Page 63 of It's a Brewtiful Day
“No, you’re not. Wetalked.We didn’t leave everything to fate, we made it work. And we still do.” She pushed the charcuterie board in my direction. “So talk to Elliot. Open up to him.”
I sighed, but she was right. I’d played the avoidance game for over a week now.
“Anyway, Alice has enlisted me to help out with the festival and…” The last word hung in the air like a giant question mark, begging to be asked for more information.
“Oh no, you don’t.” I grabbed a slice of mozzarella and sandwiched it between two saltines, taking a bite. “I see where this is going.”
“No, you don’t. Stop worrying.” She waved her hand through the air dismissively. “She’s having me assist her at Lake Annette.”
“Don’t you think for one second of asking for my help so you can force Elliot and I together.”
She set down the grape she was about to pop into her mouth. “Alice claims he’s working at the highschool, getting people on the bus, and covering whatever needs to be done at the Coffee Loft. I am helping Alice at the first drop-off, near Lake Annette, where they have some telescopes set up and a variety of activities on the beach. I think there’s a tent set up too with a dark sky presentation.”
“That’s good.”
“They’re looking for more volunteers.”
“Can’t help. Sorry, I’m working.”
The look that came my way would’ve silenced her students. “I didn’t even tell you when or what time or suggest what you would even be doing.”
She had me there. “Fine.” I sighed. “When?”
“Friday night. Just that night. She has enough volunteers otherwise, but not on Friday. Oh, please say yes. We can volunteer together, like we used to with Mom when she’d do the Crusaders Music Camp.”
“And we were always paid in cookies.”
“Oh, there’ll be cookies. At least, so I’m told.” She pushed her glasses up with her knuckles. “Please? It could be so much fun.”
I inhaled sharply and took a drink of my wine. The bookstore closed at six, so it was doable, if I was up for it. “What would I be doing, exactly?”
She dug into her pocket and pulled out her phone, scrolling. “We’ll be guiding the people to the activities as they get off the bus. There are lit pathways, but it’ll be dark, so we’ll be offering any assistance to help them find their way. She has a boxof red flashlights so the lights don’t take away from the night vision and the guests will still be able to see the stars. If they’re lost, we take them right to where they need to go; telescopes, tent, or treat.”
“And I don’t have to know anything about astronomy or the like?”
“I certainly have no knowledge of it, and I’m volunteering.”
It didn’t sound ideal.
“There will be hot chocolate on site as well to go with the cookies.” She flashed the recruitment flyer on her phone at me.
“Well, that does stack the deck somewhat favourably.” My shoulders rolled inward with defeat. “Just the Friday night?”
“Yes, please.” There was a begging tone to her voice. “Please. Please. Please.”
I shook my head. “Fine.”
“Yes!” She popped a grape into her mouth but it didn’t stop the smile in the least. “Dress warm and wear your good shoes.”
Chapter Thirteen
The day of the event arrived, teasing clear skies and decently warm temperatures considering October was well known for being cooler. I left the bookstore in Harvey’s capable hands when my shift ended and headed over to the open field near the high school. There was a bus there ready to transport the volunteers over to the lake and beach area.
I spotted Cassie covered head-to-toe in winter outwear. “Oh, c’mon. It’s not that cold.”
She looked down to her booted feet. “I was told to dress like it was ten degrees cooler than the forecasted low. We’re going to be around water, so it’ll be even colder.”
I was not dressed as warmly, but I was going to make it work. I had checked the activity list and there was a fire pit, so if I got too chilled, I could always stand there to warm up. Still, I tapped my pocket where I stored my toque and pulled on mygloves.