A Valentine for Kayla by Kimberly Rose Johnson

evenings, when she’s tired.”
    â€œThat makes sense.”
    She rested her chin on the palm of her hand. “As you know, the Spring Festival is the biggest event we hold in Oak Knoll, so we go all out. I’m in charge of entertainment. We always have face painting and various booths for the kids to play games. Last year we rented inflatables, which were a big hit. My budget is larger this year, so I’m considering bringing in miniature ponies, as well. What do you think?”
    â€œAny kid would be thrilled. What do you do for the teens?”
    She bit her bottom lip. The teenagers always slipped through the cracks, and she had no idea what to do. “In the past, several of them have manned the kiddie stations. What do you suggest? My budget is gone unless I don’t do the ponies.”
    â€œI suggest skipping the ponies. What about a dunk tank or movie in the park?”
    She pulled a notepad and pen from her purse and wrote his suggestion down. “It’s too cold for a dunk tank, but the movie could work. It’d have to be family friendly, though. What other ideas do you have?”
    â€œWhat about a concert with a local band?”
    She shook her head. “We’ve done that in the past. There should be someone working on that already.”
    â€œYou may have the teens covered, then, if the band is good.”
    â€œMargie, the festival coordinator, usually gets the same group every year and they’re not bad.”
    He chuckled. “ Not bad isn’t exactly a glowing review.”
    She shrugged. “I imagine not bad is all this town can afford.”
    â€œWhere do I fit into this?” He sipped his mocha.
    â€œI’m not sure exactly.” Her face heated. She’d indicated that she had a job for him only because she’d wanted an excuse to spend time with him. “There’s a committee to make sure all of this happens.”
    â€œWhat do you do during the festival?”
    â€œHopefully nothing. I try to plan to the nth degree, but if someone doesn’t show for a shift, I find a substitute. Honestly, I’m pretty busy at the flower shop during the festival. All the stores run a special sale, and I’m stuck at the register much of the time.”
    â€œHow about you put me down as a substitute? If you need someone to fill in, let me know.”
    â€œReally? That’s nice of you. I was thinking more behind the scenes. Like maybe setup, but I like your idea.” The only problem was she wouldn’t get to spend any extra time with him if that was all he did. Her cell rang. “I’m sorry.” She pulled it from her purse and frowned. “I need to take this. It’s the festival coordinator.”
    â€œNo problem.”
    â€œHi, Margie. What’s up?”
    â€œThe mayor wants to do a parade this year! Can you believe it?”
    â€œA parade?” Kayla wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. It would definitely complicate things.
    â€œYes, and he wants all the businesses to enter floats.”
    Kayla groaned. “How am I supposed to coordinate the entertainment, run a business and create a parade float? It’s impossible.”
    â€œI know it will be a challenge for the smaller businesses, but I’m sure you could get volunteers to help.”
    Kayla’s stomach knotted. This was not what she’d signed up for.
    â€œThere’s one more thing,” Margie said. “I don’t know how we could hold a parade with the bounce house and obstacle course inflatables set up on Main Street. It would be a logistical nightmare.”
    â€œWhat are you saying exactly?”
    â€œNix the inflatables.”
    â€œBut they were a huge hit last year. We saw more foot traffic than ever before, which translates into sales for the downtown district.” She clenched and unclenched her hand. A technique she’d learned as a teen to help release tension.
    Derek