7. 1100 PM
SEVEN
11:00 PM
A QUIET GOODBYE
“ T he winner, and your next elected mayor. Sophia Tucker.”
I put my head in my hands, taking a moment to let the announcement settle in. I can hear my entire team cheering, Beth the loudest. I raise my hands to the crowd to thank them before stepping off the podium to excited congratulations and embraces.
It feels like everything is surreal. Time passes as if I’m in a dream as I make my way through the room with Beth at my side. She has the biggest smile on her face, and I think she can tell I’m a little overwhelmed as she pulls me aside and into a room off the main hall.
“You did it.” She holds me tight.
“I can’t believe it.” I wave my hands in front of my face to stop the tears that are threatening to fall.
“And you did it your way.” The look of pride on her face causes a tear to tumble down my cheek. “Oh no, no tears. You’ll ruin your makeup. And we can’t have Mayor Tucker with smudged eyes.”
“Thank you, Beth. You’ve been with me all this time. I couldn’t have done it without you. We’re going to make this city so much better for everyone who lives in it.”
“We are. But first, you’re going to enjoy this moment while I go home to see my son and husband. I’ve missed them.” Beth smiles at me.
“Yes, of course. Go. Take the next few days off. Please.”
She snorts a laugh. “Maybe I’ll come in late tomorrow, but I’ll be in. We’ve got a lot of work to do, Mayor.”
We embrace again before she leaves.
For a few more moments, I remain standing alone in the quiet room, allowing the victory to settle in.
“I did it,” I tell no one in particular.
“You did.” The gravelly voice comes from the doorway. Lincoln is standing there, leaning against the frame. “And you did it your way. All along, I knew you could do it. You’re the only one to beat me at my own game.”
He steps into the room, his presence filling the space and confusing my senses. I really shouldn’t be alone with this man. He’s my enemy. Except he isn’t anymore. He’s something else, but I don’t know what that is exactly.
“You looked good up there,” he says with a smile.
“Don’t tell me you’re a fan now,” I tease.
He laughs. “Let’s just say I respect your tenacity.”
For a moment, we stand directly in front of each other in silence.
“What happens now?” I ask.
He shrugs “I’ve worked non-stop for years and always gotten my own way. It’s nice not to have won, for once. I think I’m going to take a holiday. I don’t really know what one of those is like.”
“You’re not as terrible as I thought.”
“Tell that to ex-Mayor Weston. I suspect he thinks I’m the devil right now.” He looks toward the window, and I notice the blue flashing lights outside. “The police have just shown up to arrest him for accepting bribes and all the other corrupt things he’s done wrong. I’ve just finished giving them the evidence and providing a statement.”
“What!” I exclaim in shock. “But…”
“He needs to pay for what he’s done. You made me realize that I had to be the one to reveal his corruption, not you. Thank you for showing me that.”
Lincoln leans forward and presses a tender kiss to my forehead. I look up at him, and when our eyes meet, we stare at each other intently. The feelings flooding through me are nothing like I’ve felt before.
“What will you do after your holiday?” I ask, fearing his answer.
There’s a good chance Lincoln Caldwell could disappear from my life, and I realize that’s something I don’t want.
“What do you want me to do?” he questions.
“Call me,” I reply without any hesitation.
Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, and I lose myself in the moment, savoring it before he pulls away.
“It will be my pleasure, Mayor Tucker.”
Without another word, Lincoln turns and leaves me alone in the room, once again, and I feel a strange mix of emotions.
Relief.
Hope
A hint of longing.
Whatever the future holds, I’m certain of one thing. In the space of a single day, Lincoln Caldwell has changed me as much as I’ve changed him.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s a win for both of us.
The End