"We're stretched thin, and lately, l haven't wanted to do the community stuff. It's hard to put on a happy face."
I sighed. "It will get easier."
"How are you coping?" he asked.
I laughed without any humor. "I wouldn't go by my example. We bought this place soon after the funeral and haven't slowed down since."
"You buried yourself in work and responsibilities."
It felt bad when he said it like that. But I had been numb. Not dealing with the grief that Natasha seemed to be able to feel easily. "I'm doing this for my sister. It's her dream, and I want her to be happy."
"But what about you?" Maddox asked.
"This is my dream too. I've always wanted to be a small-town event coordinator. When we graduated, I worked for a party planning company. But it wasn't enough. I wanted to build community."
"That's what you're doing here with the holiday party and parade."
"I hope so."
Maddox pushed open the door, and I brushed past his chest.
"Will you join me for coffee?"
I led the way to Coffee Dreams. "I should check on Sofia, ensure she's doing all right."
He nodded, because I'm sure he wanted me to do just that.
"And I'll text you when she's done. You have time to go home and get dressed for the dance. You can meet Sofia at the base of the staircase in the inn."
He paused in front of the door to the coffee shop. "Aren't you my date too?"
I smiled because I'd almost forgotten our deal. "Is Frank expecting us to spend the evening together?"
He shoved his hands in his pockets. "I think that's what he wants."
"I'll need to manage the party as well, but I can be your date. What do we need to do? Hold hands and dance to a few tunes?" I asked, my voice a little shaky at the prospect of touching him. I wasn't sure I could handle being that close.
He nodded. "Something like that."
"The party will be amazing, and I'll be an attentive, doting date for the evening," I said, feeling nervous all of a sudden.
"What could go wrong?" Maddox mumbled.
"It's going to go smoothly. I'll get fire trucks in my parade, and you'll get your promotion."
He let out a breath. "I hope you're right."
"Frank knows you're the right guy for the job."
He nodded, looking away. "I'm doing everything he asked of me."
I wondered if there was something else besides be less grumpy and help with the holiday parade. "I'll check on Sofia. Enjoy your coffee and the rest of your afternoon."
He rocked back on his heels. "I don't even know what to do with myself. I'm either working or with Sofia."
I shoved him toward the door, my heart rate picking up at the contact. "Go. Enjoy yourself."
This time, he went without complaint, and I waited until he was inside before I crossed the street to the salon. Inside, Sofia was seated at a chair in front of a mirror talking to one of the stylists, Terri.
