“Yeah,” he said, his voice like an emery board over a broken nail. “I’m in.”
Their eyes met. And, for a moment, she was seventeen again, looking into the eyes of the boy she loved
“Wonderful,” Grace said. “Now, this program will need funding. We’ll cover the initial costs ourselves, but, for long-term sustainability, we’ll need community support. I’m thinking we should host a fundraiser. A gala, perhaps. Something elegant that brings the whole town together.”
“When were you thinking?” Pastor David asked.
“The third week of December,” Grace said. “Before Christmas gets too hectic. And I’ve already spoken with my daughter-in-law, Mia, about using her new restaurant—the old historic dance hall she renovated last year. It will be perfect.”
“That building is stunning,” Reese said. “She’s done an amazing job with the restoration.”
“It would give us a chance to introduce the program to the community,” Walter added. “Let people know what we’re doing and why it matters.”
“I can help spread the word through my postal route,” Kris offered. “Everyone talks to their mailman.”
“And I can work on getting donations for a silent auction,” Mrs. Chen said. “Local businesses usually love to support youth programs.”
“Perfect,” Grace said, clearly pleased. “We’ll plan something special. Dinner, dancing, maybe a few words about the program.Make it a night to remember. Then let’s talk logistics. We’ll need to meet regularly as a committee.”
“Sundays?” Pastor David suggested with a teasing glance at Reese. “After church? We could meet at my office.”
“Perfect,” Walter said.
“How do we start?” Reese asked. “I mean, what if the kids don’t want to get involved?”
Pastor David nodded, tenting his hands under his chin. “What if we had a little holiday gathering? Pizza and ice cream? A fun ice breaker type of game?”
“Somewhere neutral,” Mrs. Chen said. “Not school. Or even church. We don’t want them to feel like we’re forcing them into anything.”
“We could do it here,” Grace said.
“What about at my gym?” Roan asked. “Lots of room to move around.”
“I love it,” Grace said.
“Does anyone have ideas for ice breakers?” Pastor David asked.
“Freeze dance?” Walter asked.
Reese shook her head. “Too awkward. Teenagers don’t want to dance in front of each other.”
“Good point,” Mrs. Chen said. “They’re so embarrassed of their bodies.”
“Plus, Julia’s pregnant,” Reese said.
“What about some kind of game while they’re having pizza?” Mrs. Chen said. “Like ‘Never Have I Ever’ or ‘Would You Rather?’”
“‘Would You Rather’ is good,” Reese said. “We can keep it light. But they can get to know each other through the game.”
“I suggest just Reese and Roan attend the party,” Grace said. “The rest of us might put the kids on the defensive.”
“I agree,” Pastor David said. “Mrs. Chen and I are too associated with school and church.”
“And Grace and I are old as dirt,” Walter said.
A rising panic worked its way up from her stomach. She would be working with Roan alone. How had she gotten herself into this?
They talked for a few more minutes about the party. Roan offered to buy the pizza. Walter said he’d drop some soda by the gym. Mrs. Chen and Pastor David offered to collaborate on the game so that Reese and Roan would have something to work with.
