“Just Ryder, Lily. You’re not a servant, and I’m not an aristocrat,” I muttered, staring down at my case file.
“Right. Um, Ryder. Uh…I got a call from the sheriff?”
I looked up at the frightened woman in my doorway, practically hiding on the other side. “And?”
“Um…he said you’re needed at the town hall for a meeting.”
“Did he say what kind of meeting?”
She shook her head, taking a step back the moment I pushed my chair from my desk.
“I’ll head over there. Lock the door behind me and take detailed messages if anyone calls,” I reminded her.
I wasn’t used to locking my doors in this small town, but it made her feel better to know no one could storm in through the front and corner her, so I made it a new routine any time I was out of the office.
Pulling on my suit jacket, I headed out, waiting for Lily to lock the door before I headed down the street. City hall was just across the street, and when I opened the front doors, I was surprised to hear the ruckus coming from the meeting room.
And I regretted coming the moment I walked through the doors.
“Here he is,” Mav grinned, pointing at me.
There was a crowd of nearly a hundred people gathered, all of them turning to look at me.
Ellie included.
“Come on up here and tell everyone about your plan for the Highland games!” Mav said, clapping and encouraging others to join in.
The color drained from my face as I made my way to the podium. Why the hell had I ever listened to Jeff? Why had I used it as an opening line to speak to Ellie? The truth would have been so much easier.
But I had been stupid, and now it was coming to bite me in the ass.
“Everyone, let’s welcome Ryder Lawson to the stage. He has some great ideas for us. Don’t you, Ryder!”
I glared at the man, but stood up there like an ass, straightening my tie as my eyes locked on Ellie’s. Her eyes were lit with humor, and my mortification was only making her day better.
That was something, at least.
“Good morning,” I said, loud and full of confidence. I could do this. I could lay out a plan for the people and make it sound appealing.
“As you know, tourist season around here is primarily during the winter months when skiers come to our slopes.”
A few people nodded, eager to hear more.
“Summer is also appealing, but we don’t have as big a draw as other parts of Montana, like Yellowstone. So, I propose we start a summer festival that would last a week, bringing tourists further north and increasing our town’s revenue.”
It all made sense. It was a smart idea, even if I had no clue what I was talking about.
“I propose we host our first annual Highland games starting next summer!”
The hall was silent as they all looked at each other in confusion.
“And why don’t you tell us about these games,” Mav stepped in.
“Uh…well, there are games that Highlanders do.”
“Such as?” Mav prompted.
“Um…the one where they throw the logs.” Everyone stared at me in confusion. “Um…you know, those big, long logs that they throw. And…they wear kilts!”
