Page 99 of So in Love
“But so cool!”Brooke said.“I mean, we know that this story is going to be everything we want.And the people of Ribbon Ridge will too.”
“I hope so.”Crystal was still nervous about presenting this to the townspeople tonight.She knew that Angie Westcott was now onboard but had no idea if anyone else was.Maybe she’d feel better after she talked to Angie in person and saw her support firsthand.
“Donotworry,” Alaina said.“We’re going to win them over.”
Brooke looked around at all of them.“Well, I’m just glad we have this movie to work on, because I’m sad that the Dorinda mystery is over.I’ve loved working with all of you, and I would miss our regular ‘meetings.’”
“You mean our chatfests?”Crystal snorted.“I’m not sure how much business we actually discussed.”
“Besides, we’ll still have those,” Kelsey said.“You’re all stuck with me.”
The others chimed in with “Ditto” almost simultaneously.Laughing, they collapsed into a group hug.
A little while later, people started to filter in, including Jamie, who made his way to Crystal.He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight, pressing a kiss to her mouth.“Today was the longest day ever.”
She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back.“I know.I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Nervous?”
She nodded, taking her arms from his neck and inhaling his pine-spice scent.Strange how just being next to him made her feel better, more grounded.She supposed that was what true love felt like.
“Don’t be,” he said.“You’ve got tons of backup here.”
“Alaina’s going to do most of the talking.”
His brow furrowed.“Why?It’s your project.”
“Technically, it’sourproject now.Anyway, I don’t mind.She’s always been better about managing the limelight, and I’m content to sit in the background and pull the strings.”She laughed softly.“Sort of.”
Sean arrived and joined Alaina, their heads bent together.They both looked over at her and motioned for her to come.
Crystal kissed Jamie’s cheek.“Gotta go.Wish us luck.”
“Always, but you don’t need it.”He grinned at her as she pulled away.
She practically skipped over to Alaina and Sean, feeling more confident than she had all day.“Okay, I’m ready to do this.”
Sean smiled at her.“Excellent.”
The room filled with faces Crystal recognized, and she fought to keep her anxiety at a manageable level.Some made her feel more at ease while others increased her stress.Maybe she should’ve had a shot of something before getting going.Too late now.
Alaina stood near the checkout counter and welcomed everyone.Sean and Crystal positioned themselves off to the side.While Alaina launched into an overview of the plans for the movie, Kelsey and Brooke handed out the information sheets Crystal had prepared.
Right away someone raised his hand and didn’t wait for Alaina to recognize him.He was an older gentleman with dark brows that shot up his forehead.“You’re filming it here?That’ll turn the town into a nightmare as people come from all over to check things out.”
“I really don’t think it’ll be any different than it is now,” Alaina said, demonstrating her regular amount of charm and patience.“With the addition of The Alex Hotel and the upscale Arch and Fox restaurant, we’re already seeing increased tourism.This could very well be a wonderful opportunity for economic growth in Ribbon Ridge.”
The man grumbled.“It’s already too crowded.”
George Wilson, the bartender at The Arch and Vine and Kelsey’s soon-to-be step-grandfather spoke up.“Come on, Phil, you can’t stay stuck in the sixties anymore.Time to join the twenty-first century.Besides, Ribbon Ridge will always be a small town regardless of how busy or big it gets.It’s the people and the mentality that matter.”
Several people voiced their agreement, and Ruby, Kelsey’s grandmother leaned against him and smiled up into his downturned face.Crystal couldn’t help but smile too, not just at how adorable they were, but at George’s sentiment.He was right that what mattered mostwasthe people, and not the few bad apples like Patty Barlow back in Blueville.
Others asked questions about the production and how it might affect things here.Alaina answered everything, which seemed to put people at ease.Maybe it was just Crystal relaxing, but the tension in the room seemed to lessen.
Until it didn’t.
Angie Westcott raised her hand, and Crystal stiffened.She shot a look at Jamie who nodded encouragingly.
