Clara's gaze was concerned."No."
"Who's manning the toy drive at town hall?"I stood, ready to spring into action.
She held up her hands."Relax.The fire department came through for us.Maddox is checking everything in, and the rest of the guys are stacking the gifts and posting pictures on social media."
I sat back down, pulling out my phone and not finding any new messages from Ford."I don't understand.He said he'd be here."
Clara's look shifted from concerned to sympathetic."Maybe something came up?An emergency?"
"He didn't say anything though."
"I'm sure everything's okay," Clara said softly.
I stood and brushed off my pants."I should see if Eve or Maddox needs my help."
"Are you sure you're okay?"Clara asked as we walked toward Candy Cane Lane, the noise getting louder as we approached.
"Of course."My throat was dry, and my heart was racing.I felt panicky.This was what I was afraid would happen.Ford would let me down.He would leave again, because it was so easy for him.
"I'm going to my shop.Good luck," Clara said with a squeeze, and then disappeared into the crowd.
By the time I reached the town square, I was having a difficult time drawing a deep breath.
"Natasha!"Maria cried when she saw me.
I accepted her hug, my chest feeling constricted.
"This is amazing.You must be so proud," Maria said as she pulled away.
"I was in the parking lot for most of it, so I didn't get to see it.Are you having fun?"I didn't want to talk to them about their son.They shouldn't be the go-between for us.We were supposed to be adults, and Ford should have communicated with me what he was doing.
"It's great so far.The performances were fantastic, and everyone's enjoying it," Maria said loud enough to be heard over the crowd's cheers.
I couldn't ask them about Ford.They weren't acting like he was sick or had been in an accident.That meant it was something else.He didn't want anything to do with me anymore.He decided our arrangement had run its course.Maybe he didn't like that I'd spent the day working with Eve.I couldn't read his mind.That's why he should have said what was going on in his head and not make me worry.
A headache formed at the base of my skull."I'm going to find Eve and see if she needs anything."
"Please tell her congratulations from us," Matt said, and I felt warm all over that they considered me part of their family.
"Enjoy the rest of the parade," I said as I weaved my way through the crowd to find Eve.She watched the dance group of little girls twirl their batons and dance over the red carpet we'd laid out for the performances."You need my help?"
"I think everything's under control.We're almost done."
When the parade crowd dispersed, it would be busy in town at the restaurants and the shops.That was the point, but it didn't lessen my anxiety.
The last note faded away, and the girls got into formation and continued along the parade route.It would take them to the end of the street and around the corner where their coaches or leaders could dismiss them for the day.
The earlier groups were already moving through the crowd, clutching hot chocolates and other snacks.
Eve moved onto the small stage."Thanks to everyone who came today.The judges will add up the totals and announce a winner shortly.In the meantime, you are free to enjoy what our little town has to offer.Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support small businesses."
The crowd cheered as Eve joined me again."What happened to Ford?"
I shrugged, feeling sick to my stomach."I haven't talked to him since he left yesterday to work on his bathroom."
Eve frowned."You think he got hurt?"
"His parents would have said something if he did."
