Page 35 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

Rayna’s shoulders relax. “Oh good. Well, go on, then. Up to the stage.”

“The stage?”

Eli lets out a low laugh from beside me. “You have no fucking idea what you just signed up for.”

I glance around the room and when I spot Penny on the stage, her head shifting back and forth nervously, my entire focus is lost to her. She’s so damn pretty in a long burgundy sweater, her auburn hair hanging over her shoulder in one of her signature braids.

“No, I don’t,” I mutter, without looking his way.

Eli slaps a hand against my shoulder and squeezes. “Sorry to tell ya, bud, but it looks like your vovo just set you up as Penny Darling’s co-chair of the Maple Festival.”

Well, well, well. Everyone just keeps making this easier and easier for me.

Chapter 13

Penny

How do I get myself into these situations? I shouldn’t even be here today. The town meeting is during business hours, which means I chose to close up shop to attend.

Normally, I love town meetings. Just like I love the town chat. But today is not a normal day. No—today, instead of the businesses taking center stage, I was informed by Rayna only minutes ago that they’ve decided to change things up tonight. Apparently, there is lots to discuss about the Maple Festival, and as co-chair, they expect me to have all the answers.

Hope Harbor’s Maple Festival is usually defined by a few simple events: pumpkin picking at the farm, which I’m not sure will take place this year without my father setting everything up. Same goes for the haunted hayride, which used to be hosted by my dad, and the Fall Ball, which always took place on the farm, too.

I blow out a breath and search the room for a friendly face. Where is everyone? Rosie rarely makes it to town meetings because of the brewery’s schedule, but Tally is usually here at least. And my mother. Where is my mother?

“You look a little lost, Xuxuzinho.”

I almost fall off my chair as I register Monty’s presence beside me. Where did he come from? Why is he even here? Someone should warn him to get out before this meeting starts.

I readjust myself, shooting for graceful. “Where’s your dad?”

Monty grabs the chair beside me, lowering himself into it and stretching out his long, jean-clad legs. He’s wearing one of his old rock band T-shirts, which probably smells like the one I grabbed from his drawer yesterday. The shirt he’ll never see again.

“He wasn’t feeling well. But perk up, we’ve got our first opportunity to play.”

“To play?” I practically screech. “Monty, we need to talk about how we’re going to handle this before—” I don’t get a chance to finish my thought as the lights above us flicker, signaling that the meeting is about to begin. I face forward, resigning myself to my fate. I can figure something out—work on my toes, or however the saying goes.

“If everyone could take a seat,” Fletcher says from the stage before angling himself back to us. “Sorry for the last-minute change in the agenda, Pen. I was just as surprised as you.”

Fletcher is such a nice guy it’s hard to be annoyed at him. He’s a single dad to the most adorable four-year-old, Henry, whose mother died only a few months after his birth. Henry is also deaf, which comes with its own set of challenges, I’m sure.

“I’m happy to help,” I say, deciding to let him off the hook this time. “And you know me—I love fall! But, Fletcher, have you met Jake Montgomery yet?”

The mayor’s face lights up. “I haven’t. But I have heard plenty about you, and Rayna just filled me in on how you’re stepping in for your father. We really appreciate it.”

Monty nods as I narrow my eyes, though I don’t get a chance to ask what he means as Rayna starts her lengthy speech.

“We are so grateful that you are all here for this special meeting tonight. And I have been so impressed by how everyone stepped up after I sent that email regarding the events for the Maple Festival. I know this year will be different—” She glances over at me, offering a soft smile. “But our town will always come together to ensure a successful Maple Festival. I’m determined it will be our biggest year yet.”

I feel a swell of pride roll through me and find myself nodding in agreement. Rayna is right—we will make Maple Festival an even bigger celebration. It’s what my father would have wanted. And it’s something I can do to honor his memory.

“And we’re so pleased that Monty has offered to step up this year, too,” Rayna continues. “Jake is here to help out our wonderful Penny Darling, the belle of the Fall Ball.”

“You what?” I whisper out of the corner of my mouth, trying to keep a smile on my face.

Monty leans in close and his knee brushes against my own. “That’s what I was trying to tell you. I’m here in my father’s place.”

“But why?”