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“We’ve got a lot to cover today, folks. Clock’s ticking, and there’s still plenty to do.”
Neil, in uniform, was the first to speak up. “Regarding the road closure for the market, we’ve hit a bit of a snag with the permits,” he began, troubled. “There are some new regulations we have to comply with, and it might take longer than expected. I’m on it, but it’s going to be tight.”
Murmurs of concern rippled through the room. The road closure was crucial for the market setup, one of the festival’s principal attractions.
Maggie made a note. “Thanks, Neil. Keep us updated. We might need to have a contingency plan in place.”
“Will do, Maggie.”
Next, Ed Lewiston from the hardware store spoke up. “About the stage for the live music event on Main Street,” he said, adjusting his glasses, “I could use some extra hands. It’s not a big stage, but this new setup is more work than maybe I expected.”
I considered his request. “I could rally some of the high school students to help. Community service hours are always a draw for their college applications.”
Maggie nodded thoughtfully. “Let’s put out a call for volunteers. Chris, could you coordinate with the high school? See if any students are interested in helping out?”
“Sure thing,” I said, already thinking about who to contact first.
The meeting continued with discussions on various other challenges, like coordinating vendors, finalizing event schedules, and laying out logistics for the parade. Despite the hurdles, everyone was pitching in, offering solutions, resources, and support.
By the end of the meeting, there was a solid action plan, and it was time for any other business, which covered me. I put up my hand, and Maggie nodded to me.
“Chris?”
I didn’t know whether or not to stand up, but in the end I did, only because this was a speech I’d been rehearsing, and I needed the stage. I wobbled just a little, and no one else would have noticed, but I leaned back on Noah’s knee for balance. He placed a hand there to help, a soft touch that had me thinking all kinds of inappropriate thoughts.
I cleared my throat to catch everyone’s attention and break up the heated debate over whether lemon drizzle was better than cheesecake. “I’ve got a short proposal I’d like to share with you all,” I began, feeling a slight flutter of nerves. “It’s about the high school baseball team.”
Everyone quieted down, turning their attention to me. “As you know, I coach the team, and we’re always looking for ways to raise funds for equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses for games. Finances are tight, and the school needs our help, and I thought we could reach out to the satellite towns that feed Collier Springs High School, to participate in events like the Spring Rains Festival.”
I paused, gauging the room’s interest, and no one dismissed my speech outright. Noah still had his hand on the back of my thigh. And boy, was it warm in here or what? “Besides our annual baseball game against the Merton Vale Mooners, which is always a crowd-puller, I was thinking the team could have a stall at the event.”
Maggie nodded, and murmurs of interest circulated around the room. “Given that it’s April in Wyoming, and we’re not exactly basking in warmth,” I continued with a small chuckle, “I was thinking we could set up a Speed Pitch booth where festival attendees could get the chance to test their pitching speed with a radar gun. Participants would pay a small fee to throw a few pitches, with the speed of each pitch recorded and displayed. We could offer small prizes or certificates for different age groups—like Fastest Pitch of the Day or Top Pitcher in Under-Twelve Category. It would be a fun and interactive way for people of all ages to participate, and it ties in perfectly with the baseball theme. Plus, it gives the team members a chance to interact with the community, share tips, and maybe even demonstrate their pitching skills.”
I looked around the room, hoping my idea would be well-received. “The boys on the team would run the stall. It would be a great way for them to engage with the community and raise the funds they need.”
Silence, and everyone turned to face Maggie, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. “That’s a wonderful idea, Chris. Rachel, can you add that to the list next to Noah’s stall?”
Rachel scribbled. A few others voiced their agreement, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “Thank you, everyone. I think the kids will be really excited about this.”
I sat down then, and sent a grateful glance to Noah, to which I received a small nod.
As we wrapped up, Maggie gave us a reassuring smile. “Fourteen weeks will fly by fast, but I know we can do this. This festival is going to be fantastic, thanks to all of you.”
People began to file out. I crutched after Noah, optimistic about the baseball team’s participation in the festival, but more than that, happy he’d touched my leg and wondering if maybe…
Possibly…
“Okay to walk with you?” I blurted as he stepped outside, Fox scampering ahead as if running might outwit the cold, and as fast as his legs would take him on fresh snow. The community hall was at one end of Main, the diner at the other, but given that Main wasn’t that long, I didn’t have time to prevaricate—I’d probably freeze to death if we stood around chatting.
“Sure. Should you be… y’know…”
“I’m good,” I said, although I regretted the choice of crutches in the snow, and kind of wished I’d used my chair. As we began to walk along the road in a comfortable silence, I cut to the chase. “Would you like to go out for coffee sometime?” I asked. “I know, it’s a stupid idea considering you own the diner and all, but…”
Noah looked shocked, then smiled, a kind, understanding smile that made me feel at ease and yet more nervous at the same time.
I rushed on, feeling a bit fumbling but needing to get the words out. “You didn’t let me fall back there, in the meeting. And I was thinking, hoping really, that maybe we could be friends, or… maybe even consider a coffee or two. See where it goes? What do you think?”
There was a pause, a moment that felt like an eternity, as we continued walking toward the diner. Noah’s expression was thoughtful, but he didn’t say no, so I had hope.
