Page 27
She looks inordinately proud.
“I get it. Okay.” I blow out a breath, working out my own rhyme. I scribble it down and spin the notebook back to her.
“Start your day/ and the first annual Dash/ at the place in town/ to get coffee . . . and cream—just a splash.”
Beth squeals. “It’s perfect. I knew you had it in you.”
We go back and forth for another fifteen minutes and come up with a complete clue.
“This is going to be fun. See?” She taps her mug to the lip of mine. “I told you.”
I smile. “You did tell me.”
She smiles back and it feels almost normal, but then her lips droop into a frown.
“What’s wrong?”
“We need to fundraise or get sponsors or something. If we’re having people do different activities at each stop, someone needs to bankroll the materials.”
I hadn’t thought about that, but she’s right.
Before I can offer to contribute some cash, she snaps her fingers.
“Actually, I’ve got it. I know who we can ask to sponsor the whole event.”
“Who?”
“The Kell family. They run the ski resort. Not sure if you know them.”
“Not well, but I’ve heard the name.” My mom’s mentioned the wealthy family who moved to town while I was in college. I’ve seen them in passing when I’ve been back in Dasher Valley, but I don’t think I’ve officially been introduced. “You think they’d be willing to sponsor?”
“They’re trying to build goodwill with the community. They’ve revolutionized the resort up on Valley Peak, and they love a chance for good publicity. Anything to get their name out there.”
I consider this. Beth speaks about the Kells like she has firsthand experience working with them. “You seem like you know them well.”
Beth shrugs. “I don’t know for sure that they’ll sponsor us, but I’m hopeful. We could also send the Dashers to the ski hill. Oh!” She claps her hand. “We could have participants go up the hill for the final leg of the hunt. We could end at the Kells’ resort. Maybe they’d let us use the space for the grand finale.”
“Which is?”
“Not sure yet.” Beth drums her fingers on the table. “Your mom suggested a party of some sort.”
“My mom loves a party.”
“Who doesn’t?” Beth tips up her mug and downs what’s left of her drink. “We need to go see the Kells before we do anything else. If they’re on board, we can feel safe planning the rest of the events. You up for a field trip?”
“Yeah, it’ll be good to see the place.” I reach across the table and tap her planner. “But when will your schedule allow us to make the trip up to Valley Peak?”
“Hmm.” Beth flips open her calendar again. “Tonight is the Christmas Kickoff in the town square. You should come out for that, by the way. It’s gonna be great.”
She says this so offhandedly. Like it’s normal for us to be going to things together again. Before I can respond, she continues.
“Tomorrow I’m working a full day. Ivy’s off, so I have to cover the bookstore.”
“My mom’s surgery is tomorrow.”
“That’s right, so that’s out. Thursday, I’m guessing you’ll want to be around when she gets discharged and settled in at home. And I have a book club that meets at the store after hours, so that evening is out. What about Friday?”
She pings her hazel eyes up at me, and the direct hit of her gaze steals my breath.
