Warmth spread through my chest. This certainly felt like plans a boyfriend and girlfriend would make. "I have to stick around and ensure that everything is broken down and put away."
"You don't think there will be a celebration?"
"Maybe." But I wanted to be with Cooper. Who knew how much more time we had?
"I don't want you to miss out. You deserve every accolade you get." He tucked a chunk of hair behind my ear.
I wanted him there to celebrate with me, but that wasn't our story.
He looked up the alley toward the street. "You think it's okay if I give you a good luck kiss here?"
I lifted my face, my hair blowing in the breeze. "Please."
He lowered his lips to mine, kissing me. It wasn't what I expected. It was almost like he was imprinting on my body. Was this his way of saying our days were numbered? Was it frustration that we couldn't be together for real? Or was I looking for something that wasn't there?
I didn't want to fool myself. I thought I'd gone into this with eyes wide open. But things had definitely changed, and I was on shaky ground.
He pulled back. "I know you'll be amazing."
Who said he wasn't a good guy? One that has emotions and feelings? His exes never knew him. Not like I did. And wasn't that crazy? Our relationship stayed in the dark, but I had a feeling that I knew him better than anyone else he'd ever dated.
That had to mean something, right?
He kissed me one more time. "Go. Be great."
I watched him walk away, and then I took a deep breath. It was time to put my professional hat on and get out there. Eve was expecting great things, and I needed to deliver. I'd show her that I deserved this job.
I lifted my phone, called the person in charge of the performers, and told them to send the first group.
I stood by the grandstand, feeling a little lightheaded. I couldn't believe I was in charge of an event this big. But Eve believed in me, and it was time for me to start believing in myself.
I checked with the judges to ensure they had everything they needed, including the list of acts in order. Then I walked down the side of the street, along the crowd to get a feel for the energy. Kids were sitting on the curb, and adults were sitting in lawn chairs with others standing behind them. People were excited to be out despite the cold weather. Then I heard the sound of drums.
The local marching band in their red uniforms were moving in my direction. I hurried back to the judging area so I could give the signal when to stop and perform and when to continue on to finish the parade.
The crowd cheered as they came through. Eve had built a real community here. We weren't just a town that celebrated Christmas. There were people who came here to get their coffee and pastries before work and shopped after work for books and puzzles and even dinner. I was a part of that now too.
The band stopped and turned toward the judges, diving into a new song. After two minutes, they lowered their instruments, and the marching band director signaled for them to turn and continue marching.
I moved out of the way as they filed past, the only instrument playing was a drummer who kept the beat.
The next group was a dance troupe of little girls who twirled and spun in circles to music playing over a speaker. The proud moms directed them and picked up dropped props when needed.
Every so often, I had to step away and help someone troubleshoot a problem, when to open the next field for parking or to move the group which was blocking Clara's shop doors.
Eve and Maddox appeared, and my heart rate kicked up. "How are you guys? Are you enjoying the parade?"
Eve smiled. "It's nice to be a spectator this year."
"I don't miss being Santa," Maddox mumbled.
Last year, he was the firefighter who dressed up as Santa. Now that he was the fire chief, he'd directed one of the younger ones to take on the role. "So far, everything is running smoothly."
"I can tell," Eve said, looking around.
The performers were acting out the play they were a part of at the theater in Telluride.
"It's wonderful to see so many acts this year. Were you able to expand on my list?" Eve asked.