Page 72 of The Mistletoe Makeover

Mia

It’s ourlast meeting before the festival setup begins, and it’s obvious the committee is unhappy about the changes I’ve made.

Mom glances over at me nervously before going on. “This year we’re trying a mistletoe booth instead of a contest. That way, people can post their pictures on social media, and we get free publicity.” She looks around at the committee.

“Why didn’t we bring back the original mistletoe contest?” Bob asks.

I shift uncomfortably in my seat. We need everyone on board, and judging by their frowns, it’s not going well.

“I liked it the way it was,” Judy says.

Several heads nod. Mom looks around for support. The committee has been less than enthusiastic about the changes that Jaz, Ella, and I have proposed for this year’s festival. Mom glances at me for help.

“Social media is easier for people,” I say. “And it has a global reach. A win-win for publicity and for the town.”

Judy crosses her arms. Bob mutters under his breath. Mom looks like she’s about to throw in the towel. Every single change to the festival has received this kind of opposition. Making over a town festival is a lot harder than I thought.

I plow ahead. “This festival isn’t profitable, which is why we’re trying the fundraising auction with a front-row date for Jace’s concert. We’ve had two committee members volunteer so far.”

“But there’s still one spot left,” Bob points out.

Mom shifts uncomfortably. “Um, yes, someone is still considering it.” Her eyes sweep over to me. “Mia.”

I turn and give Mom a look. Even though I said I’d think about it, I’m still opposed to the idea that I’m going to be auctioned off like some kind of livestock animal.

Mom ignores the daggers shooting from my eyes. “Mia suggested we do a fundraising auction, so it only seems appropriate...”

“I didn’t suggest it,” I correct, bristling at the term. “Jace did.”

“She is going to fill our final volunteer slot,” Mom finishes.

I turn to her. “Mother, could we talk about this... alone?”

“If you need to.” Then she pastes on a smile. “Let’s take a five-minute break.”

As everyone shuffles from the room, I direct Mom to a corner away from the door.

“What in the world?” I ask, the frustration in my chest about to boil over. “You know I didn’t want to do this.” I can’t say the real reason: Because it’s humiliating. And if there’s anyone I want to date, it’s Jace. Not a stranger.

“The other two volunteers from the committee are ecstatic about it.”

“That’s because they didn’t have tickets before.”

“In case you didn’t notice, we need this festival to go well,” Mom says. “Otherwise, all our hard work will be for nothing. If we don’t make this a smashing success financially, we won’t have another Mistletoe Festival.”

“Isn’t there anyone else?”

“There’s only one ticket left. And you’ve worked so hard on this festival. You deserve this ticket.”

“What about Brax or Vale?”

Mom’s gaze shifts to the floor before she looks back up at me. “I can’t.”

“What do you mean?”

She pauses. “I made an agreement with Jace. He made me promise you would use it. He wants you in the front row for the concert.”

I look at her and frown.

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