Page 71 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

We definitely need to add pictures of her to our website.

Jayden Bell and Emrys Bogey are the last to arrive, holding hands and looking utterly smitten with one another. They take their seats and introduce themselves to Skylar.

“Let’s get this meeting started,” Baxter says, bringing us to order. “First, we have a guest and prospective new committee member here today. Skylar, why don’t you take a moment to introduce yourself and let us know why you want to be involved with the Harvest Festival planning?”

Skylar sits up straight in his chair and takes hold of my hand under the table, clutching it tightly.

“Thanks for letting me come to today’s meeting, everyone. I’m Skylar Wright, and I’m opening up a hair salon on Main Street. As a new business owner and member of this town, I want to get involved in the community and find ways to give back. I know I haven’t been here long, but Mystic Hollow has really come to mean a lot to me, and Hal’s really impressed me with his enthusiasm and dedication for the Harvest Festival. I know most of the hard work is done already, but I’m willing to pitch in wherever you need me.”

Kassiel steeples his hands under his chin and grins. “What a wonderful sentiment, Skylar. I like your proactive approach. We business owners need to work together to stay afloat and keep the consumer needs of Mystic Hollow’s residents met as well as help our community thrive.”

Skylar leans forward in his seat, an eager glint in his eyes. “I’m glad you’re here, Kassiel, because I actually had an idea I wanted to run by you along those lines.”

The demon arches an intrigued eyebrow. “Do go on.”

I arch an eyebrow too because Skylar didn’t tell me any of this before today.

Skylar nods. “I was thinking we could do more to promote each other’s businesses. Especially since we are bound to have customer overlap.”

Kassiel grins, flashing a glint of fangs. “Those who want my couture garments will no doubt be equally concerned about their hair so that it may complement their sartorial splendor.”

“Uh… sure,” Skylar says, forcing an awkward smile. “My thought was, what if we all had a way to support each other, especially when we have sales or events going on. In the salon, I’m planning to put up a bulletin board where other local businesses can pin flyers and such to advertise their latest news.”

“That’s a great idea,” Sylvia chimes in with a smile.

I squeeze his hand under the table.

He squeezes back.

Bliss.

Kassiel strokes his chin. “Hmm. A display case would work better with the aesthetic of my shop, but it could be done.”

Skylar beams. “It’s also a great way to help tourists discover everything the town has to offer when they visit.” He focuses his attention on the whole group. “On that note, I think we could be doing more to advertise events like the Harvest Festival outside of Mystic Hollow. Bringing more people to town is good for business.”

Baxter frowns. “This year isn’t the best time to do that, especially with our protective magic going a bit haywire.”

“I hear what you’re saying,” Skylar agrees, “but I have some thoughts on how we can keep the magic under control so we can draw in more folks for the festival.”

Everyone stares at him in astonishment, me included. He hasn’t said a word to me about this until now either.

Baxter crosses his arms, eyebrows furrowed. “We’re all ears.”

Skylar tightens his hold on my hand under the table. “This isn’t a long-term solution. More of a stopgap measure until Astraea’s son decides to show up.” He takes a deep breath. “Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I did some research at the library, and couldn’t hiring a mage help us out, especially during the festival?”

Kassiel arches an eyebrow. “Now there’s a bloody brilliant idea. I don’t know why it hasn’t been proposed until now.”

“To be fair, this is a relatively new problem, one none of us saw coming,” I interject.

Baxter scowls. “I don’t much care for mages.”

Sylvia snickers and gives him a knowing look. “That’s just because one broke your heart half a lifetime ago.”

My mouth drops open.

“Ooh! Baxter had a thing with a mage in his youth?” Max’s eyes sparkle with interest. “Tell us more!”

Baxter shoots him a warning gaze that could rival a laser beam, but it bounces off Max, who just laughs.