Page 82 of Midnight and Mistletoe

“No, sir. They are not. Bastian Hall and Taylen Howard have offered use of their land at no cost to the town. In fact, both families are contributing significant unpaid labor to ensure the site is ready. Chief Morrison has already noted that the changes required for safety, additional fencing, signage, and boundary marking are being handled by the property owners at their expense. Not by the town.”

Mr. Barlow nods slowly and sits.

The next question comes from a woman I’ve spoken to a few times but don’t know that well.

“What about the businesses on Main Street? We were counting on the foot traffic from the market. Some of us make forty percent of our December income during the festival week.”

“I hear you,” I say. “I’ve been thinking about this since the day the leak was found. The reality is, the gas line under the square has to be repaired. It’s a safety issue for the whole downtown, and the work can’t wait. That’s the situation we’re in, and it’s not a situation any of us wanted.”

I pause.

“So here’s what I want to do. First, if you’re a downtown business that would like a booth at the festival site to catch that foot traffic where it will be, you’ll be given priority. Your applications will go to the top of the pile. All requests need to be in by December fifth. That’s a tight deadline, I know, but the festival is a tight deadline, and I’d rather have you there than not.”

Someone at the back mutters something to their neighbor. I ignore it and keep going.

“Second, we’re going to run a cross-promotion downtown campaign in tandem with the festival. If people are driving in for the festival, we’re going to make sure they know Main Street exists and is open. Also, the bed and breakfast is already fully booked, and all those visitors will be in town. There will be shuttles to bring people into town, signs, and a coordinated marketing strategy. Meredith, Emmett, and I have been mapping this out, and we’ll share the plan with the Downtown Business Association by the end of this week.”

Marge is nodding, and Mr. Barlow has uncrossed his arms. I’ll take that as approval.

“Third. Post-Christmas. This isn’t the only shot we have. I’m already working on an initiative to bring people into town after the holidays, as soon as the gas line is repaired and we can reopen the square.”

The room is quieter now.

I take a few more questions, and for once, my lack of sleep has come in handy because all the work of the last week has paid off. The bags under my eyes might be more pronounced, but I have answers for most questions.

By the end, I’m sweating under my sweater and my hands are shaking slightly, but I don’t think anyone can see. I hope.

Mayor Caldwell wraps it up.

“Griffin, thank you. I think we all appreciate the work you’re doing. Let’s give him a hand.”

The applause goes on for so long my throat gets tight.

I step off the podium, and Emmett is at my elbow immediately with a bottle of water.

“Boss, you were incredible.”

“Thanks.”