Chapter 24
24
Brylee
I glance at the chalkboard menu above the counter, the soft murmur of conversation filling the cozy coffee shop. I inhale deeply, allowing the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee to envelop my senses as I waited for Leo.
“Sorry I'm late,” Leo says, sliding into the seat across from me. A hint of amusement dances in his warm brown eyes. “I got caught up in a conversation with Mrs. Thompson about her cat's new diet.”
“Typical,” I reply, a playful smile touching my lips as I take a sip of my black coffee. “Now that you're here, we need to discuss our plan.”
“Agreed,” Leo nods. “We should start by researching any legal loopholes or alternative plans that could help us.”
“Great idea,” I say, enthusiasm lighting up my green eyes. “We'll need to dig deep and consult with experts if necessary. Let's head to the library after we finish our coffee.”
We must come up with a solution to our problem and fast. Time is speeding by and I can’t lose the bookstore. Lawson Ridge deserves better than what the mayor is doing, and something has to give.
“I found an obscure law from the early 1900s stating that any building designated as a historical landmark cannot be demolished without approval from the Historical Preservation Committee.”
“Leo, that's amazing!” I exclaim, heart swelling with hope. “If we can get this building classified as a historical landmark, Mayor Collins won't be able to touch it!”
Even if I can’t save the Page Turners, the building needs to remain. It’s part of our history and shouldn’t be torn down to bring in some fancy coffee shop or large chain restaurant.
“Let's gather our findings and start putting together a solid case to present to the committee.”
We pour over an array of documents, eyes weary but determined. The air is thick with the scent of old paper and ink, a tangible reminder of the history I seek to protect.
“Ugh, another dead end,” I mutter, rubbing my temples as I stare at the document. “This zoning law doesn't apply to our situation at all.”
We return to the research, fingers brushing against each other as we sift through the pages.
“Right here,” Leo points to a passage on the yellowed page, his warm breath tickling my ear. I blink away the flurry of butterflies in my stomach and focus on the text before me.
“This might be exactly what we need. Good catch, Leo.”
We start building the case to save the building, armed with the knowledge we have fought so hard to uncover, whatever challenges lay ahead, Leo and I will face them together – stronger, wiser, and braver than ever before.
We take turns delivering the well-rehearsed arguments, ironing out any lingering imperfections. As each hour passes, conviction grows stronger, fueled by the shared determination to save the commercial center from Mayor Collins' plans.
Just as we are about to call it a night, Leo's phone buzzes with an urgent message. He reads it quickly, his face paling. “It looks like Mayor Collins caught wind of our plan. She's scheduled a town hall meeting Thursday to rally support for her own proposal.”
“Can you say 'damage control?” I mutter, feeling a flare of anger at the mayor's tactics. “We need to get in front of this.”