This story is currently in early access on my Patreon.  I am considering bringing it here before the holidays but otherwise it will come here by Jan 4th.

              Sandra looked through the mirror of the bakery. “Wow, they are really going all out for the holidays.”

              Vess rolled her eyes.  “I wouldn’t say all out.”

              Sandra tapped her dark hand against the icy window. “Look at all of the different kinds of cakes and pastries they have in there. All of those chocolate, cranberry cream, double layer cakes.”  She licked her lips.  “Even those weird-looking pastries in the shapes of candy canes, Xmas trees, and gingerbread houses.”

              Vess laughed.  “I think that last one is just a gingerbread house.”

              “Ok, smarty, then what do you call that beautiful thing?”  She pointed at a massive multi-layer cake in the shape of a young lady with an enormous petticoat in the back of the store.  “It is a life-sized cake.”

              Vess crossed her arms and narrowed her green eyes. “And who would want that?  Think about it.”  She tapped Sandra with her pink gloved hand.  “That is the type of cake you see stripers jump out of.”

              Sandra shrugged her shoulders.  “Not always.  My uncle ordered one of those when I was a kid.  We dined on that cake for the entire day.”  She smiled.  They are for more than just striper surprise.”

              Vess sighed.  “Well, they are closed until Monday.  We can’t really do much, can we?”

              Sandra looked back into the shop and sighed. “Ugh, but I really wanted one of those fine-looking cakes.”

              Vess began to walk down the street.  “Maybe next year.  The store will sell its holiday goods again then.”

              Sandra sighed.  “But I don’t want to wait until next year.”  She turned her head back at the store.  “I want one of those collocate cakes for this Christmas.”

              “Did I hear you want one of Sweetwater cakes, miss?”

              Sandra turned to see a young lady dressed in an elf costume staring at her.  After Sandra turned towards her, she did a little dance and showed off her green and red elf costume.  “Nice outfit. Are you sure you are not cold in those tights?”

              The lady bowed and smiled, her teeth shining through the dim light.  “My job of spreading holiday cheer keeps me warm.”

              Sandra shivered.  “Well, I hope you keep at it.”  She hugged herself and took a deep breath.  “You said something about the cakes in there?”

              The young lady smiled again.  “Yes.  I know the baker and might be able to help you get a cake.”

              “You do?!  Oh, thank you.”