Chapter 8
8
Brylee
Page turners is filled with kids out for summer break. For the most part, they act amicable, but some show their backside occasionally. Tyler is sitting in the corner by the window devouring some fantasy book. The poor kid doesn’t have the best home life so getting lost in a made-up world probably does him a lot of good.
The front doors creak open and in walks the mayor’s assistant. “Hey. We’re holding an emergency meeting at the town hall in fifteen minutes. Going around to the businesses to let people know. See you there.”
As fast as she walks in, she departs, leaving me puzzled. An emergency meeting? How did she expect people to be able to drop everything and attend on such short notice?
“Do you want to go, or you want me to?” I ask Sarah, my helper for the day.
“I’ll stay here. Doesn’t sound like a good meeting anyway.”
I grab my purse and slide my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. Hopefully, this meeting won’t take too long.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” I yell to Sarah.
The sun is shining, and the Texas humidity messes up my hair almost instantaneously as I walk down the steps. I pull my sunglasses out of my purse and put them on before going any further. People are heading over to the town hall which is just down the road.
“Hey, Mr. Jenkins. Heading over to the meeting?”
“Sure am. Can’t wait to figure out what this one is about. Maybe they are finally going to bring us a car dealership. Having to drive an hour to the nearest one sucks.”
More and more people follow in behind us, and it seems like we aren’t the only ones wondering what is so special about this impromptu meeting. Candace runs up behind me and jerks me backward.
“So glad I caught up to you. If I have to sit next to someone else for this… well, I probably wouldn’t go. My boss chose me to come so I can relay whatever it is back to all of them.”
“So, they made you the glorified messenger?”
“Pretty much, but at least I get to spend it with you.”
Candace works so much now that we’ve only been able to hang out a couple of times in the few weeks I’ve been back. As an adult, I understand the grind of making money, but I’ve always been fond of balancing work and life.
The town hall buzzes as the residents of Lawson Ridge wait for Mayor Abigail Collins to step up to the podium. My heart pounds, standing near the back of the room, feeling the weight of the impending announcement. We have monthly meetings, but this is unscheduled. Most are still at work at three in the afternoon, so the room isn’t as full as it could be.
“What do you think this is about? Bad news? Good news?”
She brushes her hair off her shoulder. “Probably not good considering we aren’t due one of these for two weeks. I don’t really like our mayor anyway. So glad the next election is next year.”
Before I can ask what she means by that, there are footsteps on the stage and then a voice coming out from the podium.
“Afternoon, everyone,” Mayor Collins says, her voice carrying authority silencing the murmurs of the crowd. “I am here today to share some exciting news with you all. In keeping with our commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved town, we have moved forward with plans to construct a new commercial center right here in Lawson Ridge.”
A murmur ripples through the crowd, some shifting while others exchange worried glances.
“Unfortunately," Mayor Collins continues, "in order to make this dream a reality, sacrifices must be made. It is with a heavy heart I inform you the land where our beloved Page Turners now resides will need to be repurposed for the new development.”
Gasps echo throughout the room, and the air is sucked out of my lungs. I clutch the edge of a nearby chair to steady myself. This is why no one has mentioned this to me since I’ve been back. They have bigger plans and don’t want me to be able to keep the bookstore afloat. A hidden agenda.
“Please understand this decision was not made lightly,” Mayor Collins says, her eyes scanning the room. “We believe this commercial center will bring new opportunities and jobs to our town, helping us grow and thrive.”
My chest tightens as memories flood my mind—memories of countless hours spent within the walls, both as a patron and an employee. Page Turners is my refuge, my sanctuary during the tumultuous times following the divorce. It is more than a building; it is a symbol of strength and resilience.
As I glance around the room, the same pain mirrors in the faces of others. Page Turners isn't only important to me; it is a haven for many in the community. A place where friendships are formed, knowledge is shared, and dreams are nurtured.
“Mayor Collins,” I call out, voice surprisingly steady despite the emotions coursing through me. “What about the people who rely on our store? The children who come to learn and explore, the elderly who find solace in its quiet corners?”
“I understand your concern,” Mayor Collins replies, my gaze unwavering. “But sacrifices must be made for the greater good. We must prioritize the future of Lawson Ridge.”
“Isn't our local commerce part of that future?” I counter, voice rising with passion. “It's more than a building. You can't rip it away from us. It’s been the local bookstore for decades.”
The room falls silent, all eyes on me and Mayor Collins as we lock gazes, resolute in our convictions. For me, this is more than a fight for a building—it is a fight for the soul of Lawson Ridge. And I am not going down without a battle.
“If you would like to discuss this more, you can come by my office anytime.”
What am I going to do? If they tear it down, I will be unemployed. Doesn’t the town understand Page Turners is a special place? Not everyone can afford new books, and it helps our kids. Shouldn’t they be encouraging kids to learn and read? Tearing it down did the opposite. There must be something we can do.
I shake my head and storm out with a heavy mind going back to the bookstore. I stand at one of the large windows and watch children playing in the park across the street. Taking a deep breath, I turn away from the window and pace the length of the store, hair bouncing with each step. I can't accept the mayor's plans without a fight.
Think, Brylee, think . I wring my hands. My mind races with possibilities, each more far-fetched than the last. And then, like a bolt of lightning, an idea struck me. If I can rally the support of the community, maybe we can convince Mayor Collins to reconsider her plans. I can get the bank to see reason.
“Of course,” I whisper, excitement bubbling up. “We'll show her how much this means to us.”
I pull out my phone and scroll through the contacts. First, I call my best friend. “We have to save the bookstore.”
“Count me in,” she replies without hesitation. “What's the plan?”
“First, we're going to organize a protest,” I say. “We'll gather outside Town Hall and show Mayor Collins the people of Lawson Ridge stand behind it.”
“Great idea,” she agrees. “I'll spread the word and get some posters made.”
“We need to reach out to the local businesses and organizations that benefit from our programs. They can write letters of support and speak at the next town meeting.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll start making calls tomorrow.”
“Together, we're going to save it.”
As I hang up the phone, a surge of determination courses through my veins. This isn't about protecting a building—it is about preserving the heart and soul of Lawson Ridge. And with the help of my friends and neighbors, we have a fighting chance.
Mayor Collins picked the wrong battle.