Chapter 26 #2
Everyone sitting behind Tiffany whooped and clapped.
Blaine didn’t dare look at her, or he might lose his nerve.
To the council, he said, “This whole thing is ridiculous. For better or worse, the town approved Ms. Sturgil’s application, and now you’ve got to live with it.
She has the same right to make a living here that all of you do.
She’s an accomplished businesswoman who has run two successful businesses on this island for years.
She pays her taxes just like everyone else.
This is a witch hunt because you’re all afraid of something different.
To you, this is about sex toys and sexy nighties.
To her, it’s about food on the table and a roof over her child’s head. ”
“She’s caused at least one accident on Ocean Road,” one of the councilmen reminded him.
“How was that her fault? Was she driving the car? Did she take her eyes off the road and run into another car? We cited the driver who caused the accident, not her.”
“She caused a distraction.”
“And she’s said she won’t do that anymore.”
“I’m ready for a vote,” the mayor said.
Blaine glanced to the back of the room, pleased to see that everyone was in place.
“Before the council votes, I’d like to remind you that you represent the citizens of this town.
It might be helpful get a sense of where the citizens stand on this matter.
With the election coming up in November, I’d think you’d want to be sure you’re following their wishes. ”
After some whispered discussion among the council members, the mayor said, “I’ll allow that. With a show of hands, how many are opposed to the Naughty & Nice shop remaining open?”
Quite a few hands were raised, including Jim’s and Blaine’s mother’s in the back of the room.
“And how many are in favor of the shop remaining open?”
All the hands on the side of the room where Tiffany sat went up, along with the hand of every police officer, firefighter, first responder, paramedic, ambulance driver and the guys Blaine worked out with at the gym.
He’d even gotten Linc and some of the officers from the coast guard station to come into town for the meeting.
Blaine finally allowed himself to look over at Tiffany and caught the exact moment when she realized what he’d done. Her eyes got very big when she saw the men and women in uniform lining the back wall casting their votes for her.
With their help, she had more than enough votes to sway the council.
“Motion to table the matter of the Naughty & Nice store indefinitely,” Royal said.
“Second,” one of the others said.
“All those in favor?” the mayor asked.
All seven members voted “aye.”
Pandemonium broke out as Tiffany’s family and friends surrounded her to celebrate the victory. The enormous smile on her face pleased him tremendously.
“That was rather ballsy of you, Chief Taylor,” Mayor Upton said over the din of celebration. “Taking on the council that you report to.”
“Some things are more important than jobs.”
“I hope you’ll invite me to the wedding.”
Blaine’s eyes bugged out of his head as he stared at the mayor. “Wedding? What wedding?”
Upton smiled knowingly and started to walk away, shooting over his shoulder, “Get a goddamned haircut, will you?”
Mona, the mayor’s assistant, gave Blaine a hug. “If she won’t marry you, I will.”
Laughing, Blaine hugged her back and saw his mother waiting for a word with him. “You’re on, Mona.”
“I see some things never change,” his mother said, arms crossed and mouth set with displeasure.
“That’s right, Mom. Apparently, I don’t know any other way to fall in love than to go all the way.”
“I honestly hope it works out better this time than it has in the past.”
“It already has. No matter what happens, I’ve already had more with her than I’ve ever had with anyone else.”
“Is that so?” Tiffany asked.
He hadn’t noticed her approach them. Nodding, he looked down at her, greedily taking in every detail of her gorgeous face after several torturous days without her. Sliding his arm around her shoulders and bringing her in close to him, he said, “Mom, this is Tiffany.”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Taylor.”
Because she was too polite not to, his mother shook Tiffany’s outstretched hand. “Likewise. I hope you and your daughter will come to dinner soon so we can get to know each other.”
“We’d love that.”
“Thanks, Mom,” he said, relieved to realize she was going to give Tiffany a chance.
“I’ll see you soon, son,” Mrs. Taylor said, going up on tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
“Yes, you will.”
After his mother walked away, Blaine glanced at his watch. “I need to get back to work.”
“What time are you done?” Tiffany asked.
“Midnight.”
She waggled her finger to bring him down to her and whispered in his ear, “Leave your door unlocked. I want you completely naked in bed. Any questions?”
Just one, Blaine thought. How was he supposed to walk out of town hall sporting an erection? “Um, no. No questions.”
“Good. See you later.”
Tiffany sauntered off to rejoin her sister and the rest of her family, putting some extra wiggle in her walk for his benefit.
It was official—she’d be the absolute living, breathing death of him, and he absolutely couldn’t wait.