Page 102 of The Christmas Dash

Susie’s Petals

Craft Corner

Perin Law

X-Realty

Dasher Valley Smiles

Valley Peak

Chapter 32

Beth

“Seems a little biased that Xander’s real estate firm would get a nod,” Jack grumbles when I read off X-Realty.

I shrug. “He got into the DV8 before he took over as Chamber chair.”

“Still,” Jack scoffs, and my heart squeezes at his loyalty.

“Did you know that Calvin’s family was in the running?” Ivy asks softly. She obviously assessed, as I did, that the Kell family took the open spot I had hoped for. All the other businesses mostly stayed the same.

“He didn’t mention it. I should have realized it, though. They took over the resort the same year I took ownership of the bookshop, so this is their first year eligible, too.”

“They don’t do nearly as much for the community as you do.” Jack is still indignant on my behalf.

“Their pocketbooks are a lot deeper, though.” Ivy scowls.

I stand suddenly. I can’t sit here and listen to the two of them hash out all the details. The only thing that matters is that I didn’t make it. I wasn’t good enough.

And now what’s left for me? The thought of all the work that would go into trying again next year makes me want to curl up in the fetal position and cry.

“I’m gonna go for a walk to clear my head.”

Concern pools in Ivy’s eyes. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, thanks. I just want to be alone right now.”

She nods. “Take your time. I’ll open up for the day. No rush.”

“I’ll be back. I just . . . need to get out of here.”

Jack stands and hugs me again. “It’s okay, Bethy. Everything’s going to be okay.”

I laugh a mirthless laugh. “You and Ivy been comparing notes? That’s exactly what she keeps telling me. But it doesn’t feel like it right now. I-I’ll just be in touch soon, okay?”

I force a smile as I shove my arms back into my coat sleeves and set off at a brisk pace down Rudolph Run toward the town green. The gazebo’s white paint glistens in the crisp, early-morning sunshine. Several people are strolling around, but everyone’s got their head down, staring at their phones.

The green really is beautiful all decked out for the holidays. Even without the lit-up lights that drench the space in the evening, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting downtown than this one. But no one is paying it any attention.

The Christmas Dash can change that. Can’t it? Isn’t that what Gabe had said? It’ll get people to stop and enjoy the good things that are all around them.

I can’t believe that the Dash is already tomorrow. I am still excited for it, even though my relationship with Gabe is hanging in the balance, and my efforts in pulling off the event at the last minute didn’t do anything to sway the Chamber in favor of my business.

The Christmas Dash is good in and of itself.

I circle the green and walk back up Rudolph Run. When I approach the Clatter Café, I see a familiar figure sitting at the table near the window.