“Yeah. Huh.” Molly gave Nicholas a small smile as she took a step closer to him. “I never would’ve guessed that you had stage fright. You seem pretty confident. Maybe even a little overconfident.”
“Let me remind you for a second time, then. You do not know me, Ms. Molly,” Nicholas said with a grin. “But if you’d like to get to know me, maybe over dinner, I wouldn’t mind.”
Molly's heart started racing. Her mouth went dry and she hoped her sudden blush wasn't too obvious. Was he asking her out on a date?
No way. Nicholas wouldn't be interested in a small town, Christmas loving, head elf. That would be rediculous.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Molly asked, taking a step back and frowning. What was he trying to do?
“It doesn’t mean...” Nicholas seemed flustered as he took a few steps away from her. “I don’t even know why I as
ked.”
Molly floundered for words, trying to figure out if she was excited or disappointed that the dinner offer wasn't a real one.
“Hey, Mr. Kerstman! Are you coming to the show tonight?” Liam shouted, poking his head back inside the room. He hurried over to Nicholas and peered up at him.“Please come? Please? I might need your help backstage.”
“Oh, Liam. I don’t know if that’s a good idea...” Nicholas said, looking unsure.
“Please?” Liam's lower lip stuck out and he did his best puppy-dog eyes. Nicholas looked over at Molly unsure of how to respond.
“He’ll be there, Liam. Don’t worry. You’ll have your stage fright lucky charm,” Molly assured him.
“Nice!” Liam looked relieved. He grinned at Nicholas. “See you tonight, then, Mr. Kerstman!”
Liam waved at them both one last time before running out the door of the music room.
Nicholas cleared his throat.
“What exactly happens at this concert?” Nicholas asked, his eyes still watching the rehearsal room’s now closed door. “Is it all jingling, ringing, Christmas music? Or do you at least perform a few hymns acapella?”
“What’s the matter? Worried you might actually enjoy yourself?” Molly asked, leaning against the piano. She was just glad she wasn't blushing anymore.
“No, I just... You know. Christmas music...” Nicholas winced. “All the ringing. All the jingling.”
He made a face of pain that had Molly laughing.
“Then we better pick you up some earplugs,” she said, picking up her sheet music and putting it under her arm. “Come on. I know a place we can get some. It's even on our way back to the shop.”
Nicholas followed behind Molly and soon they were walking side by side on the snow-covered pavement.
* * *
Molly and Nicholas browsed the aisles of a small, mom-and-pop electronics store.
Molly focused on a section filled with airplane sleeping aids, including bright orange earplugs.
Nicholas stood beside her, holding a giant tablet in his hand. “Do you have one of these? A tablet?”
“I have one, but I mostly use it for school stuff,” Molly answered, with her gaze still on the section in front of her.
“How old is it?” Nicholas asked.
“I dunno. Maybe a few years old? Why?” Molly reached for a pair of earplugs before reading the back of their packaging.
“Would you like a newer one for Christmas?”
Molly stopped reading and looked up at him.