Elias fought the urge to scoot closer. Something about Tasha drew him in. He understood how the trout he caught in Berry Lake must have felt. “There’s supposed to be a Christmas show. It’s a fundraising event. But the committee keeps going back and forth on what the show should be.”
“It’s the first week of December. Aren’t you cutting it close?”
He shrugged. “Well, this is small scale. The committee has narrowed it down to a nativity play, talent show, or concert.”
She tilted her head. “Do all three?”
Elias flinched. “Say what?”
Tasha tapped her chin with her index finger. “This is your first year having the ice rink, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Our rink used to put on an annual nativity play. Though some called it a pageant. There was more to it than Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wise men, and angels. The show featured skaters from preschool-age to teenagers. Lines and songs had to be memorized, but it wasn't complicated. Money from ticket sales went to help skaters and hockey players with travel expenses.”
“The Extravaganza raises money for the non-profits in town.”
“You mentioned that.” She paused. “You could do something at the rink. You’d need to bring in portable bleachers and sell reserved seats, but there’s room at the park.”
“Great idea.” But... None of the other committee members could organize something like that. The rink location would make the show his responsibility. Unless…
You should ask her to help with the Christmas performance.
Charlene was a genius. Not only could they have a holiday show that accomplished all the parts everyone on the committee wanted, but he would get to spend more time with Tasha. Well, during his non-working hours. Still, a win-win.
“That sounds great. But none of us have the experience or expertise.” As Elias emphasized the last word, his throat tightened.
What was the worst thing that could happen?
Nope. He didn't want to think about that. “You’re on vacation, but would you be interested in helping us put on something like you did at your old rink?”
Tasha opened her mouth and then shut it.
Lead filled Elias’s stomach. He rubbed his thumb over his fingertips. “It would be smaller scale, of course, since there’s not much time, and we only have the temporary rink. But we’ve never done anything involving skating. Just some guidance on how to coordinate the show would be a big help.”
She bit her lower lip.
“Don’t answer right now,” he added. “Think about it.”
Only, please. Please, say yes.
CHAPTER SIX
Why am I even considering this?
Sitting on the love seat next to Elias, Tasha listened to the discussion between him and Charlene about a possible ice show. Tasha struggled to stay out of the conversation. She gave an occasional and noncommittal “hmmm” in between sips of black tea and nibbles of the peppermint chocolate cupcake.
It was…hard.
She wanted to jump in with both skates, but self-preservation told her to politely say goodbye and hide in her cottage for the remainder of the month. The less she said, the better. She needed time to decide.
Not how she expected her first weekend in Berry Lake would turn out. At least the cupcake was tasty. She took another bite and then sipped her tea.
Something buzzed.
Elias pulled his cell phone from his jacket pocket and glanced at the screen. His features relaxed. “Sam says things are back to normal at the rink.”
That was Tasha’s cue to leave. She finished her cupcake and wiped her mouth. “Thanks for inviting us over, Charlene. I needed a chance to regroup.”
