Eve took notes as everyone threw out their concerns.
When the suggestions slowed, I said, "We're going to address each and every one of your concerns.Thank you for coming tonight.Reina from Sweets Bakery donated desserts, and Meg from Coffee Dreams is serving hot chocolate and coffee."When no one moved, I added, "It's free."
That got everyone moving toward the back tables where they'd set everything up.
"We should have started off with food.Maybe they would have been less cranky," Eve whispered to me.
"We'll have to keep that in mind for next time."Then I tensed because Bill weaved through the crowd toward me.
When he stood in front of me, he asked, "Are these meetings going to become a thing?"
"We want to work together, and this seems like the best way to do it.But we can also send emails and talk to you one-on-one if you prefer," Eve said reasonably.
He looked away, gesturing at the food table."We got along just fine without these damn meetings.Now you're plying us with baked goods."
Eve frowned."We thought it would be a nice thing to do."
Bill harrumphed and walked away.
I huffed out a laugh."Was that a good thing?I don't know what just happened."
Eve nodded."He's not happy about it, but I think he's coming around."
I let out a breath."I hope you're right."
Eve smiled as the next person approached."Of course I'm right."
I let Eve handle the questions, deferring to me when I had the answer.By the time we were done, the only thing left on the baked-goods table was crumbs.I helped Meg and Reina clean up the room.Then we carried our garbage to the dumpsters.
"I think we're on the right track," Eve said confidently as I locked the town hall doors.
"I wouldn't have missed it.It was entertaining."Aspen headed for the parking lot, and Eve lingered."It's going to be okay."
I sighed."We just want to host a parade, to try something new and see how it works, but there's so much pushback."
"It will get better.I promise.I think they're just resistant to change.When they see how many people it brings in, they'll come around," Eve said confidently.
Eve was the one who believed in us, and I was the one who pointed out all the ways things could go wrong.
She gave me a little push toward the inn's doors."Go upstairs and take a bath.Relax.We've got this."
"That does sound nice."
"Everything will look better in the morning."It was one of Eve's signature statements.One that our mother had always used on us, and it conjured my mother's memory.I missed her.I wished that she was here for us now.
Eve waved and followed Aspen's path to the parking lot, and I headed into the inn where a couple sat close to each other in the great room.I kept walking, not wanting to disturb them.The counter was empty for the night, so I didn't need to stop and make small talk with anyone.
I headed upstairs to my room, each step feeling heavier than the last.I'd expected pushback, but that meeting had sucked all the energy out of me.I wondered if it really would get better, despite Eve's assurances.
In my apartment, I changed into my bathing suit before heading to my private balcony with the hot tub.I turned on the jets, then waited for the water to heat before I dipped a toe in.I let out a breath as I sank under the water.This was my favorite part of the apartment: the quiet at the end of the day and the jets massaging my muscles.
I laid my head back, marveling at my view of the snow-capped mountains and the stars.There were so many tonight.I wondered if my parents were looking down on me and if they were proud.
The emotion coiled in my chest, making it difficult to draw a deep breath.My phone buzzed, and I reached for it.
Ford: How was the meeting?
Natasha: It was rough.
