“Definitely,” Rarity said. “I’ll make sure we connect on this. Maybe I can have the kids running the program this year stop by one of your meetings? They love getting involved in local government. This is really exciting. I love it when we work together as a community.”
Alexia slipped Rarity her business card. “Call me. We’ll do lunch.”
Then Ken put a hand on her bare back. “We need to keep moving. Lots of people to meet, dear. Nice to see you all coming out to support one of our local events. Sedona Strong.”
After they left and were out of earshot, Sam sighed. “I hate that catchphrase. It’s like we went through a hurricane or a tragedy or something. Anyway, did you see the look she gave me? I don’t think she’s forgotten my comment last week. She did dress a little more appropriate tonight. Only her back and a bit of leg are showing in that dress. Last week, she showed everything, especially since her skirt was so short.”
Drew, who had joined them at that point, pulled her back in a hug. He leaned close and fake whispered, “You know that Ken is technically my boss and can fire me for any reason, not just cause. And your voice carries.”
Archer laughed and held up his glass. “To keeping your job.”
“And that’s why I love you,” Rarity said. “You didn’t say keeping our women in line.”
“I would never”—Archer looked stricken, then winked and added—“say that within your earshot.”
“Now boys, you’re going to get the male species banned from this table,” Jonathon said as he walked up with more wine. “I enjoy spending time with strong women. One of the reasons I married Edith.”
“Speaking of Mom…” Drew sat next to Sam. “She and Joanna and her husband and Savannah are coming up next weekend, so I’m hosting a barbecue on Saturday night. I’ve told the chief I have to have the weekend off and he granted it.”
“You have too much overtime this month,” Jonathon pointed out. “Just saying you shouldn’t be overly grateful. Greg has his reasons.”
“Thanks, Dad. Now I feel really special.” Drew rolled his eyes, then continued, “Anyway, I want you all to come too. You’re my Sedona family. Sam’s already committed to come, so Archer, can you convince Rarity?”
“As long as Killer’s invited, I don’t need much convincing. I’ve had to leave him alone a lot these past few days. He’s about to move out and go live with Terrance.” Rarity smiled at Archer. “Did you want to say no?”
“After that? How could I? Drew, mark Rarity, Killer, and me as attending. What should we bring?”
“I’m having it catered by the Garnet. Don’t get excited, they’re serving pulled pork sandwiches and lots of salads and some veggie thing for Malia. If she’s still not eating meat.” Drew leaned back and studied the crowd. “And there’s the rest of our group now.”
“I didn’t know you were having it catered,” Sam said.
Rarity saw the concern in her friend’s eyes. “We’ll bring desserts. And drinks.”
“I really think we’ll be fine,” Drew started but then laughed. “Knock yourself out, but we’re going to be swimming in food.”
“Where am I bringing dessert?” Shirley asked as she greeted the group.
Before anyone could answer, Gretchen stood on the small stage and started the night with a small speech. She thanked all her helpers and, to Rarity’s surprise, gave a nice shoutout to the Next Chapter and Rarity and her staff. Gretchen was a class act.
Then she introduced Ken, who talked about civic pride and unity. Then the chair for the festival stood and laid out the plan for the evening.
“First, we gather and get fortified with a few drinks for the awards ceremony. I can check that box off my list.” She held up a clipboard and the crowd chuckled. “Now, we’ll head into the theater for the awards and speeches. Then we’ll come back here for fireworks and a few more drinks to console the losers and congratulate the winners. Hopefully, after all that, we’ll disperse on time and the cops won’t have to close this party down. Tomorrow morning, we’re having a sunrise gratitude breakfast. Well, kind of sunrise, we start serving at nine. I hope you can all attend. We’ll announce our book drive numbers and the lucky winner during breakfast. So let’s go see what film won this thing.”
She started to leave the stage, then stopped. “I forgot the most important thing. Starting next year, there will be a new award here at the Sedona Film Festival. The Mason Pike Memorial Award will go to the best independent science fiction/fantasy movie entered. We thank the Mason Pike estate for the award money as well as their sponsorship of a scholarship for a local Sedona high school graduate each year who will be majoring in film production and screenwriting. Thank you, Mason, for your commitment to the future of our industry. We miss you, my friend.”
As they got ready to move into the theater, Rarity looked at Drew. “So whoever is in charge of Mason Pike’s estate is moving quickly. Have you heard from the lawyer?”
“No, and believe me, he’ll be getting a call from me as soon as I drop Sam off at the house. And a call every hour until he answers. Even if this was in the will, I should have gotten a call back on who is on the heirs list. And don’t tell me that Pike had a scholarship set up for Sedona kids before he died. The festival, yes, I get that. But why Sedona kids? Someone made that decision in the last week or so.” Drew was on his phone, texting as he talked. He glanced at Sam. “Sorry about cutting the night short, but I should go in. Do you want to come with me or…”
“I’ll walk Sam home,” Jonathon said, putting his hand on his son’s shoulder. “You go do what you need to do.”
“Now I know how Rarity feels,” Sam said as she kissed Drew. “I can walk home all alone, I promise, but since Jonathon insists on being a gentleman, I accept his offer. Besides, I want to see the fireworks.”
“I’m happy to help out.” Jonathon smiled and then waved Drew away. “Go on. How can we talk about you if you’re still here?”
“No snooping while I’m gone,” Drew said, directing his comment to Rarity.
She shrugged. “Not promising anything. Especially if new information drops in my lap. I’m blessed that way.”
