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Karren explained how Maye had encouraged her to stand up for herself, even if it was uncomfortable. The scare served as a gentle reminder for Maye not to let her own emotions affect how she interacted with people and the methods she used.

During her next couple of appointments, Maye tried in a roundabout way to ask if she had offered any other advice that was perhaps a bit more aggressive than she normally would have. She was relieved to find no further evidence.

When her lunch hour rolled around, Maye took the opportunity to cross off an item on her to-do list that had been hanging around too long.

- 11 -

Greenville Fall Fest Volunteer

The walk from Maye’s office to the Greenville Town Hall was doable, but not during depression week when the humidity was two hundred percent. Maye chose the solitude of her car for the trip to Town Hall.

Inside, the Town Hall was quiet except for the raging air conditioner in the window by the entry door. Maye walked up to the counter that spanned the width of the room and tapped on the bell. Maye was a bit startled when Todd Samsonite popped up from behind the counter.

“Oh, hey there!” He said just a little louder than normal conversation volume. “Didn’t hear ya come in.”

“Hi…” Maye sneaked a glance at his nametag to make sure she remembered correctly. “Todd. Good to see you again.”

“What’s that?” Todd leaned in and turned an ear toward Maye. “The AC’s pretty loud, so you gotta speak loudly. Heck of a noisemaker, but keeps the place as frigid as a polar bear’s a—ah…well, it keeps it pretty cold in here.”

Maye cleared her throat and figured she would just skip the small talk and jump right into the reason she was there, but she’d have to wait a little longer.

“Yeah,” Todd continued. “I had it installed when I worked this desk here as a clerk. Feels like years ago now. That’s why I still like to ‌help out at the desk here when I can. When I’m not too busy with Mayor’s office stuff.”

Todd made his way around the counter and over to the air conditioner in the window.

“You know, I was the one who had it installed in this window by the door. To keep all the visitors cool. They come first.”

Todd adjusted the fan to turn it down so he could speak at a more reasonable volume.

“Also, when it was installed in the window behind the counter, it blew the papers all over the place. Heaven forbid we mix up one complimentary manure delivery.” Todd chuckled.

“Yeah, can’t have that.” Maye added.

“So after it happened for a third time, I said no more. And we moved it to this window. Anyway, what can I do ya for?”

“I wanted to inquire about volunteering for the Fall Fest,” Maye said. “Are you still looking for helpers?”

“Oh, heck yeah. We’re always looking to add some good people to our crew. What position do you have in mind? We have setup and breakdown, parking attendant, game booth operator, electrical inspector—”

“I’m sorry,” Maye interrupted. “The electrical inspector is a volunteer position? That seems like something that someone qualified should do, no?”

“Oh, right, of course,” Todd said. “We have a town inspector who goes over everything, but we like to have a practice run to make sure we’re good for the official inspection. Um, let’s see…game booth operator, stability inspector—”

Maye raised a hand. “I hate to keep doing this, but…stability inspector?”

“To test the bouncy houses,” Todd confirmed.

“How about you just put me wherever you need me?” Maye said. “I am happy to help out however I can.”

“Excellent choice,” Todd said as he scribbled in a notebook that was covered with pumpkin and leaf stickers. “So,” Todd continued. “Anything else I can help you with today?”

“Nope,” Maye said. “That was it. So will I get a call or an email with my assignment? How does that work?”

“Yeah, we’ll get in touch with you one way or another. Actually—” Todd paused mid thought and then grinned. “How would you like to be the official Greenville Fall Festival Volunteer Coordinator?”

“Did you just think of that idea, Todd?”

“Well, in the past, we sort of just saw people around town, and most of the volunteers were already part of another committee, so it was easy to get in touch with them. But the last couple years, the Fall Fest has really expanded, so I think it’s time for an official Volunteer Coordinator. And I think you just might be the right person for the job.”