exceedinglycharming, and Sue-Anne’s husband was rarely seen around town. Probably more to the point, however, Russ represented the town’s newspaper.
    Vicky sent her helpers home, and I gave her a hand with the last of the cleaning.
    â€œThe whole day went well,” she said, packing dishes into the plastic tubs she used for transporting supplies.
    â€œOther than me being disqualified from the parade, you mean?”
    A smile touched the corner of her mouth. “Other than that. Come on, I’ll give you a ride home.”
    We were the last people to leave the community center. Vicky switched off the lights and I made sure the door had locked behind us.
    â€œYou’re not being fair!”
    â€œLook, Jackie, I . . .”
    The voices broke off. Jackie and Kyle were standing against the wall by the back door, in deep shadows where the lights from the parking lot didn’t reach. He had his hand on her arm, and his face was set into deep lines beneath narrowed black eyes. Jackie shook him off. “Night, Merry,” she called.
    Kyle stepped away from her. Embarrassed, he dug grooves in the snow with the toe of his boot.
    â€œAre you okay there?” I asked, cradling one of Vicky’s plastic tubs.
    â€œWe’re fine. Kyle doesn’t seem to understand about taking opportunities and making a grab for the brass ring.” Jackie walked into the light. Kyle wasn’t the brightest star on the Rudolph Christmas tree, but I’d always thought hewas a nice guy. Too nice, maybe, for Jackie. Despite her earlier complaint that he’d dump her if he saw her elf getup, we both knew that wouldn’t happen. Jackie went through boyfriends at a rate that was beyond my ability to keep track. And when she tired of them, she liked to be the one who did the dumping.
    â€œI understand,” he said, “about dirty old men trying to look important.”
    She laughed. “Isn’t he sweet when he’s jealous, Merry? Take me home, Kyle. I’m tired.” She walked away, head high. Kyle threw me a look and then ran after her.
    Vicky and I left them to sort out their problems.
    At home, Mattie greeted me with his usual boundless enthusiasm. After I’d wiped away enough drool to fill a horse trough, I told him I’d be back in a minute and ran into my bedroom to change. I needed a bath, a long hot soak with lavender bubbles, to force some life back into my legs and feet, but Mattie needed a walk after spending a boring day alone in his crate. Off came the damp tights and the Mrs. Claus outfit and on went a pair of beloved old jeans and