“You name those clipboards,” I say. “Don’t pretend you don’t.”
“At least my clipboards get things done.” Her hands squeeze into fists at her sides. “Your plans fall apart faster than your attention span.”
Mayor Thomas taps the microphone again, and it’s screeching through the speakers. “What message are we sending about our town by attending this event?”
“That we’re polished, forward-thinking, community-driven.” Jade says each word defined and ice cold, but her eyes are on mine. “We’ve prepared custom brochures, local products fordisplay, and a digital slideshow highlighting our annual festivals and small business growth.”
“Also, that we’re real”, I add. “Friendly. Not some Pinterest-perfect town full of brochures no one reads.”
“They do read them.” Her voice rises an octave, sharp and tremulous, like she’s losing control. “They’re concise and well-designed.”
“Nothing says authentic hometown charm like a bullet-point list about horseback riding lessons and s’mores by the campfire.”
She pokes my chest with her clipboard, harder than I expect. “Alright, we have discussed this.”
“Clara Clip hurts. Be careful.” My hand reflexively touches my chest, not because it hurts, but for dramatics.
“Her name is not Clara!”
“Linda List?”
Her stare turns venomous. “The Fox booth is doing an interactive lasso toss game, seat saddle for photo ops, and free slushie samples. Not a bulletin list.”
“I’m sure there’ll be lots of lists.”
“It’s better than sitting around a booth chewing jerky all day.”
“I guess that depends on who you ask.”
“This wasn’t a trick question.” The mayor holds up his hands. “I want the public to see a united front. Not whatever this is.”
This is pure torture in the highest degree.
The mayor covers the microphone and leans away from it, addressing the rest of the council. “We’re lucky these two aren’t going. Their bickering over nothing wouldn’t be a good look for the town.”
I clear my throat. “Thomas, we can hear you.”
“He’s not wrong,” Josie chuckles.
“All in favor that Jade and Hart attend the event together, show of hands.” Faye raises her hand, and Wilma follows.
“No. No voting.” Jade doesn’t mince words.
“I do agree these two need a vacation.” Rita raises her hand.
I agree that one should be sober before voting.
A mixed signal of hands rise up from the crowd as the mayor announces it’s not up for a vote.
I feel the anger growing inside me.
“Y’all better put your hands down. Unless you’re ready for what comes next.”
3: COWGIRLS AND COCKTAILS
JADE
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