Return To Christmas Town

By D.W. Saur

Though the founders of Christmas Town are gone, the spirit of the North Pole experience lives on through their family. T.J., Sara's oldest grandchild, took on a larger role as the third major owner of Christmas Town. He picked up where his grandmother left off in continuing the traditions of the business and

• Language: English
• Publisher: POLAR PRESS LLC
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781962240017

D.W. Saur

D. W. is a proud alumnus of several institutions and holds multiple degrees and certifications. He started his writing career with a primary thought of doing historical works. Though he enjoys the research process, D. W. quickly found his way into writing fiction as a full-time hobby. D. W.'s debut children's book titled Metal Like Me was released in October of 2019, focuses on overcoming bullying, and was a winner of a Purple Dragon Fly award. Dark Days is the first installment of a young-adult fantasy saga and Saur's fantasy debut that went on to win 7 awards. Saur has gone on to publish other works spanning several generals, has launched a series of podcasts through Polar Press Presents on YouTube, and continues to produce a variety of works in the hope of providing something for everyone.

Book preview

Author’s Note

I want to thank everyone for their support over the past few years. Not only would this journey not have continued, but The Return to Christmas Town would have never started. Many reached out after reading The Last Christmas asking if there would be a sequel. At the time I said no because I loved the story and didn’t think it needed a follow-up.

I’m not certain about the timeline, but at some point, my brain wouldn’t let it go and a story began to unfold. I started typing away, and before long, Return To Christmas Town was born. I loved revisiting Christmas Town, and though this is a sequel, it can be read as a standalone. However, before continuing to the next page, one may want to consider reading The Last Christmas to become familiar with Christmas Town and those who reside within the pages.

Lastly, I want to end this brief note as it began.

Thank you for your continued support. I’m forever grateful you’ve joined me for another work and hope you enjoy Return To Christmas Town.

1

Family Meeting: Part I

The hustle and bustle of the diner was drowned out by the ringing of the phone. The vibration was like a freight train barreling down the tracks, rattling the silverware and plate. T.J. looked down at the name and then at the headline on the paper. The white letters of Aunt Beth acted like the bat signal.

T.J. sat his fork down, picked up the phone, took a deep breath, and answered, Good morning, Aunt Beth.

Get here now, Beth demanded.

T.J. looked down at his unfinished breakfast. I’m in the middle of eating.

I don’t care. Get here now, she ordered.

Let me guess, this is about the paper.

Of course, it’s about the paper. Your uncle and I have been pacing around the office waiting for you to get here so we can talk about it.

So talk. Put me on speaker.

He’s stubborn like you and Mom. She paused, then said, You’re on speaker.

Morning, Uncle Jon.

Morning, T.J. You’re going to have to forgive your aunt. She’s just worried.

As she should be, T.J. said.

T.J. heard his aunt’s voice shriek through the phone. He could picture her pacing, hands on her hips. Nonetheless, he made out: Hang up the phone, Jonathan. He’s not going to help.

Calm down, Beth, and T.J. dial it back a bit.

Sorry, but I know this is serious. I’m just as worried as you are.

Are you? Beth asked. Because the moment you read a resort was being built across the street you should’ve been here.

What do you want me to do? If I were there, then I’d be watching you pace around while shouting god knows what. T.J. bounced his head from side to side. Much like you are now, so pretend I’m there.

I’m not shouting, Beth insisted in a calmer yet still high-pitched tone.

T.J. dug his fork under his eggs and informed, I’m working on a couple of things that may slow down the build.

Wait. Did you know about this before today? Jonathan asked.

I did, but I couldn’t say anything. He quickly shoved the eggs in his mouth and chewed as fast as he could.

Why would you keep something like this to yourself? Beth yelled. T.J. said nothing as he continued to chew.

T.J.? Are you there? Jonathan asked.

