“Well, I didn’t expect to be at further odds with my son tonight. I believe in Haven’s, but I also believe in Donut Heaven. I believe in choice. In opportunity. My son’s right, Donut Heaven does source from around the world, and they do have their own construction company.” He gazed toward the slimy Mr. Elliot. “My colleague was remiss on that detail. But choice is the heart of the American dream. Freedom. Opportunity.” Oh brother. Sam glanced toward the door, half expecting Uncle Sam to enter waving an American flag. “We love our traditions here, but we also must grow with the times. We can’t live in the past.” His gaze landed on Sam. “We have to recognize things are not always as they seem. Most of the downtown buildings are in disrepair, including Haven’s. I happen to know the leaking roof only recently got repaired. Still, we can keep up our quaint, small-town look while still modernizing. Donut Heaven will bring in highway traffic. The more we let the town businesses grow, the more we all grow.
“I’m sure the esteemed committee members are aware of the term ‘brain drain.’ That refers to a community losing its younger generation to other towns that can offer more employment, higher salaries, and a better quality of life. Hearts Bend must remain competitive with Ashland City, with Huntsville, with Nashville, to keep our younger people living and working here. And the best way to do that is to bring new businesses and new jobs to town.” A light applause erupted when Frank returned to his seat. He’d been eloquent and stately.
When no one else rose to speak, Art huddled with his council to take a vote, their voices rising and falling in what appeared to be good-natured debate. This was it, right here and now. Sam felt jittery, as if he should’ve done something more.
After a few minutes, Art hammered the gavel. “The council wants more time to investigate and review documents.” The room erupted in chatter, and he banged again. “Until next week. Meeting adjourned.”
Chapter 16
“Iguess we’ve another week to wait.” Frank met Sam and Chloe on the sidewalk outside the city hall. The air was thin, if not a bit cool, with a starlit night washing over them.
“You presented your case well,” Sam said with a bit of hesitation. Chloe slipped her hand into his for support. Speaking to Frank this way was huge for Sam.
“I had a speech writer, Sam. You spoke from the heart. I think the council will lean your way.” Frank clapped him on the shoulder. “In fact, I’ll ensure they do.”
“Don’t, Frank. Let them decide for the town.”
“I’m a town member, aren’t I? I can give my two cents.” Frank started to go but turned back to Chloe. “Don’t worry about your mother while you’re in France. Janice and I will take care of her.”
“Oh, um, th-thank you, Frank.”
“France?” Sam gazed down at her, the white of his eyes evident even in the darkness. “You’re going to France?”
“Well, I’ll leave you to discuss it,” Frank said. “Sam, call me when you can. I’d like to talk to you about something.”
Sam turned from his father, searched her face. “Chloe, what’s this about France?”
“Care for a cruller and chocolate milk?” Chloe started for the bakery, trying to find the pieces of her rehearsed speech about France and Jean-Marc’s surprise. When she’d set Sam up with comfort food in the corner booth, and a few petit fours for herself, she told him the whole story. Vivienne’s call. The surprise. Her need to go to Paris.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I meant to but then we were getting ready for the town council meeting.”
Sam dipped his cruller in the chocolate milk but didn’t take a bite. “Sounds more like an excuse. We weren’t that busy with the town council meeting. Or the bakery.”
“I know…I’m sorry. I guess I wanted the right moment to tell you. It never occurred to me Mom would tell Frank. Or that he’d tell you.”
Sam’s smile relieved a bit of the tension. “No one would’ve anticipated that one.”
“It feels weird to talk to you about Jean-Marc. I don’t want you to think I’m comparing you to him, or that there’s no room in my heart for you because of him.”
“I get it. Look, babe, go.” Sam took her hands in his. “But come back to me, please.”
“Of course. I love my job, I love you. Mom still needs me.”
He smiled, the one with the right side of his mouth tugging a little higher. “That’s the first time you’ve said that.”
Her cheeks felt warm. “I guess it is.”
After a moment, he turned his gaze back to his snack. “So, what’s this surprise Jean-Marc has for you?” Sam dipped his cruller again and took a bite.
“I have no idea.” Chloe considered one of the petit fours but decided against them. It was too late for such rich treats.
“You have to have some idea. What were things you two wanted to do? Did you own a house? What about a car?”
“I didn’t need a car. I biked to work.”
“Ah, the mystery of your amazing legs, finally solved.”
