"Yes, ma'am."I headed in the direction of the parking lot, hoping that the sense of dread in my stomach was something I could easily ignore.Ford wouldn't stand me up.Not after he promised he would be here.
Since I ran into him again, he'd been nothing but a gentleman.He was solid, reliable, and sweet.He was everything I ever wanted in a man, despite our history.He was great, and nothing could go wrong.
I reached the lot where attendants were huddled together, and several groups milled about in their uniforms.When I approached, I asked, "You ready to get everyone in order?"
The girl looked at me relieved."Eve said you'd handle it."
I looked around, waving my itinerary."Where's Telluride High School's marching band?"
"Right there," a middle-aged man in the Telluride High School Marching Band jacket said.
When I approached, he said, "I'm the band director.Where do you want us?"
"No pressure but you're first in line."The kids behind him groaned."You're going to line up here, but off to the side in case anyone needs to get past you."Eve was adamant that we allow access for the parade watchers and visitors.That was her promise to the reluctant shop owners, and we were going to do everything to keep it.
"Thanks for doing this.The kids are really excited about spending the day in Christmas Town."The band director's comment threw me off for a second.
We'd hoped that they'd stay and partake in the town's shops and restaurants, but we weren't sure teenagers would want to stick around.I took his comment as a good sign.
"That would be great.I hope they have a fun day."Then I called out for the next group, a dance troop.The girls were so adorable in their glittery red outfits, twirling their batons and dancing around in circles.
As I moved, I relaxed.This wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.It was actually fun.I thought of myself as a business owner, a salesperson.
This experience made me feel like part of the community.We were doing a good thing here.We weren't just selling something.We were creating a magical experience.
I wasn't able to slow down.We had a few kids who were late and needed to be directed quickly to their spot, and then the first band was stepping off, and I was focused on keeping everyone moving.
Eve chirped in my ear, and I had to keep an eye on the kids while listening to her at the same time.I didn't have time to worry about whether Ford was here.I had to assume he came through for us.
I had to take my coat off because I was sweating from the pressure.By the time the last group stepped off, my stomach was rumbling.
Clara approached with a wrapped sub and a to-go cup."Thought you could use a break."
"Thank you."I sipped the hot chocolate.
I sat on a nearby bench, setting the drink aside and unwrapping the sub before taking a huge bite.
"You didn't want to see the end of the parade?"Clara asked, sitting next to me holding a hot drink.
"Food first.I don't have the energy to move one more step without sustenance.How's it going?"I couldn't get a feel for it from Eve's directions.She was focused, militant in her instructions.She wouldn't relax until it was over and we were sipping a drink at the inn's bar tonight.I just hoped that Ford would be celebrating with us.
"I've been busy at the store, but every time I look out the window, the sidewalks are crowded, and the music is playing.It's amazing.I'm happy with how it's going."
"Good.More customers than usual?"I asked her.
Clara nodded."And it's just going to get busier when the parade is over.That's why I took my break now."
She had several students and retired folks that helped her from time to time.I assumed she called everyone in today.
"I can't thank you enough for this.I didn't think about lunch."
Clara smiled stiffly."I thought as much."
I lowered my sub."Is something wrong?"
Clara let out a breath."When I brought Eve hot chocolate, she asked if I'd seen Ford.Apparently, he never showed up for his shift at town hall."
The air was sucked out of my lungs."Ford never showed up?"
