Salesmen on the Rise by Cheryl Dragon Read Free Book Online Page B

Normally, she could find the flaws quickly in the men she dated, which accounted for her turnover. Her instincts for what customers wanted translated to men, and so far, these men were great. The fear that she’d screw up something good started to spread, but Owen wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and the chill went away for now. They could be friends.
    “We’ll show you the best of the fest and then take you home for a quiet night of movies on the couch. I don’t like the lack of connection either, so I’ve got the best cable package and streaming options,” Owen said.
    “Movie geek,” Don teased.
    Owen nodded. “And proud of it. This place needs a movie theater and maybe a strip mall.”
    “Outlet mall,” Zoe suggested. “Shopping online is fine, but sometimes, it’s just nice to stroll and to try things on before you buy them.”
    “You can’t stroll around Main Street?” Cam asked.
    “It’s not the same. People want to talk to you.” Zoe shook her head.
    Owen chuckled. “True. In a mall, people ignore you. Here, it’s like everyone needs to know you and take an interest.”
    “The horror.” Don laughed.
    “It is weird. Almost like my parents’ church. The people there are just too nice. It’s fake.” Jar looked out the window. “It’s not fake here. It’s normal.”
    Zoe caught Cam and Don exchanging looks in the front seat. They were concerned, and she’d never meant to come down negatively on the town. “I love the quiet and the friendly people. I do miss more events though. I mean, something more than a movie or bingo night.”
    “Like what?” Don asked.
    “Having a movie theater with new stuff would be great. A wine tasting. An opening of a club or a play. An art showing. Something special now and then.” Zoe sighed.
    “Well, maybe you should set something up?” Jar suggested.
    Cam parked the SUV, and they piled out. Main Street was exceptionally crowded today.
    The tons of cars and people looked odd, but to Zoe, it was a pleasant change. “Me? I don’t know Lucky Spring well enough to plan stuff like that. Who knows what people would like? They like festivals.”
    “Try talking to them more often, and maybe, you’ll find out?” Don suggested.
    “Yeah, you’re in marketing. Figure out what Lucky Springs wants and make it happen.” Cam led the way to the first food stall and bought a bucket of Cajun pops, whatever they were. Everyone dug in. Zoe tried the spicy, breaded concoction and approved.
    “I don’t have a budget. At work, I have money to spend. How do I put on an event with nothing?” Zoe wanted to change the subject, but she’d bitched about the lack of options. Giving up and doing nothing would be like accepting defeat.
    “I’m sure local artists or whatever would donate their time and help you out. That’s the fun part of a small town. People don’t always expect a payout. They might ask you for a favor down the line, but they’re happy to help.” Don led the way as they turned off Main Street to the big town park and field area.
    Tents and games went on for blocks behind Main Street. The fest was huge!
    Her mind whirled on event options as she studied the signs. She and the guys walked along and chatted with people. Zoe couldn’t believe the number of names she remembered. Everyone who stopped knew hers, as well. Kids ran by with stout ice cream cones, and her stomach grumbled to indulge in the food.
    “Grab us a table, and we’ll get a sampling of the local foods. People come from surrounding towns to sell their goodies, so it’s a change from the usual if nothing else.” Cam winked at her and pointed to a big tent with nothing but picnic tables where people were eating.
    Zoe headed into the grassy area, glad she’d worn practical shoes. Claiming a free table without anything sticky on it, she caught a glimpse of her three best friends with four men a few tables away. Lizzie waved her over, and Zoe nodded. Lizzie stood up on the bench, the