57. Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Emma
“Ahem.” The microphone squeaks in my hand. “Hello, I’m Emma Osborne, and I’m honored to take my place on the council and ecstatic to have been chosen by the student body. Thank you for voting for me.”
The crowd is a sea of house colors, but I focus on my little dot and their cheers of encouragement. My family waits at the edge of the stage for me, while Languid Lake stands cold and murky next to us as a background for the misty autumn morning.
“My first order of business is a complete rework of the structure of the culinary club. Dacre and I have decided on a list of changes, as follows: all students will be allowed to audition at their discretion. The requirements to enter have changed, so we strongly encourage anyone interested to apply again. There is no limit to the number of students who may attend. We want to create a welcoming environment in the culinary club, and we’re hoping you’ll join us for a completely new chapter. ”
I motion to Dacre, who is standing just feet away. We’ve practiced this a few times in my room. Dacre takes my place at the podium, but when I try to walk off, he motions for me to stay.
“My fellow students. I want to formally congratulate Emma Osborne on her achievements and on her initiation into the newly founded culinary board. I’d also like to announce my resignation from the council at this time.
I have other priorities and plan on a great working relationship as we build the culinary club back to the glory it once had years ago.
I want to thank you for your support over the years.
I’m confident that I’m passing the torch to someone who will serve you better. ”
We walk hand in hand down the steps as the crowd cheers. It’s all a blur.
“How do you feel?” I ask, squeezing Dacre’s hand.
“Free for the first time in my life.” Dacre smiles and kisses my cheek.
I swear that Dacre looks more handsome by the day. While my hair is a frizzy mess from the fog, Dacre’s looks good, slicked back and wet.
This is the change I want to make, and the council is the perfect place to make a true difference on campus. Zant is stoked to show me the ropes. Finally, I can put my energy into a place where it will matter, and I still get to be in the culinary club.
Luther and Verity were not happy about the change in management, but the entire thing had to be dismantled after Dacre’s grandfather pleaded guilty and received a plea deal.
He’s getting ten years, but Dacre thinks he’s going to get a reduced sentence down to five.
“You did great!” Evangeline wraps me in a hug, and so does Olivia.
“You too, buddy,” Parker says, hitting Dacre on the shoulder.
Parker turns toward me. “I hope you’re ready for the mountain of work you just put on your plate. Council business is way harder than I thought.”
“Oh, I’m ready. And I won’t be late every morning,” I joke.
I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life. I’m on the right track, making my own choices and leaving my own glitter.
“For winter break, we’re getting a cabin in Groveshire with the family. You coming?” Parker motions to Dacre.
I’ve got my hands warming in his jacket. We’re in the homestretch of the semester, and the cold has started to require coats and mittens, which I forgot in my hurry this morning.
Dacre huffs hot air onto my hands. “I . . . I can’t remember the last time I celebrated a holiday with someone else. Can my sister come?”
“Of course she can.” Parker nearly shouts, while he puts his arm around Olivia.
“I think she’ll die of happiness if she gets to spend the holiday with Olivia,” Dacre whispers to me.
He’s right. Bringing Florence to spend the holiday with Olivia is arguably the best gift we could give her.
“You’ll have to show me all your holiday traditions. We don’t have any.”
I nearly burst at the thought of showing Dacre my hometown and all the things I bake for the holiday.
“Does Florence like crafts? Because I have so many ideas.”
He laughs, and I savor it with my hands on his chest. “Yeah, I think so.”
We watch our group talk back and forth about holiday plans and how the cabin is indeed big enough for every couple to get their own room.
“This is it. Your new people,” I say, hugging Dacre closer and breathing in his scent.
I can’t get enough of him.
“This means I have to be seen with you all in public,” he jokes. “You, I don’t mind, but Parker—”
“Oh, hush.” I wrap my arm around his as we walk on. “You’re stuck with us.”
“No place I’d rather be.”