Chapter 2 #2
I headed out of the tack room and, despite the cold, decided to walk the hundred yards or so to the party barn.
I had to smile when I saw it, glad it had held up, the new roof we’d put on this past summer looking sleek.
Last winter, part of the roof had caved in above the storage area in the back.
We’d lost some items, including the stupid ornate sleigh I hated.
My father had claimed it was an antique, but he hadn’t taken care of it, and it was a piece of trash.
It had served Hawley’s purposes, and I’d been glad for that.
But I was more glad to see it gone. I had a more modern, though still festive, one I’d purchased second hand for the sleigh rides.
Slowly and surely, I’d gotten rid of everything that reminded me of my father.
He’d never been truly gone. The Wayfair had been in an Emery’s hand since my great-grandfather first built the place.
But it was all mine now, and it was a place of refuge, healing, and happiness instead of hate, abuse, and sadness.
I’d just unlocked the doors and flipped on the lights when I heard a car.
I peeked out and saw Hawley’s little sedan.
He waved frantically as he pulled to a stop close to the doors.
There wasn’t much room to park but there was enough of a drive for several cars to line one side and still have enough room to turn around.
I made a mental note to make sure the pasture next to it was cleared before the Ball, since that’s where the valets Hawley hired parked all the cars the night of.
Hawley hopped out and jogged over, smile wide.
Today’s hat was red and gold with a huge pompom on top that made the hat slouch off the back of his head.
His cheeks were flushed, though whether that was excitement or the cold was anyone’s guess.
The guy always seemed to be full of energy and the closer any festival got, the more excited he seemed to be.
“Harris!” Hawley shook my hand with both of his. “Thanks so much for taking the time to meet with us today.”
“Of course. Nice hat.” I winked.
Hawley laughed. “Marine Corps colors. Ooh rah, or something like that. Carrington made it for Barrett, to match his scarf, but I forgot a hat today so Bear made me wear it.”
The accompanying sigh, like Hawley’s boyfriend was swoon worthy, made me snort.
But I kept the eye roll inside. I liked Barrett a lot.
Always had. He’d been a grade below me in school, so we didn’t interact that much.
To be fair, neither of us had been much for interacting with others at all back then.
It had been a different time. Both of us outcasts, surly and unapproachable. Barrett hated the world, I had been just trying to survive. I had a different outlook now, and it seemed Barrett did too.
“Get inside before you freeze your nuts off,” I said, grumpy with the turn my thoughts had taken. Even though I’d done a great deal of healing, I still didn’t like to think about my life back then.
Hawley laughed and scooted through the door, just as two more vehicles came around the bend.
I recognized Lisa Costa’s SUV in the lead and saw she had picked up Rachel Leroux.
Lisa was a better human than I was. Mrs. Leroux was an opinionated old lady who had money to burn.
I would have made her find a different ride.
Lisa stopped close to the door to let Mrs. Leroux out.
I dutifully walked over to help her out of the car.
Despite being at least seventy-five, she was sprier than she let on, often pretending to need assistance.
Most everyone went along with it. She gave an exaggerated groan as she held onto my arm and eased out of the car.
“Damn seat is so high,” she muttered. She tilted her head to peer up at me through her glasses. “You need a haircut.”
I rolled my eyes and ran my free hand through my shaggy hair. It was barely touching my collar. “This is how I like it. Besides, it keeps my head warm.”
She scoffed. “You’re nothing like your father.”
I squinted at her. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“As you should.” She threaded her arm through mine and tugged me along. “Did ya make coffee?”
“Morgan Hawley just arrived. What’s the bet he’s already started a pot?”
“Ha! That’s a sucker’s bet and I ain’t a sucker.” Her eyes twinkled and I was reminded exactly why everyone put up with her. She was opinionated, and headstrong, but she was also funny and warm when she wanted to be. “Come along now. Let’s get the show on the road.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I was itching to get this done too. The committee meetings weren’t my favorite, and I had other things that needed my attention.
Lisa caught up to us at the door, and I held it open for them.
Then continued to stand there as Heidi Cooper and Henry Wentworth jogged up.
Looked like they rode together, which made sense.
They both lived in West End, the cul-de-sac that capped off the west part of the neighborhood section of town.
Henry was a retired teacher and Heidi a stay-at-home mom.
I thought they’d be busy enough with turning the West End into Candy Cane Lane—which was a big draw of the Winter Festival, second only to the market—but I knew they both liked to volunteer as much as possible.
“Harris!” Hawley called before I could greet them. “Do you have any more creamer?”
“I’ll help him,” Heidi said, smiling. “Nice to see you, Harris.”
“You, too.” I waited until she made it inside before turning to Henry. “How’re you doing sir?”
“Can’t complain,” he responded, which was his standard answer. He clapped me on the shoulder. “Let’s get this done, eh?”
I nodded and followed him in. The faster we got started, the sooner we’d be done. And then all I would have to worry about is making it through the next few weeks and all the people who’d be traipsing on my property.
If it didn’t bring in so much money for the sanctuary, I’d be mad about it. But it did, so I coped.