Coral Holiday by Jan Moran

Author:Jan Moran [Moran, Jan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sunny Palms Press

12

“Get your red-hot tickets right here for opening night at the Seashell, Summer Beach’s new amphitheater.” Standing in the aisle of the farmers market, Kai waved a pair of tickets. Her earrings were blinking ornaments, and she wore a glittery sweatshirt that read, A Christmas Carol…At the Beach.

Behind her, Marina laughed, thinking about how her sister had helped launch her muffins and brownies at the market after arriving in Summer Beach.

“Can’t miss her, all dressed up like a Christmas tree,” Brooke added as she arranged her organic winter vegetables on one side of the table and Marina’s cranberry-orange muffins and pumpkin bread on the other side.

“Wait until she starts singing,” Marina whispered.

“I heard that,” Kai said. As if on cue, she began humming a show tune from Auntie Mame before bursting into a rousing rendition. “We need a little Christmas…”

Shoppers slowed to listen to Kai.

“Now,” Marina whispered to Brooke. They began to pass out flyers.

Kai winked at her as she built to the crescendo. The crowd and fellow vendors burst into applause, and Kai executed a theatrical curtsy, smiling broadly. “Come to our inaugural holiday show. Tickets are available right now, but like Santa’s milk and cookies, they’re going fast.”

“Speaking of that, free cookies with every ticket sale,” Marina called out. “White chocolate and macadamia nut with cranberries, a seasonal favorite at the Coral Cafe. And while you’re at it, be sure to reserve your holiday picnic boxes for the performance at the Seashell.”

A young couple stepped up to the table. “Is the show suitable for children?” The woman asked.

“Absolutely,” Kai said. “I wrote it with children in mind, and many of our local Summer Beach youth are performing in the production. We have a special guest appearance at the end of every show, too.” Kai put her hand to her mouth as if sharing a secret. “He’ll be wearing a red suit, and his initials are S.C.”

“That sounds like fun,” the woman said to her husband. “What dates do you have tickets available for?”

“Marina can answer that,” Kai said merrily.

“I’d be happy to,” Marina said. “Would you like opening night? I think we have a few good seats left.” She pulled out a calendar.

After the couple decided on the date, they inquired about the picnic boxes.

Marina gestured to a photo she’d taken of their holiday picnic box. She had created variations for vegetarian, gluten-free, and diabetic diets.

“In our most popular box, you’ll get roasted turkey and cranberry relish sandwiches with homemade sweet potato chips, our organic chilled broccoli salad, and pumpkin bread—with or without rum-soaked raisins.” She pointed out the variations and handed them a printed menu.

“Let’s order,” the husband said. “Sounds delicious and probably better than we could assemble.”

“Great. My sister Brooke will add that up for you.” Marina scooped up several cookies she’d baked and slid them onto napkins. “Thank you, and enjoy the show.”

Marina turned to Kai and clapped. “Encore, encore.”

Kai inclined her head. “With pleasure.”

As she regaled the gathering crowd with “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas,” Marina and Brooke sold tickets and reserved holiday picnic boxes.

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