Say what you want about small towns, but they put in a lot of effort to keep their towns nice. The city is taking time to renovate old buildings, discuss needed improvements, and then follow through with them. The only reason Louise can speak today is that she brought up concerns about the state of the building the museum is housed in, and the board took her concerns seriously.
Next, Ronald discusses the new additions to the community center. The new flooring was put in this week and by next week everything should be complete.
“Thank you, Ronald, for sharing.” Mayor Desmond looks down at the speaking schedule, clearing his throat. “Miss Samantha Williams.”
It’s so quiet in this room that you could hear a pin drop as I step up to the microphone. Putting on a smile, I greet the council. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the board.”
Mr. Brown, a quiet elderly man, leans toward his microphone. “Good evening, Miss Williams. What do you have to report for us this evening?”
“Thank you, Mr. Brown.” I strategically keep my eyes away from the far end of the table where Lori Haverford is sitting. My emotions are still too raw from earlier. “The Christmas Spectacular is quickly coming together. We’ve had to move our work into the warehouse for the time being due to the recent winter weather, but we’re hopeful that we can get back outside soon.”
“You know, I drive by the town square every day and it’s looking a bit lackluster.” Christine Mayhew, a middle-aged teacher, and member of the board announces in an accusatory tone.
“Yes,” I agree with her because she’s not wrong. “It does look underwhelming at the moment, but I can assure you that by Christmas Eve, you will all be blown away. We have a lot that needs to be transported from the warehouse to the town square. It’s ready and waiting for the weather.”
A voice I was hoping wouldn’t pipe up rings out from the end of the table. “I’ve seen that warehouse and I can attest that thereisa lot of stuff going on. It makes one wonder if you are capable of giving Rose Prairie the Christmas Spectacular it deserves.”
This. Bitch.
Swallowing hard I silently count to ten in an attempt to calm myself before responding. “The warehouse is currently being used as a workspace, so yes thereisa lot of work going on. But I can assure you, everything is ready. There’s no one more dedicated to this than I am.”
“Well then,” Mayor Desmond cuts in, “it sounds like we’ll be seeing a magnificent display come Saturday. Thank you Miss Williams.” Bless this man. “Moving right along, the mic is now open for community concerns.”
I look down at my boots as I walk back down the aisle to my seat. I was afraid that something like that was going to happen, but I had hoped it wouldn’t. Of course, Lori couldn’t help herself. It almost makes me think that she wanted the position for herself. Come to think of it, she might have.
The room is filled with awkward silence as we wait for someone—anyone—to approach the microphone. Again, I look at the tiny crowd before me and it appears that no one has anything to add before the meeting is adjourned.
The sound of large boots on the carpet moves down the aisle, and a large back that I know so well walks right past me and straight up to the microphone.
“Good evening, everyone. My name is Levi Ross.” His hands are clenched in fists, the whites of his knuckles showing how hard he’s squeezing. “I’ve decided to speak this evening in support of Sammie, Samantha, Williams.”
Oh, my god.What is Levi doing here? I didn’t hear him come in.
“I’ve had the privilege of being appointed by this board as the carpenter to assist Sammie with fulfilling her vision for the Christmas Spectacular. I know that this event means a lot to so many people, but no one cares as much as Sammie. She’s worked tirelessly to design and create dozens of brand-new attractions for our town’s winter festivity.” He turns around, brown eyes twinkling as he makes eye contact with me. “I’ve never seen someone so dedicated and passionate about Christmas.”
Tears are threatening to pool in my eyes at his support, but I blink them back. He has no idea how much I needed this.
His voice rings out with conviction. “I think the best decision this board could’ve made was hiring Sammie. She doesn't need the people that hired her to be doubting her like this. That’s all.”
Stunned. I’m absolutely stunned. This kind, sweet, handsome man spoke up for me. Not that I needed him to—I’m fully capable of speaking for myself—but no one’s stood up for me so publicly before. I wonder what it must have cost him to get in front of his aunt and speak my praise.
Mayor Desmond’s voice takes over, yanking me from my thoughts. “Thank you, Mr. Ross. Is there anyone else who would like to speak?”
I can’t take my eyes off of Levi as he walks past me and out the doors of city hall.
Chapter Ten
Levi
Uncharacteristic anger sparked through me when those women—my aunt being one of them—judged and doubted Sammie’s hard work. I’ve been with her almost every day for the last three weeks and I couldn’t—wouldn’t—tolerate listening to them speak to her like that.
After seeing Sammie upset earlier, I found that I would do anything I could to keep her from crying again. Whatever it might be to her, this thing between us is far from nothing to me.
Hearing her car door close as she left for the meeting, I found myself grabbing my keys knowing exactly where I would be going. I didn’t want her to face the council alone knowing my aunt would most likely bring up her visit from this afternoon.
Now, as I walk out of the door to city hall, my anger is far from sated. She’d stood there and listened to them doubt her abilities and did her best to articulate her point professionally. But as I watched them listen to her, they were completely unmoved.Nothing could have stopped me from walking up to that microphone.
Slamming the truck door, I drive. Anger isn’t an emotion that comes easily to me. It takes a lot to get me this worked up and my growing feelings for Sammie and the doubt the council was putting on her stirred that fire.
