AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He starts to back towards the door, and my first reaction is disappointment that I won’t get to hang out with him until the event.
“Let’s meet at Barrie Mansion at six-fifteen?” I ask him. “There are still a couple of place setting things I need to pick up from the party supply store.”
He only nods once, looks at Elijah and then me again, and leaves.
It was amazing of Theo to be so helpful to Elijah. Still there was something there beneath the surface, something that I don’t understand.
But I can’t worry about that now. I have an event to co-host.
Chapter 21
Aria
I reach out to shake the hand of the mayor of Flinton, and then turn to his wife. “What are you hoping to find at the festival this year? Do you have anything specific in mind?”
She fingers a heavy-looking diamond necklace at her throat. “I can usually find the grandkids some fun things. They’re still little enough that they’re easy to please.”
My mind shifts through the various vendors—the ones who haven’t dropped out. “We have a couple of handcrafted toy maker booths. And then the toy store here in town is signed up again this year. Do you typically go for the current trends or more classic things?”
She shrugs. “It varies depending on what the grandkids are into. I’m thinking maybe those vintage-looking teddy bears. Will that vendor be there again this year?”
She must be referring to the quilter and dollmaker who drives over from Idaho.
“She will. And you can even reach out to her beforehand with any specific requests.” I hand her my card. We all got a small box of them in our committee meeting. I like the feeling of pride and professionalism that wells up in me when I give her my card. It even has a photo of me wearing the Christmas blazer. “Just call or text me through that number there and I can send you her contact info.”
I chat a little more with them and then move around the room. Theo’s been standoffish. With the guests, he’s his happy-go-lucky, friendly self. And I nearly had a heart attack when he showed up in his modern tan suit, close fitting and tailored to his body. He looked handsome in his Victorian clothing for the photo shoot. But if I know anything at all, I know that Theo Carter was born to wear this suit.
With me, though? Face to face, he seems off.
Maybe he’s hungry like me. I venture back to the kitchen to see if the catering staff needs any help. The coordinator reassures me that they’ll be plating in five minutes, so I hurry out to find Theo. We have to do the intro.
I can’t see him, but the clock’s ticking, so I step up on the platform in front and smooth the front of my turquoise silk dress with a sheer overlay. Tables covered in white tablecloths dot the room, and the string quartet is next to me, playing classical Christmas music. I grab the microphone and ask everyone in the room for their attention. It’s strange to hear my voice go through the PA system, but with the smiling, upturned faces of women in long evening dresses and men in black tie, I feel better. Calm.
We’ve worked hard for this. It’s going to turn out.
The string quartet silences their music.
“Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to the kickoff dinner for this year’s Charles Dickens Christmas Festival here in New Hedge, Colorado!”
A cheer rises up through the room and before I know it, Theo’s stepped to my side. His expression is still unreadable, so I continue on.
“We invite you to find a seat at one of the tables because we have a delicious meal for you, and I’ve been assured the wait staff will be bringing that out momentarily. I’m Aria Robinson, and on behalf of Theo Carter, my co-host, I wish to thank you for your support of this event. It’s become one of the largest in the Northwestern United States, in large part, thanks to all of you and your undying support.”
Another cheer goes up amongst the crowd. “Thank you for your passion for this cause,” I continue. “It doesn’t go unnoticed, especially this year when things have been tough after some disheartening news about the charity we formerly contributed to.” I pause and then smile. “Rest assured, this year, the charitable donations collected at the festival will be going to Santa’s Helpers, which we can verify will pass the majority of the funds earned directly to the kids in need.”
I flash a look at Theo, unsure of how to continue. This was actually the part he had planned to say.
He reads my expression and takes the microphone from me.
“Thank you, Aria. As she said, I’m Theo Carter. And right now, I’d like to thank the committee. Prior to a few weeks ago, I had no idea the amount of work that goes into this. These people are dedicated to the cause and they’re huge patriots of New Hedge and of the Intermountain West as a whole. Did you know that they meet at least once a week year-round?” He opens a hand out to his side. “You can identify them by their attractive Christmas-print blazers. They told me I couldn’t wear mine, that I had to be a step above because I’m hosting. Which is a shame because boy, that blazer is my favorite article of clothing these days.”
It’s clear he’s joking, and there’s a polite smattering of laughter.
Yeah, I get you people. I have an unhealthy love for the blazers, I’ll admit. But the getup he has going on tonight? Absolutely incredible.
Theo continues. “So, please thank them for all their hard work when you see them around here at the dinner, as well as at the festival, which I hope you’re planning on attending daily. At least. If not more like three times a day.”
He’s good in front of a crowd.
