“It is extremely helpful,” I said, and meant it.
Lydia pointed to a brightly colored note stuck to the edge of the pad. “I took care of publicity ideas.”
Lucy groaned. “That’s not reassuring.”
“It’s fine,” I said. “We need enthusiasm. As long as we don’t get a huge influx of people, I’m sure it will be okay.”
“You need to restrain yourself, Lydia. This is a small town event,” Lucy countered.
Caleb glanced between them, amused. “Is it always like this?”
“Yes,” Lydia and I said at the same time.
Meri finally closed her book and stood. “What do you need me to do?”
I hesitated. That old instinct to say nothing or to insist that I could handle things rose up immediately.
I ignored it since that feeling always led me into trouble.
“Could you handle performer communication?” I asked. “Emails, questions, clarifications.”
Meri nodded once. “I can do that. While I’m at it, I will cancel your tentative reject pile.”
“Thank you,” I replied with immediate relief. Meri would know just what to say and wouldn’t be tempted to let any inappropriate acts stay if they tried to wheedle their way back in.
Meri had a backbone, I reflected.
Dex appeared in the doorway, coat open, expression curious. “I was told there would be coffee.”
“You were told correctly,” Lucy replied. “But you’re late.”
Dex gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before he poured himself a mug of coffee and surveyed the mess of paperwork on the table. “What’s all this?”
I took a breath. “The Maple Ridge Winter Carnival.”
He paused. “All this?”
“Yes.”
He smiled slowly, shaking his head as though he should have known better. “Of course it is.”
Braxton followed him moments later, rubbing his hands together against the cold. “Why does it look like you’re planning a coup?”
“Because she is,” Lydia said cheerfully, pointing at me.
Ephram trailed in last, still shrugging into his jacket, eyes widening as he took in the scene. “I thought we were going on a breakfast date?”
“We are, sort of,” Lydia told him, grabbing him a cup of coffee. “It’s breakfast here and conquering the local Winter Carnival.”
I opened my mouth to apologize and stopped myself. “We’re organizing the WInter Carnival and apparently that means anyone who walks into the inn gets assigned something.”
Dex raised his mug. “Fair warning.”
Caleb shifted slightly beside me, clearly aware of the way the room had changed. “We’re figuring out logistics. There are some recent additions to make sure they get planned.”
“The Carnival starts tomorrow,” Ephram looked at us all in bewilderment. “You’re telling me no one has organized anything?”
“We need the permits,” Lydia sweetly told him, handing him an envelope.
