“Beverly, where’s Connor’s carving?” Amanda asked as Beverly came over.
“It sold. I was just getting ready to call you. And you won’t believe how much it sold for. The guy said he refused to be outbid and put down this offer.” Beverly pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket. “The guy was adamant. He looked at the carving carefully and turned it over. Then insisted he wanted to buy it no matter the cost. Even if we don’t make much from the rest of the donations, you’ll for sure have enough for the fireworks.”
Her jaw dropped at the number. “Oh, wow. This is wonderful news. Fireworks.” A broad grin spread across her face. “I’m so excited. I need to call the fireworks company. They know what I want and were just waiting for my final go-ahead.”
Her heart swelled with gratitude for Connor’s donation as well as the mysterious benefactor who had recognized the true artistry and value of Connor’s work. Now she could forge ahead and make the festival all that she’d dreamed of.
“You here for breakfast too?” Beverly nudged her.
“I am. I’ll just grab a table.”
Beverly came over and poured her coffee, then set the pot on the table. “The usual?”
“Yes, please. I can’t get enough of the pecan waffles.”
Beverly nodded. “And I see that Connor has been helping you with the festival. And rumor has it he’s putting a piece of his art in the art show.”
“He’s putting two pieces in it. I was surprised he agreed to it.”
“You two have been seen together all over town.” Her eyes twinkled with friendly curiosity. “Is there something going on between you? More than just festival work?”
Heat rose in her cheeks at Beverly’s suggestion. “No, of course not. He’s just being helpful. He’s a nice guy. And… I guess my first impression of him was wrong.”
“He sure didn’t do much for the town before you showed up,” Beverly said, a hint of amusement in her tone. She grinned as she headed off toward the kitchen to put in the order.
Just then Miss Eleanor walked into the cafe. Amanda waved, and Eleanor bobbed her head slightly in acknowledgment before making her way over to the table.
“I just got back in town. How are things going with the festival?” Miss Eleanor asked, all business, no pleasantries.
“They’re going great. I’m wrapping up loose ends. And we did a small fundraiser and raised enough funds to end the festival with fireworks like you used to.”
“You did?” Miss Eleanor’s eyes widened with surprise before she nodded in approval. “I knew we made the right decision to bring you on board with the planning. We needed someone with experience to get us back on track. I hope you’re keeping notes of all you’re doing. Whoever takes over next year will surely appreciate having the notes for a reference.”
“I will write up some notes. That’s a good idea.”
“And the art show?”
“I’ve got plenty of local art ready for the show. And we’re going to have a small display of some historic items at the show too.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“It was Beverly’s.”
“What was mine?” Beverly asked as she walked over and set down a plate of pecan waffles on the table.
“Your idea about displaying the history items at the art show.”
Beverly’s gaze flicked quickly to Miss Eleanor, then back at her. “Yes, a few antiques that Dale has come up with from hisshop. And did Amanda tell you we’re going to have fireworks? Won’t that be a delightful treat? Just like we used to have.”
She would swear that Beverly was changing the topic from the historical items. Maybe she just didn’t want to take credit for the idea?
“She told me. And it will be nice to have them again. It’s been years. I used to so enjoy them.” Eleanor nodded. “I’ll just grab my table now. You’ll bring my coffee?”
“Yes, of course.” Beverly nodded. “I’ll grab your cream.”
“And you let me know if any problems come up.” Eleanor pinned her with a stern look. “We can’t have any problems, can we?”
Amanda understood the message. The success of the festival was of utmost importance. She couldn’t really say that the planning so far had been withoutanyproblems. But, as always, she’d do her best to fix any future problems that arose.
