Page 49 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

“Hey there,” Julian called.

The man turned and immediately reached for Julian’s hand, flashing a brilliant smile. He was younger than Julian and chipper, grinning from ear to ear while oozing an unnerving amount of confidence.

“Julian Guerrero,” Julian said. “I’m the activities director here at Glendale.”

“Nate Finch. Good to meet you. I was copied on all the emails you were exchanging with our outreach manager.” He gestured behind him. “This is Bobby and Tyler. Best camera operators in the business.”

One of them, Bobby or Tyler, snorted. “Not before coffee.” He inclined his head toward Julian in greeting.

“Thanks for coming out,” Julian said. “I know we were invited down to the studio but getting travel sorted for this crowd takes a minute. We really do appreciate you coming to us.”

“No worries,” Nate said. “We like field trips.”

“Not before coffee,” Bobby or Tyler said again.

“Coffee, I can definitely help with,” Julian said. “If there’s time? I’m not sure how this normally works. Do you guys have time for a cup, or do you want to jump right in?”

“There’s always time for coffee,” Nate said. “And then we can go over the details.”

The others nodded, moving their equipment off to the side of the lobby so it wouldn’t become a trip hazard. Julian escorted the team to the dining room and secured the goods. “Probably not the best you’ve ever had, but the residents don’t complain, so that’s saying something.”

“It’s hot,” Bobby said. “That’s all that matters.”

He drank his black. Tyler and Nate filled theirs with so much sugar, Julian didn’t know if it qualified as coffee anymore.

“So,” Nate began while perusing the display of gingerbread houses. “We’re going to film a short interview. Do you have someone who can take point on that?”

“That should be our choir director, Charlie. She’s probably best equipped to answer any music-related questions you have.”

“Is she the woman from the video?” Nate asked.

“That would be the one.”

“Okay, great. And do you think any of the residents would like to answer a few questions? It’d be great to hear directly from them, too. Nothing major. Just what being a part of the choir means to them. What they’re looking forward to. Favorite Christmas carol. That sort of thing.”

“Heartwarming,” Bobby piped up.

Nate nodded. “Exactly.”

“I’m sure some of them would love to participate.” Julian spotted Frank rolling past on his way to the music room, a little slower than usual. “If I’m being honest, I’m more worried I’m gonna have a harder time keeping some of them away from the camera.”

Bobby laughed. “We’re used to it.”

“Okay, great. Anything else you need from us?” Julian asked.

“A bit of footage of them singing a song or two,” Nate said. “We don’t have to worry about anything being perfect. Our editors will cut it together depending on how big of a TV spot they have to fill.”

Good, Julian thought. They could edit out all the Doris, Harriet, Maggie shenanigans.

When the crew finished their coffee, Julian led them down to the music room where Charlie and the choir were rehearsing.

Julian was glad to see that Frank had finally made it. He introduced Nate and Bobby and Tyler to the group. Most of them had seen Nate Finch on TV at one time or another, and though he was only a local news anchor, Julian could tell some of the residents were a little starstruck. Or maybe they were just working out the jitters. Julian watched Maggie fluff her hair until it was practically standing on end with static.

“No need to be nervous,” Nate said as Bobby and Tyler unpacked their cameras and started wandering around, figuring out their angles. “We’re just going to get some shots of you doing what you do every day. Pretend we’re not here for the moment and resume rehearsals as you always do.”

The group looked to Charlie for direction.

Charlie, who did not bat an eye with the addition of the small news crew. Charlie, who smiled at them encouragingly.