Page 15 of Snowed Under

Hmm, kinda looks like Jessica may be outvoted. “I’ll have to double check regulations,” Jessica says. “As well as get Travis and Presley’s vote, since they’re not here. We’d also have to have age limits so the little ones don’t get injured.”

“What about a snowman competition for the little guys?” Marley says. “Build your own frosty, and the winner gets a prize and their name in the Daily Pines.”

I turn and give him a nod of approval and tap my head. “Up there for thinkin’, Marles.” We high-five.

“Great idea,” Ainsley chimes. “As long as the big kids don’t ruin it for the others.” She eyes me and I can’t help but grin. I thumb my chest as if to say;me?

She nods in response, then shakes her head.

“Fine, but I’d like a detailed report on how we negate the risks for the snowball fight,” Jessica says, then adds, “Since it was Cole’s idea, he can help you, Ainsley.”

Fine by me. I lean back in my chair, trying not to act obvious that I think it’s the best idea she’s come up with so far. “I’m sure Ains and I can put our heads together on this one.” Little does anyone know, there’s a snowball in Hell’s chance I’m going to miss a one-on-one meeting with Ainsley. Heck, I’d watch paint drying if that’s what it took. In any case, Travis put his trust in me to take his place, and this is just the sort of idea that will get him all revved up.

“What did we have planned for the Hunger Games competition this year?” Keith looks down at his notes. “Ainsley mentioned a treasure hunt a little differently this year.”

All our eyes flick to her, and I only just notice she has little pumpkins in her ears to match her sweater.Adorable. It may be the back end of fall, but Ains is making the most of it.

“Well, each year we have teams of two who work with one another, but this year I thought it’d be a hoot if the teams weren’t pre-selected. So it would be more challenging.”

I can see a whole world of problems with that idea, but I keep it to myself. It’s just like Ainsley to try and mix things up for the better and force people to get along for the good of giving. I’ve only just realized it’s another thing about her, aside from her adorable sweater/matching earrings combo, that I adore.

“Sounds like a game plan.” I sit up in my chair. “After all, they call Silver Pines the friendly ski town of Wyoming. If we can’t get along with our peers in a Christmas environment, then when can we?”

Ainsley claps her hands together.“Exactly! And the resort said they’d up their donation by double if we can get the locals on board. We put all the names of every competitor into a hat and shake it up, pairing them together.”

I roll my lips to save from laughing.

“What if I get stuck with someone really old?” Marley complains.

Margaret tsks and Jessica looks like she smells something bad.

“Watch your mouth,” Margaret warns. “I know your grandmother wouldn’t approve. Why not see it as an experience to learn and expand your horizons?”

“Stacy Lockheart may be competing,” I mutter under my breath.

Marley perks up suddenly. “I think I like the idea of expanding my horizons. Make Grandma proud.” He side eyes me.

Margaret smiles warmly and I try not to lose it laughing.

Ainsley narrows her eyes at me as I give her my best nonchalant shrug. So she can lip read. The girl is smart.

“Way to go, Marles. I think you’re gonna get a lot out of this detention.” I pat him on the back.

“So, if we’re done here, I’d like your ideas about the snowball fight on my desk by Friday,” Jessica says.

If you ask me, she is being harsher on this whole idea than she needs to be. I know this town is completely insane when it comes to Christmas and their damn near precious decorating, but let’s get real here. IT’S DECORATING. The snowball fight is just some added fun.

I mutter to Ainsley, once the meeting is dispersed, “Presley’s pioneering efforts have placed us all on the chopping block.”

She elbows me in the ribs. “Don’t let Pres hear you say that. She wants a copy of the meeting minutes.”

I chuckle. “I bet she does. She and Travis need to let go. I mean, they allow kids here, if they’re so worked up about it, they could’ve come along. She might not have officially handed the baton over, but I’d say it’s your baby now.”

She looks down at her shoes and I know I’ve said the wrong thing. “Ains? Did I say something wrong?”

She shakes her head. “No.”

I get we’re not close friends, but she can trust me. She knows that. We worked well together last year at the speed dating night. There’s no reason why she can’t tell me stuff, unless she doesn’t want to. Which I get.

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