Even if my polls are still down by two percent in favor of the man standing to my left, Jansen Johnson. Honestly, at this point, I’d beokay if he wins. Throughout these Q&A sessions, he’s impressed me.
But I’m also not a man who will lie down and roll over. I’ll fight for this position until the end. Just to see my commitment through.
As Jay takes his time answering, I look out over the small audience gathered. Many more town members are watching and commenting online, but the meeting room is full of business owners, school representatives, bigwigs of the catfishing industry, and then there are the average men and women who are concerned and involved citizens of the city.
When my turn to answer approaches, I note how I’ve spent the past four years as mayor of Juniper Grove working to make our city a beautiful college town, which in turn has attracted more entrepreneurs. I speak to my history of fighting to lower rent prices and of lowering local taxes so that we could continue to grow as a town. I make a vow to continue my work if reelected.
Questions continue to pour in, and for the next half hour, we take turns answering with various levels of applause as a response. The poor democratic candidate gets minimal applause, and I kind of feel bad for the guy. It’s hard to run on that ticket in Mississippi, regardless if you’re a neutral-leaning Democrat or not. Eventually, Councilman Ladner hands the mic off to the president of the local Baptist association, Pastor Vance Green. The slightly overweight man who is around my age moves to stand in front of the black podium.
“As the president of the Baptist association of this county, I feel the need to call into question some religious aspects of thecandidates.” He gives me a pointed stare, and I inwardly sigh.Here we go.I figured he’d put forth this line of questioning tonight, which is why it’s the perfect time for me and Mallory to become official to the town. It’s all a ruse, of course, but I’m committed to the plan now. I couldn’t tell Emma Jane the truth; she wanted to use us and our “success” for her website. But I also couldn’t surprise her with the rest of the town, so I told Emma Jane on Friday I was asking Mallory because she needed to know beforehand.
Why did I feel like she needed to know beforehand?
No clue.
“I wasn’t the president four years ago when our current mayor was elected to office, but I was vocal about my doubts. You see, the Bible says…”
Vance Greene rambles on about a particular verse in the Book of First Timothy that speaks specifically to being a deacon. However, he attempts to twist the language to insist it also refers to politicians. Last election cycle he was simply an annoyance, but this year, he has a bigger platform. He was appointed to the position for a reason, though it escapes me.
“Mayor Austen, do you care to answer to the community regarding your theological views or stance on leadership as a grown,singleman?”
The door opens, and Emma Jane walks through. My stomach drops.Where is—
Mallory walks in behind Emma Jane, and a smile lights my face at the sight of her.Thank heavens!I thought she’d bailed on me for a minute there. She was supposed to enter before Vance Greengot started.
“I completely disagree with your reading of First Timothy. It does not apply to leadership spheres outside of the church. There is no scriptural evidence for such things. In fact, Paul recommends singleness if one can attain it. Have you read that, Pastor?” I pause for effect, but he only huffs. I continue, “And I’d like to take this time to remind everyone of all the good I’ve done as a single man governing this town. Regardless of my theological opinions, you’re deafeningly wrong in one respect, Pastor Green. I do have a girlfriend. We’ve been dating quietly, and we are now ready to become public.” I gesture to the back of the room. “Everyone, I’d like for you to meet Mallory Granger.”
Heads turn and follow the pretty, confident brunette as she strides to my side, slipping one arm around my waist and planting a light kiss on my cheek. I offer a thankful smile.
I wish I felt something by this intimate contact, but there’s nothing.
When I catch sight of Emma Jane’s back walking out of the door, however, I’m flooded with guilt and a pressing desire to chase her down and tell her it’s all fake.
Would she be upset?Would she be happy?
Why would she be relieved and happy that it’s fake? It’s not like she wants me as anything more than her older friend. She’d probably think me gross if she knew some of the thoughts I’ve had about her recently. Especially after we had that atrocious kiss.
It was bad, by all accounts.
But I wanted to try again. This time, not accidentally. I almost made it real in the moment. I was drawn to her like a moth to aflame. Closed my eyes and let out a whimpered sigh and everything. It was out of my control.
The blood and her groaning pain stopped me and brought me back to my senses.
I shove the thoughts from my mind and focus on the rest of the Town Hall address, answering questions (which now heavily focus on my new “relationship”), noting the progress I’ve made in the city over the past four years, and hitting my talking points for what I will continue to do moving forward.
Emma Jane
Rule #14: Waiting for the right “perfect moment” can bite you in the butt. Allow your clients to go rogue sometimes.
Ionce thought Jane Austen was on my side but that notion is shattered glass on the ground, much like the plate I dropped onto the hardwood floor ten minutes ago.
“Why must I be here tonight?” I ask, setting the long, red oak table with her finest, floral-patterned china. I matched Knightley and Mallory, so I don’t necessarily need to ‘get to know them’ more.
“To show your support,” Jane reiterates for the thousandth time. “You sat on your chance to tell him how you feel.”
“I never had the chance! We had our conversation after he informed me he was asking her to be his girlfriend, if you recall.”
Jane pegs me with a look and swishes her hand in front of her face. “No, ma’am. This is on you, sweet child. You could have told him before our conversation.”
