“Speaking of a plan . . . this means you’re on for planning London.”
“Yep. And I will plan a trip that will get you safely back home.”
She scrunched her nose. “Let's focus on leaving and not too much on coming back for now.”
“Will you be coming back?”
“I mean yes, probably, but that is a depressing thought. Let’s just focus on the fun.”
I could do fun, right?
I drove to the bed-and-breakfast and parked on the street. No need for any reminders of why Carol sent me away the first time. They held the meeting in the community center, a barn-like building that was down a dirt path to the left of the parking lot. I didn’t know how you could tell. There weren’t any signs anywhere.
As I walked down the pathway, I marveled at this property. It was amazing. According to the listing, it had ten acres of grassy hills, colorful maple trees, natural hot springs, proximity to skiing in the winter, and was full of peace and tranquility. It would be in Carol’s best interests to sell. She could do a lot with that type of money. Plus, the new resort would add needed growth to Hillsdale.
Win-win.
Why did she always refuse?
I pulled open the door to the barn. It had cement floors, a small kitchen, a stage of sorts, and folded tables and chairs stacked along the wall. Two folding tables were in the center, lined with chairs on each side, and a stack of papers in the middle. Marissa sat near Carol, and they leaned over a few notebooks and clipboards.The meeting didn't start for another fifteen minutes, but I believed fifteen minutes early was on time, or else you might as well be late.
Carol looked up at me and frowned. Yep, still not friends, but I would do my best to change that.
Marissa sagged in relief. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She waved me over to the seat next to hers with a smile.
“Marissa, I want you to run this.” Carol eyed me up and down before adding, “Not him.”
“Oh, I will, but he is my community co-captain thingy.” She leaned over and whispered to me, “Is that a word?”
Her mischievous mouth pulled up in a grin, and her lips were dangerously close to mine. I felt a pull in my chest. Protectiveness? I tried and failed to hide my grin. “If not, it should be.”
She tipped her head back and snorted. “Works for me.” Manly pride that I was the one who made her laugh inflated my ego.
Carol still glared but said nothing.
“Okay,” Marissa sighed. “Let’s start by dividing the groups. I can wrap my head around that.”
Marissa turned a page in her notebook and started writing. “We will want a trunk section. We’ll need judges for the best display, a game section, and a food section.” She tapped the pen on the table and pursed her lips. “Can I get the volunteer list again?”
Carol leafed through some papers and slid a sheet of names over. She pointed to the top. “These are the ones that said they will help,andI know I can count on.” She pointed to the lower half. “These few either didn’t confirm or I doubt their consistency. They’re not to be put in charge of anything.”
Marissa nodded. “We can’t put Ashley with Jessica. They would gossip and get nothing done.” She began making different lists. “I heard Jacob was getting a divorce . . . better not put him with Ashley either. Too much drama.” She continued through the list, mentioning different relationships and options.
I raised my eyebrow in surprise. For someone who hated planning, she was taking to it like a natural. Marissa continued to lookto Carol for confirmation, who nodded. When Marissa wasn’t looking, there was a proud parent look in Carol’s eyes.
Marissa wrote my name on her list of volunteers.
Carol’s eyes shot to me. “I have an idea for Mr. Elliot’s committee. Unless Mr. Captain co-chair has any objections.”
It was a test, and I knew it. I nodded confirmation. “I would happily work with anyone on any project you choose.”
“Perfect.” Carol grinned. “That group of teenage boys you met the other day. They have agreed to help prep some of the game booths.” She set down her clipboard. “I would like you to assist them.” Carol stared, daring me to back down.
Nothing like trial by fire. “I’d be happy to.” I had often thought of those boys and my angered outburst at them. I was glad for a chance to apologize and make it right.
Carol scowled. “I would hate for any more miscommunication to take place and will keep an eye on you.” She sat tall in her seat. At that moment, I knew I was placing myself between a mama lion and her cubs.
“That would be wonderful.” This was a high risk, but it could have high rewards. If I could get on the boys good side, that would help tremendously with Carol’s opinion of me, which would go a long way with becoming a part of this town.
