Millie blinked. “Come in.”
Jessie stepped past the threshold and into the library. She’d never been inside the library before. It was a lovely facility, all new and nice—which meant it had been built in the last twenty years. There were lots of cushy chairs, desks and tables, nice nooks to read in. It was a bit more industrial and less cozy than Jessie would personally prefer, but it made her feel a little sad that this was the first time she had been in the building. Another way that she was just … odd, an outsider.
“What is it you’d like to do?”
“Flynn is helping me out with my canvassing, and he mentioned that it might be a good idea to have a booth with drinks and baked goods. I thought it was a great idea, and I thought the library would be a good location, seeing as you’re his sister-in-law …”
“And Danielle stole my fiancé?”
Jessie choked on a laugh. “Well. I thought that might not hurt.”
“I don’t care that she took him. In fact, it’s the nicest thing anyone ever did for me.”
“Well. You’re not wrong. That guy is a weasel. And so is she. That’s why I’m running against her.”
“I can list a hundred reasons why it’s good you’re running against her. And Austin … He explained to me that Flynn is involved because … you know how it is.”
“I’m getting the picture, yes. As far as the town is concerned, we’re dating.”
Millie looked at her, her eyes bright. “You aren’t, though?”
“No. I think Flynn would rather take some of my hairspray, douse himself with it, and set himself on fire than actually date me.”
“That wasn’t the impression I got,” Millie said softly.
“Oh, he thinks I’m hot,” Jessie said. “I know that. But he doesn’t like me. I think he might sleep with every woman in this town before even considering me. In fact, he seems to be attempting to prove that theory right.”
She felt overly hot and sweaty just saying that, but knew her agitation wasn’t showing. She was being exactly what someone like Millie expected her to be. She was being a straight talker. She was being that honest, slightly risqué version of herself people responded to so well.
“I have no issue with you and Flynn using the parking lot to distribute materials, and I’ll let Danielle hang up her campaign poster.”
“Perfect. And honestly, if she complains, it’s going to look like she feels threatened by me.”
Millie regarded her for a moment. “She should be. I think she’s overestimating her popularity. When I went up against her on the issue of funding Gold Rush Days, her stance wasn’t popular enough to win the vote. She was close, but the loyalty people have to her is directly related to what they think she could do for them. Yes, there are some people who aren’t going to want to give up that connection, but there are plenty of people that will jump ship. The thing is, Danielle isn’t loyal. Because of that, she doesn’t engender a lot of loyalty.”
“That’s what I’m counting on. And the truth is, a lot of people don’t get involved in this community because they don’t think there’s any point. I’m hoping to bring them out of the woodwork.”
“Smart plan.”
“I’m smarter than people think.”
“Do you want to come have dinner at our place tomorrow night? I’m going out with my friend Heather tonight, but tomorrow … You and Flynn could discuss your plans, and the whole family can get their story straight. And we could discuss them canvassing when and where you’d like them to.”
“Great. I’ve also got my horse-shoeing clients. I’ll be talking to all of them. What I’d really like is to hear the concerns that Austinand Carson have as ranchers. Flynn obviously has had a chance to weigh in already.”
“And that is very smart. Because this town isn’t just about tourism.”
“I feel like I occupy a middle position, between businesses that cater to tourists and ranchers. I think we can serve both parts of the community.”
“If anyone can, I think it might be you. I’ve always admired you, Jessie. People have always thought that I was nothing more than the quiet librarian. And for a good portion of my life, I suppose that’s been true. But I’ve always thought you were a badass.”
Millie looked slightly thrilled that the word “badass” had come out of her mouth, even if at a low volume. Jessie could only smile. “And I’ve always known that you were actually a force to be reckoned with, Millie Wilder. Your marrying Austin made it clear that I was right all along.”
“I suppose it did,” she said.
“Well. I’ll see you for dinner. And then for the booth. What’s your favorite baked good?”
Millie frowned. “My favorite baked good?”
