Page 57 of Saved By Noel
I head into the Town Hall to make sure everything is ready to go for the movie marathon. Seeing the garland and lights draped on the sides of the room brings a smile to my face. We’ll take short stretch breaks between each movie, with snacks and drinks ready to keep everyone satisfied. Becky is testing out several coffee concoctions she hopes to serve during Christmas Fest, and the Ladies Who Bake Club has a mountain of festive treats to sample. Everyone will be able to vote on the favorites to keep.
The room slowly fills with conversation as people enter and sit down. Ten minutes later, Clark stands up at the front of the room to shush everyone.For goodness’ sake, why does he have to look so attractive?
His appearance is more professional mayor today, dressed in dark jeans and a black button-up shirt. A far cry from his typical tee shirt and baseball hat wardrobe. However, he’s rolled the sleeves up to his forearms and still has on his regular boots, making the look slightly more casual. Also,morehandsome, somehow.
I use my notebook to fan myself.
“Welcome, everyone,” Clark announces. “Thanks for taking time off today to join us in planning our first Christmas Fest. Maybe the only one, depending on how things go.”
“Boo!” Syd and Davis heckle from the back of the room.
Clark holds up a hand. “I’m just saying we’ll see how this turns out and evaluate from there. But I’m grateful to see everyone rallying together for our town.” His sincerity and protectiveness over his town make my heart pound harder.
Clark invites me up to speak next. “Please welcome to the stage . . .” He pauses, glancing around. “Well, welcome to the front of the room, Clara Sullivan, the mastermind behind this whole deal.”
I walk nervously to the front as people clap, wishing Clark would stay standing next to me as moral support. But he alreadysat down in the front row. His facial expression is on the encouraging side of neutral, though. I’ll take what support I can get.
“Thanks again, everyone. Not only for coming to brainstorm ideas together, but for welcoming me to your town,” I begin, surprising myself by getting choked up. “It’s been a true honor to become a part-time resident of Noel,” I add with a smile. Syd cat-calls, making everyone laugh and snapping me out of sappy-mode into business-mode.
“My lovely assistants, Sydney, Emily, and Becky, are going to pass around some note cards and pens,” I announce as they move through the room. “As we watch the movies today, jot down any festival ideas that stand out to you—could be events, decorations, goods or services offered, anything and everything! At the end of the afternoon, we’ll share ideas and figure out what could work here in Noel. And be sure you taste-test Becky’s drinks and the ladies’ holiday treats during the breaks, so we can give them feedback. Now, let the Christmas cheer commence!”
Davis hits play on the first movie while Sydney turns off half the lights. I leave the main area to help Becky prep her drinks. I walk into the kitchen to see Becky pouring syrups into mini measuring cups. If the North Pole had a chemistry lab, this is what it would look like.
“Whoa, how many different drinks are you making?” I ask. “Not that I’m complaining!”
Becky is sheepish as she meets my eyes. “This is seriously my dream come true—the chance to try out all these unique flavor combinations! I’ll have to narrow it down, of course, but today’s the perfect day to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks!”
“Well, why don’t we throw everything in my mouth, instead,” I laugh. “I’m the only taste tester you need!”
I inspect Becky’s note cards with each drink’s ingredients listed. Naturally, she has a traditional peppermint mocha planned, but she has several other festive combinations. There are recipes for spiced gingerbread lattes, maple pecan macchiatos, eggnog frappés, apple cider chai lattes, cranberry white chocolate mochas, and extra-rich hot cocoa.
“That’s it, you’re not cutting any of these,” I joke. “What can I do to help? We have about seventy minutes until the first movie ends.” Becky assigns me the task of setting out the sampler cups on one counter behind the paper tents listing the various drinks. There’s not a lot we can do this far ahead of time. We mostly stand around chatting about how the summer season is going at the coffee shop and sharing excitement for the festival.
Forty minutes later, Clark comes through the door. He’s undone the top button of his shirt, and his hair looks like he’s been running his hands through it nonstop.
“Feeling a little stuffy in there, Clark?” Becky muses, smirking at him.
“Ugh, I’m about to go home and get a t-shirt and hat,” Clark groans, leaning against the counter next to me. “Dressing up for this was a dumb idea.”
“Whatever, you look very dignified, Mr. Mayor,” I tease, reaching up to tug on the collar of his shirt. Even through Clark’s full beard, I swear I see the hint of a blush on his cheeks. The thought brings a flush to my own. “What are you doing in here, though? You should be out there watching the movie.”
“I can’t take it anymore,” he responds, running a hand through his hair. “Besides,you’renot out there.”
“That’s because I’ve seen all of these movies multiple times. And I already made a list of my suggestions, remember?” I say, ignoring theotherpossible meaning behind his assertion that he wasn’t watching the movie because I wasn’t out there.
“Boy, do I,” Clark huffs. “You’re getting your Christmas Fest. Don’t make me regret this decision.”
“Actually, I have the perfect idea for a name,” I share excitedly.
“We already have a name. Christmas Fest,” Clark asserts.
“Yes, but since this first year is special, we should have a special name—The First Noel,” I say, bouncing on my toes. Beckyawws.
“You’re doing the literal opposite of ‘don’t make me regret this decision,’” Clark says flatly, narrowing his eyes.
“But it’s perfect!” I counter.
“It’s ridiculous. Ridiculously cheesy.”
