Trading Christmas - Debbie Macomber [18]
Faith could tell what was coming next. “You want me to give up the van I reserved.”
“The thing is, we don’t have a single car on the lot to give you in exchange.”
Faith would’ve liked to help, but she had no other means of getting to Leavenworth. “The only reason I reserved the van is because it was the last car available.”
“My manager is well aware of that.”
“Where is this group headed? I just need to get to Leavenworth.” Once Faith reached her destination, she’d be with Emily, who had her own vehicle. She explained that.
“I’m not sure, but my manager said this group gives charity performances across the region. They have appearances scheduled at nursing homes and hospitals.”
Great, just great. If she didn’t let them have her van, the entire state of Washington would be filled with disappointed children and old people, and it would be all her fault.
“In other words, if we could find a way to get you to Leavenworth, you’d be willing to relinquish the van?” Theresa sounded optimistic. “Let me find out if that’s doable.”
Faith waited some more while the clerk explained the situation. The young woman had an expressive face. Her eyes brightened as she glanced at Faith and smiled. Cupping her hand over the receiver, she said, “My manager’s talking to the actors now, but it seems their next performance is in the general vicinity of Leavenworth.”
“So they could drive me there?”
Theresa nodded. “They can drop you off.” She smiled again. “My manager said if you agree to this, she’ll person ally make sure there’s a car available for you later, so you can get back to Seattle.”
“Okay.” This was becoming a bit complicated, but she was willing to cooperate.
“She also wanted me to tell you that because you’re being so great about all of this, there won’t be any charge for whatever length of time you have one of our cars.”
“Perfect.” Faith was pretty sure the rental agency must be desperate to ask such a favor of her. Still, it was Christmas, a time for goodwill.
Theresa’s attention returned to the phone. “That’ll work. Great. Great.”
Fifteen minutes later, Faith was driven to the off-site rental facility. Clasping her paperwork and pulling her suitcase, she half-carried, half dragged her carry-on bag.
“Can I help you?” a dwarf asked.
“I’m fine, but thank you,” she responded, a little startled.
“I think you must be the woman the agency told us about.”
“Us?”
“The others are inside.”
“The actors?”
“Santa and six elves. I’m one of the elves.”
Faith grinned and, bending slightly forward, offered the man her hand. “Faith.”
“Tony.”
Soon Faith was surrounded by the five other elves and Santa himself. The actors were delightful. Tony introduced each one to Faith. There was Sam, who played the role of Santa. He was, not surprisingly, a full two feet taller than the other cast members, and he had a full white beard and a white head of hair. He must pad his costume because he was trim and didn’t look to be more than fifty. His helpers, all dwarfs, were Allen, Norman, Betty, Erica and David. And Tony, of course. Before Faith had an opportunity to repeat their names in her mind, the luggage was transferred from the company van to the rental.
“We sure appreciate this,” Sam told her as he slid into the driver’s seat.
“I’m happy to help,” Faith said, and she meant it.
At Sam’s invitation, seconded by Tony, Allen and the others, Faith joined him up front; the six elves took the two rear seats.
“Is Leavenworth out of your way?” she asked.
Sam shook his head. “A little, but you won’t hear me complaining.” He glanced over at Faith. “We have a performance this afternoon in north Seattle at a children’s hospital. If you need to be in Leavenworth before tonight, I could let you take the van with Tony. He has a license, but—”
Theresa hadn’t mentioned a performance that day, but then she probably hadn’t known about it either. Faith hesitated. No doubt Tony should be there for the show. Yes, she was tired and yes,