Chapter 20
That night’s event was even more over the top than last Saturday’s event.
Outside, a large area of the theater’s parking lot had been blocked off, with patio lights strung all around and crisscrossing in the middle.
Small tables were scattered around the area, and a large table with boxes behind it was next to the entrance.
Rarity saw that several boxes of books had already been collected and put into a rental truck at the side of the theater.
“Okay, so all this craziness is worth it, just because they’re working on replacing the libraries in the burned-out areas.” Rarity squeezed Archer’s hand. “I love it when people get together to help out others. Especially when it comes to providing books.”
“The small bribe for playing didn’t hurt either. Even Jack was talking about the trip. He said he’s never been to Disneyland.” Archer shrugged. “What? It’s just human nature to be thinking about what’s in it for me.”
“With the number of people who bought five or ten books today to get two chances at the prize, I guess I have to believe that your view of humanity isn’t as jaded as I thought.” She scanned the area for anyone she knew.
Talia was holding court in one corner. Other actresses had set up in different areas all around the lot.
Rarity wondered why they bothered. The voting had ended at five with the end of the last movie.
Gretchen and her helpers were probably still in a room finishing out the tallying of votes.
But attention was attention, good or bad.
“White wine?” Archer asked and when Rarity nodded, he touched her arm. “Grab us a table and I’ll be right back. Somehow, we got here first before any of the gang.”
Rarity moved over to the side where she could watch the entrance for her friends as well as keep an eye on the crowd.
Drew would have appreciated the spot since it was right against the brick wall of a dress shop in town.
He liked having something at his back. She gathered several chairs around the table then took several pictures of the event on her phone.
Including the book drive table. She might not be able to match the prize that the festival offered, but maybe she could do some sort of book drive for the Sedona kids.
Dolly Parton had built an entire charity around getting books to kids under five. Maybe that could be her legacy too.
But on a little smaller scale. Dolly did everything big, especially her hair.
Since her phone was still out, she texted Shirley.
Remind me to get the gang together to brainstorm an event or drive for books for Sedona kids. Like my fund I have for the book clubs. But bigger.
Then she put her phone away. Unless they did pictures, she didn’t need it.
Archer came back with two glasses of wine and Sam. “Look who I found.”
Rarity patted the chair next to her. “Sit with me and we can gossip about everyone.”
Sam laughed but did what she was told. “Just don’t let me drink my fill of the wine tonight. They upped the quality for this event, but I still don’t want the hangover I had last weekend. And I think I said a few things out of the vault. Like commenting on the mayor’s girlfriend?”
“To your defense, that dress did make her look like a lady of the evening. How could you know that they’d been dating for a year and she was a local lawyer?” Rarity said, holding back the laugh. “Anyway, I’m sure she’s forgotten all about it.”
Just then, the mayor, Ken, and Alexia, his girlfriend, walked by the table. “Good evening, Rarity. I wanted to thank you for helping with the book drive. Gretchen said you were a trouper with the mix-up.”
“I’m just glad with all the books we sold at last week’s festival that we were able to still have a good selection.
I was just thinking about what we could do for Sedona’s kids.
Keeping kids reading is my top priority.
” Rarity had stood, as had Sam and Archer, when the couple walked up to the table.
“Maybe something in connection with the school supply/backpack drive we do each year. I’ll reach out as soon as we iron out some details. ”
“My Women in Leadership group would love to partner with you on this. We’re always looking for charity programs to support that match our agenda,” Alexia said, glaring at Sam as she did. “Women should support women, don’t you agree?”
“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?”