Page 41 of Saved By Noel
“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I agree with Clark,” Madison says with an approving nod to me. “He hit the nail on the head, Clara. You always get so caught up in helping other people that you don’t have time to do what you want to do. Michael is simply the prime example.”
Clara’s clearly uncomfortable being the topic of current conversation, and Davis kindly jumps in to redirect. Unfortunately, he redirects my way.
“Clark, any update on that company interested in purchasing the plant?” he asks. I know he regrets the question the second it’s out of his mouth when there’s a collective gasp around the table. I stare him down with my well-honed death glare.
“Wait, what? There’s a company buying the plant?” Syd asks breathlessly. She slaps Davis hard. “You didn’t mention this to me until now.”
“That’s because I told him not to,” I growl. All eyes are on me. “I’ve been in contact with several companies, hoping to find someone who could utilize the building. Bring some jobs backto Noel. There’s a company that’s considering buying the plant to convert into a pet food production facility. But it’s not a sure thing yet.”
“But is it promising?” Paul asks, sitting up straighter.
“They are seriously considering it, but I’m not counting the chickens until the eggs hatch,” I say, hoping to caution everyone from getting their hopes up.
They’ve all thrown caution to the wind though, hooting, hollering, and excitedly talking about the chance of having stable jobs year-round for the town again. Becky’s gushing to James about how great it would be to keep the coffee shop open all year. Emily’s already listing off the people they could hire if the grocery store started seeing more business again. Even Pops has some pep in his voice. All their eager conversations fill me with equal doses of optimism and dread.
Everyone is talking over each other, but Clara just eyes me with a small smile. “That’s really exciting, Clark. I hope it works out for you. I mean, for the whole town.”
Clara’s well wishes only pile on the pressure. Since she arrived, she’s only seen this town slowly dying—my failure as a mayor. I want to prove to everyone that I’m competent enough to keep this town running. But I especially want to prove it to Clara, even if she’s only ever a visitor to Noel.
But that kind of irrational response to her is exactly what’s getting me in trouble, tangling up my practical thinking. Logically, Clara and I don’t work together as anything more than part-time fellow residents of the same town. Her driving passion to be involved with helping other people doesn’t fit with my solitary preferences. Not to mention her dogged commitment to Christmas. We don’t match.
I need to keep my focus on the people of Noel, not worrying about what Clara thinks.
If only it were that easy.
Chapter twenty-six
Clara
I’ve spent the past month trying not to think about Clark. Trying and failing.
I didn’t make a second trip to Noel in May. Work was busy, and I was helping my parents with some projects around their house. In actuality, I could have made time if I’d wanted to.
Instead, I’d avoided the town because I didn’t trust myself seeing Clark. I was already seeing enough of him in my daydreams. And in the movie script I’m writing.
As antithetical as the heroine, Renee, is to me, my main male character, Jack, bears a striking resemblance to a certain mayor. Right down to the absurdly attractive beard and grouchy personality. Despite writing him in to my character, I’ve been nervous to see Clark again ever since we had dinner at Syd’s house.
I’d expected Madison to help me out on my quest to dismiss Clark from my list of eligible men. However, Mads came home declaring him to be worthy of my affection. Apparently, his admonition to not let Michael take advantage of me was the key to her heart. That, plus his grumpy love for his town, wonher over. Her assessment of Clark as an “extremely hot, broody woodsman” rounded out her closing argument in his favor.
She updated his contact in my phone to “Hottie McScrooge.”
Hearing Clark talk about the potential of a company buying the plant and the ensuing joy put into perspective the burden he’s carrying. I can’t imagine shouldering the weight of an entire town. Although, I still wish he’d let me help him share the load by planning a Christmas tourist experience.
I can’t avoid Noel or Clark any longer because I promised Sydney I’d come for a long weekend to experience the height of tourist season. It’s the first weekend in June, the launch of peak river season. Although I’m nervous about seeing Clark again, I am looking forward to understanding what the town of Noel is like in its prime.
I pull into the driveway of my cabin late Friday night, having driven here straight from work. I stayed later than planned in order to finish an article for Michael, a fact I will not be sharing with Madison. Or Clark. After unlocking the door and putting my stuff down in the living room, I text Sydney.
ME
Just now made it to town. Super tired, so I’m going to crash and see you tomorrow!
SYD
OK! We’re leaving for the float trip at 10, so come over any time before then. Be sure to bring sunscreen!!
My eyes are too tired to do any writing tonight. I do a quick plant check to make sure everyone is doing okay after I sent Syd over to water them last weekend. After a short bubble bath, I change into pajamas and collapse into bed.
Saturday morning, I leave early to stop by Becky’s Brews to pick up coffee for Sydney and me. I’m so thrilled to begin my day with a fancy coffee, I can hardly stand it. Parking in the Noland’s lot, the increase in traffic around town is evident. I enter the small coffee shop and take in the modern but homey vibes.I’ll have to pay compliments to Syd for her design. I greet Becky behind the counter.
