Chapter 13
Knightley
“Our next question comes from Hadley Rawls, the local owner of Southern Grace Boutique and Gift Market, whose boutique and jewelry brand has spread regionally from right here in Juniper Grove. Mrs. Rawls would like to know each of your plans to not only support and promote small businesses, but also how each of you will help new business startups in the area. She’d like to know your plans on local taxing, bringing down building rent prices, and drawing more consumers into brick-and-mortar stores through town beautification. ”
City councilman, Harry Ladner, sets the microphone down as he motions for democratic candidate, John Lowe, to speak first. This is our final Town Hall Address of the election cycle, and frankly, I’m glad it’s almost over.
Even if my polls are still down by two percent in favor of the man standing to my left, Jansen Johnson. Honestly, at this point, I’d be okay if he wins. Throughout these Q she wanted to use us and our “success” for her website.
But I also couldn’t surprise her with the rest of the town, so I told Emma Jane on Friday I was asking Mallory because she needed to know beforehand.
Why did I feel like she needed to know beforehand?
No clue.
“I wasn’t the president four years ago when our current mayor was elected to office, but I was vocal about my doubts. You see, the Bible says…”
Vance Greene rambles on about a particular verse in the Book of First Timothy that speaks specifically to being a deacon.
However, he attempts to twist the language to insist it also refers to politicians.
Last election cycle he was simply an annoyance, but this year, he has a bigger platform.
He was appointed to the position for a reason, though it escapes me.
“Mayor Austen, do you care to answer to the community regarding your theological views or stance on leadership as a grown, single man?”
The door opens, and Emma Jane walks through. My stomach drops. Where is—
Mallory walks in behind Emma Jane, and a smile lights my face at the sight of her. Thank heavens! I thought she’d bailed on me for a minute there. She was supposed to enter before Vance Green got started.
“I completely disagree with your reading of First Timothy. It does not apply to leadership spheres outside of the church. There is no scriptural evidence for such things. In fact, Paul recommends singleness if one can attain it. Have you read that, Pastor?” I pause for effect, but he only huffs.
I continue, “And I’d like to take this time to remind everyone of all the good I’ve done as a single man governing this town.
Regardless of my theological opinions, you’re deafeningly wrong in one respect, Pastor Green.
I do have a girlfriend. We’ve been dating quietly, and we are now ready to become public.
” I gesture to the back of the room. “Everyone, I’d like for you to meet Mallory Granger. ”
Heads turn and follow the pretty, confident brunette as she strides to my side, slipping one arm around my waist and planting a light kiss on my cheek. I offer a thankful smile.
I wish I felt something by this intimate contact, but there’s nothing.
When I catch sight of Emma Jane’s back walking out of the door, however, I’m flooded with guilt and a pressing desire to chase her down and tell her it’s all fake.
Would she be upset? Would she be happy?
Why would she be relieved and happy that it’s fake? It’s not like she wants me as anything more than her older friend. She’d probably think me gross if she knew some of the thoughts I’ve had about her recently. Especially after we had that atrocious kiss.
It was bad, by all accounts.
But I wanted to try again. This time, not accidentally. I almost made it real in the moment. I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Closed my eyes and let out a whimpered sigh and everything. It was out of my control.
The blood and her groaning pain stopped me and brought me back to my senses.
I shove the thoughts from my mind and focus on the rest of the Town Hall address, answering questions (which now heavily focus on my new “relationship”), noting the progress I’ve made in the city over the past four years, and hitting my talking points for what I will continue to do moving forward.