T.J. swallowed and answered, I’m here. I told you I was eating, and I think Beth’s reaction has answered her question. Look, there’s no reason to panic just yet. Let’s see if my plan works.

What do you have in mind? Jonathan asked.

I’ll fill you in soon, but first I’m going to get back to my breakfast. I’ll be over this afternoon.

T.J. hung up the phone and focused back on his meal.

2

Do You Mind?

Excuse me, but do you mind if I sit with you? T.J. looked up from his paper and leaned to his right. He gazed past the stranger to see that all the stools, tables, and booths were full, and he turned around to see the same. I’m sorry. It’s the only seat left.

Have a seat. T.J. put down his paper and waved at the empty chair.

Thank you. The woman pulled out the chair and took a seat. I’m—

Sydney. Sydney Garcia.

Have we met? T.J. turned over the paper and tapped at the headline, Garcia Entertainment Purchases 400 Acres. Looks to Buy 800 More. Sydney started to grab her things. I’m just going to get my order to go.

Relax. I’m T.J., and there’s no judgment, contempt, or whatever at this table.

She tilted her head slightly and squinted. Rubbing her forehead, she asked, Why?

Why what?

Why would you let me sit with you when you know why I’m here? The waitress plopped a to-go cup on the table and filled it with coffee. Once full, Sydney said, Thank you.

I’ll be back in a few to take your order, the waitress informed.

Sydney watched her walk off and leaned toward T.J. See. That. That right there. I’ve been met with nothing but hostility since I got here. We chose this area because it’s a friendly, quaint, and small town.

I guess that was your first mistake.

Tell me about it. Sydney leaned back in her chair. There were plenty of places to pick, but I just had to pick the one with the worst attitude.

The location and the people are fine—the way you picked is the issue. T.J. leaned forward. Sydney quickly leaned back in to hear what he was going to say. Less than a ruler separated the two. We aren’t a poll.

Oh. Sydney leaned back. So we’ve offended you.

Yes, and more.

Sydney bit her lip and nodded. She raised her hand and asked, What do you mean more?

The plan for your business is going hurt this county.

Hurt it? We’re building in the next county over. I’m only here because this place has the closest motel to the property.

Yes, but the loss of jobs—

Loss of jobs? T.J. nodded. I can hire at least eight hundred people right now.

Sure, you can hire them now, but first you’re going to cause them to lose their job.

See, that’s why I’m here. We aren’t planning on putting people out of business.

I’m sure that’s what you’re telling people, but think about it. T.J. didn’t say anything and just stared at Sydney. Her blank expression revealed her lack of understanding. Christmas Town is a staple of this community. All you plan to do will siphon business, which will cause a thriving business to go on life support until it’s forced to close shop.

That’s not our intent, and if they can’t compete, then I’m sorry but that’s business. T.J. pointed to an area behind Sydney. She turned to look. What am I looking at?

See the table with the four ladies? One of them is in a wheelchair.

Yes. Sydney turned back to T.J.

Ms. Thomas was in a bad wreck a few years back where her husband was killed and she was paralyzed. Her husband was one of the most caring souls I’ve ever met. Both would give you the shirt off their back if you were in need.

Let me guess, she’s employed by Christmas Town.

She is. She became the manager of their cabins, but the four ladies there make the best winter hats. Every morning they come here to have breakfast, head to their office at Christmas Town, and make hats while ensuring the cabins are ready for guests. The hats are sold by Christmas Town and are one of their bestsellers.

It’s a heart-warming story. The good news is that if Christmas Town were to fold, then we could use someone with her experience.

That’s the difference. You want to use them while this town wants to provide for them. You see, Ms. Thomas became depressed and withdrew from everything. She was close to losing everything she had left until those three ladies stepped in. A lot happened, but the short version is that they started making hats that led to commission sales at Christmas Town and then managers of the cabins.

You’re wasting your breath T.J., the waitress said. She glared at Sydney with a look that could only be defined as a death stare. They don’t care about small towns.

