Page 25 of Discerning Blake

“Let’s talk music,” Mayor Anderson says. “Amelia, you’re still good with organizing the stage, sound, and lights?”

I bite down on my lower lip. “Yes, of course.”

Organizing the technical aspects of the festival has always been Ethan’s job. I deal with the tourists, he deals with the website and electrical things. Hopefully, he’s already booked these things in advance. I’m not sure how to go about it.

If I even need to worry at all. He may say no to giving me the business.

“And you have all the minor musicians lined up?” Mayor Anderson asks.

“I still have a couple who need to confirm the date, but most of them are ready to go.”

“Alright, let’s talk Georgina. I just talked to her agent this morning. And it’s a go. We can start announcing her appearance today.”

Everyone cheers.

Georgina is a popular local singer who released a single this year that blew up at the national level. She’s a huge catch for us. She’ll bring people in, not only from all over the state but maybe even all over the country. It’s our chance to show the best that Dogwood has to offer and put us on the map as a tourist destination town.

“Amelia,” Mayor Anderson says. “I gave her agent your contact information. You’ll be in charge of arranging her accommodation. The agent had a lot of specific requirements. I got the impression that he wanted her to stay in the city and come to Dogwood by car for the concert. But try, if you can, to change his mind. Imagine how great it would be for her to post on her social media about sleeping and eating here.”

“Got it.”

I’ll try, but I worry her agent may have safety concerns that Dogwood isn’t equipped to handle. I’ll have to feel him out.

We go over the rest of the schedule and end the meeting.

I have half an hour before meeting with Ethan. We agreed to talk in the office. And I’m feeling very nervous.

I say goodbye to everyone and pull out my phone as I walk outside.

Scarlett sent me a text while I was in the meeting.

How about we do dinner on Monday at 6:30 pm? Penny’s violin lesson ends at 6 pm. It’s the only day we’re all free. Tuesday Chase has baseball practice, Wednesday the guys have practice and Thursday I have yoga. What do you think?

She doesn’t say that Friday Chase will be leaving me to go back to Ethan. My heart hurts, as if someone is squeezing it in a tight fist. I haven’t even gotten him back yet, and I’m already sad about him leaving again.

I send Scarlett a message to tell her that Monday sounds good and ask if she needs me to bring anything.

Like tomatoes, maybe?

Blake’s teasing comment comes back to me, and I can’t help but smile. My body warms as I remember him standing too close, and excitement gurgles in my belly at the thought of seeing him again.

That’s dangerous!

I arrive at the office first. I unlock the door and follow my daily ritual to prepare for the day ahead, starting with turning on the coffee machine in the back room.

The bell on top of the door dings as I take my first sip of coffee. Then I hear voices. A man and woman.

He brought Charlotte with him?

I take a deep calming breath. Maybe it was still too early to put on the mascara. I don’t like seeing Ethan, but seeing Charlotte feels like getting stabbed in the chest. And seeing the two of them together feels like someone is twisting that knife, purposely making it as painful as possible.

I take another long sip, square my shoulders and walk out into the main room.

“There you are,” Ethan says as way of greeting.

“Hello.”

I nod my head at him, but I can’t look at Charlotte directly.