“I didn’t recognize you until they introduced you. You look great and you did a great job getting attention for Royal. I’d guess you’ll get some donations.”
“We did, Lance,” she said. “We received one right away.”
“Good. Listen, there’s a barn dance at our town center next Saturday night. Would you like to go with me?”
Startled, she smiled at him. “I’m sorry, I’m going to a dinner that night, but thanks for asking me, Lance. That’s very nice.”
“Sure. Maybe some other time,” he said. “Better go. Good to see you, Stella.”
“Good to see you, too,” she said, wanting to laugh. He had never looked at her twice before, never asked her to anything even though they had gone through high school together.
Her next stop was the drugstore where she ran into Paige. “Stella!” Paige called, and caught up with her.
“You never come to town. What are you doing here again?” Stella asked, smiling at her friend.
“I didn’t plan well for anything this week. I saw you on television yesterday. Word went around that you’d be on—probably thanks to Aaron. You look fantastic and you did a great job. I love your makeover except I hardly know you.”
“Thanks. It’s the same me.”
“Actually, I didn’t even recognize you at first glimpse.”
“Frankly, I barely recognize myself. The makeover has been fun and brought a bit of attention.”
Paige’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll bet you’re getting asked out by guys who never have asked you before.”
Stella could feel her cheeks grow hot. “A little,” she admitted. “I suppose looks are important to guys.”
“Stella, most girls come to that conclusion before they’re five years old,” Paige remarked, and they both laughed. “We need a brief meeting soon for our Christmas drive to figure out how to coordinate the last-minute details. It’s almost here.”
“If you have a few minutes,” Stella said, “we can go across the street to the café and talk about the drive now.”
“Sure. Now’s as good a time as any,” Paige said. “We’re running out of time. Christmas is one week away and the TCC festival is next Tuesday.”
They walked to Stella’s car, where she picked up her notebook. Then they crossed the street to a new café that had opened since the storm. As soon as they were seated, Stella opened the binder with notes and lists.
“Presents and donations are pouring in and I can add to them with checks I brought back from my talks this week.”
“That’s fantastic. I’ll be there that night and I’ll check with the others so we can help pass out envelopes with checks and help people get their presents. I’m sure some of the TCC guys will pitch in.”
“I really appreciate all you’re doing. I think we’ve contacted everyone we should and there’s been enough publicity that no one will be overlooked. We’ll have money or gifts for all the people who’ve lost so much and lost a loved one— I’m sorry, Paige, to bring that up with you,” Stella said.