“Very good. We’ll have a silver tray for the bags the night of the performance. Our prop department tray will hold a dozen bags. All you’ll have to do is pick up the tray, stand next to Santa, and hand the bags to him, one by one, after a child is seated on his lap.” Tory stopped speaking to smile at Herb. “This year, Trudi has fashioned a new lap robe. Not only is it washable, she has wisely inserted a rubber sheet inside the lining. As our Santa knows quite well, some of the younger children in the audience become a bit too excited when they sit on Santa’s lap. This new, improved lap robe should generate a goodly savings for the Lake Eden Players in dry-cleaning costs during the holiday season.”

There was a burst of general laughter from backstage, and Hannah glanced at Lisa. Lisa was smiling, and she leaned over to whisper in Hannah’s ear.

“They had to dry-clean Herb’s costume three times last year. The rubber sheet was my idea.”

Tory cleared her throat. “Are you ready, Miss Bates?”

“Ready for what?”

The question from Phyllis was casual, and Hannah realized that Phyllis was not at all intimidated, even after being dressed down in public by their famous director. Hannah glanced at Lisa, who was frowning slightly, and then she turned back to the stage just in time to watch Tory Bascomb give her next instruction for Herb and Phyllis.

“When the last child leaves, Santa will stand and toss his lap robe on the chair behind him. “Action, please, Mr. Beeseman.”

Herb got to his feet and tossed the lap robe on the chair.

“Miss Bates? You will stand next to Santa. Santa will put his arms around you and give you a hug.”

Hannah wasn’t surprised by the instruction. In previous years, Santa had always hugged Mrs. Claus at the end of the show. She watched carefully as Herb put his arms around Phyllis and gave her a hug. Then she glanced at Lisa. Lisa did not look at all upset by the casual hug that Herb had given to Phyllis.

“Perfect,” Tory said, cocking her head to the side. “But I think we’ll try something new this year. Do you know how to deliver a stage kiss, Miss Bates?”

“I think so. That’s a kiss that looks real, but isn’t real. Is that right?”

“Basically, yes. This is what I want both of you to do. Mr. Beeseman will pull you into his arms. You, Miss Bates, will reach up to put your hands on his face. Then you will use your thumbs as a barrier and kiss your own thumbs right after Mr. Beeseman turns you to the side so that the audience cannot fully see what you are doing.”

“I get it,” Phyllis responded quickly.

“Are you sure? Stage-kissing often takes some practice.”