Page 88 of Fall With Me
“I just need to get into the box over there,” she says, pointing behind me.
We shuffle around each other. I suck in my stomach, doing my best not to touch her. But her finger brushes my hand—most likely on accident—sending a zap through my nerves.
“Chloe, can—”
“We’re already way behind schedule. I don’t have time for distractions.”
She’s right. We have a ton left to do, and it’s my fault we’re nowhere near ready. My focus can’t be on Chloe. This festival has to go well. Tonight, work is my priority.
Chapter 41
Chloe
Spinning, I look at everything Dawson and I accomplished with Kate’s help. The place looks amazing with the hay, scarecrows, leaves, and lights everywhere. The booths made out of wooden pallets look adorable with the hand-painted signs I made.
Blessedly, the rain stopped. The outdoor patio has a few round tables set up with white tablecloths, burlap runners, rustic wood rounds and fall-colored flowers in vases on top of the wood. The whole place is stunning. My fall vision came to life exactly as I imagined. It’s cute, festive, and family friendly.
“Wow,” Carter says, walking into the barn holding two gift bags in his hand. “Chloe, I knew you’d put together an amazing festival, but you’ve outdone yourself.”
This moment right here totally makes all of the sleepless nights worth it. For Carter to be proud of me is huge. We always look out for each other, but hearing a complimentfrom him (the man who isn’t one for talking) is as big as winning the lottery.
A massive weight I didn’t realize I’ve been carrying lifts. My shoulders sag, my smile brightens, and tears trickle down my cheeks. “Thank you, Carter. I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it.” Carter rubs a decorative leaf between his fingers. “I’m excited to get everyone here.”
Dawson and Finn come out of the reading corner and join us.
“Hey, boss,” Dawson says, greeting Carter.
“You and Chlo are a phenomenal team,” Carter says to Dawson. “This place is awesome.”
Dawson blows air in his cheeks. “Let’s just hope Creative Solutions agrees and this event keeps them happy for a while.”
I know Carter mentioned how much is riding on this event, but I didn’t realize Dawson is feeling stressed about it too. Is this why he volunteered to help in the first place? Either way, it doesn’t matter. We have thirty minutes until our guests arrive and our volunteers aren’t here yet. Sure, the place is cute, but none of it makes a difference without people to man our booths.
Checking my email on my phone, I don’t see any notification from either high school clubs saying their plans changed. They should be here by now. “I have one last thing to check up on. If you’ll excuse me.”
I step outside and call both club presidents and get nowhere. This is when having more than Kate as a friend would come in handy. There’s no way I can operate every activity on my own. Carter needs to mingle with his clientsand employees. Dawson has Finn to worry about. Kate might be able to help, but two people is not enough.
Tears of exhaustion sting my eyes. My brain is mush. Who can I call to come help? Grammy and Papa are too old to stand for three hours. Sitting on the curb, I rest my elbows on my knees and my forehead on my hands.
“Hey,” Dawson says, sitting next to me. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
All day I’ve done my best to avoid being around him as much as possible. My heart can’t handle seeing him and not being able to touch him. Talking to him, but not really engaging. But I need him. I need the person who said he’d help throw this festival. I need the man who worked through every planning point with me. Who was my partner and made me better.
“We don’t have any volunteers. The high school kids are no-shows.”
“What? What should we do?”
I look at him, utterly exhausted and at my breaking point. “I have no idea.”
“Oh.” He rubs a hand through his hair. “Um, how many people do we need?”
I count on my fingers as I say, “One for the caramel apple station, one for the book nook, two for archery, one for ring toss, two for pumpkin bowling, two for the craft station, and one for pin the smile on the scarecrow. So, ten?”
“Let me call my family and see who can make it.”
I put my hands over my heart. “Really?” I say with too much hope. “You think they’ll come?”