Now, Melissa, you know that’s not my way, T.J. said.

I know. The smile Melissa gave T.J. faded as she looked at Sydney. What can I get for you?

Sydney looked at her watch. Can I get two blueberry muffins and another coffee to go?

Melissa replied, Wouldn’t have it any other way.

T.J. glanced back at Melissa. Don’t mind her. She’s just protective of this place and its people.

Sydney nodded. Seems like she’s not the only one.

I have stories like that for just about everyone in here.

So Christmas Town is the savior of the community. Sydney raised her hands as if she were in church praising the almighty.

T.J. chuckled at her impersonation. How long are you in town for?

Two weeks, maybe more. I have to— Sydney stopped.

Secure more land, T.J. finished for her.

Melissa returned with a bag, coffee, and a check. Try not to ruin any more lives today.

Not why I’m here, Sydney insisted. She reached into her purse and fumbled through it.

I got this. T.J. grabbed the check and pulled a twenty and a ten out of his wallet. Round up Melissa and the rest is for you.     

You got it. Melissa walked away without saying another word.

Still fumbling through her purse, Sydney said, No, it’s okay. I promise I can pay for my food.

I know you can. I mean, it’s not every day we get someone who walks in here whose company made over 300 million dollars for their records, twice as much from their movies, and even more than that from their stock investments.

Sydney stopped looking through her purse and returned her gaze to T.J. Why do you know this? The article only said mega-million, which I still have issues with.

I looked you up as soon as I heard your company was interested in land here.

How did you find out? Sydney stood up and stepped over to T.J.’s seat. The sale only went public today.

T.J. got up and explained, I have my ways. For example, I know you’re going to see Mr. White once you leave here.

The red on her face signaled she was as mad as a kicked hornet’s nest but her wide eyes showed intrigue. How do you know that?

Your Mr. White’s nine o’clock and I’m his ten. T.J. grabbed the paper from the table and started for the door.

Sydney caught up with him outside. Why do you have a meeting with Mr. White?

Same reason as you.

You can’t go after that land, she informed. We need—

Mr. White has just over four hundred acres that are adjacent to the property you just bought, which is also next to another two hundred acres. Mr. White is going to be a hard sell but Mr. Hall is ready to sign now. However, the properties are unique in shape and you want connecting properties, so you won’t buy Hall’s land without White’s.

Sydney grabbed T.J. by the arm. She was gentle, but still, it was the gesture that caught T.J.’s attention. Look, we don’t know each other, but you need to understand that this deal is more than just about a company.

T.J. smiled. Oh, I know what it’s really about. Sydney looked baffled once more. What are you driving?

She shook her head and asked, What? Why? The Tesla there. Sydney pointed to the red Tesla far to their right.

I love electric cars as much as the next person but you can’t take that to Mr. White’s house.

Let me guess, it shows I’m rich or out of touch.

He knows you’re rich, so you can cruise on in with a multi-million dollar sports car and he still wouldn’t care. No, this is about the road. It has more holes than Swiss cheese; if you hit the right one, you’ll be stuck. Come on. T.J. waved for Sydney to follow.

She followed him to his truck where he opened the door and started to get in, but Sydney didn’t follow. The truck started and T.J. was behind the wheel waving for her to join. She moved to the passenger side and motioned for him to roll down the window.

You do understand that I know nothing about you and you’re asking a woman to just hop in your car with you?

I do, but there are cameras, witnesses, and an itinerary that—

That will easily disappear and the people will say they have no idea what happened to me once I left the diner.

Take a picture of me and my license plate. Send it to someone you trust and explain what you’re doing so there’s a record you can’t erase.

Sydney immediately pulled out her phone and began taking pictures.

3

Friend or Foe

Sydney turned to T.J. and asked, How old are you?

"If it’s considered rude to ask a woman that question, then why would you ask me that?"

"Because I think we are the same age or at least close to