“I shouldn’t be here,” Lani whispered.
“Why are you then?”
“Mrs. C made me come.”
“She’s like a pit bull when she wants something.”
“I need to go.”
“You’re here, so stay. Unless you have somewhere to be?”
“This is not my business.”
“Everyone should show concern about the environment, Lani.”
She looked at him, one brow lifting.
“If they’re genetically modifying food, it could affect the environment around here.”
“So, why do you think they’re finally showing their hand?” Hope asked from the row in front of them. Clearly she’d been listening to their conversation too. “I mean, they’ve been in town for months.”
“Bowing to pressure, maybe?” Newman said.
They talked around him and he listened, but also watched Lani from the side of his eye. She was twisting her hands together.Uncomfortable,he thought. Looking to the stage, Noah watched someone set up a camera to record everything that was said tonight.
He felt Lani move, and looking her way, saw she was sinking lower in the seat. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
“You look like a teenager.”
“What?” She shot him a look.
“Slouched in your seat,” Noah explained. “Like you’re going to get detention.”
“You do a bit,” Buster agreed. Lani sat upright.
“You found somewhere to stay yet, or do I need to give you one of my rooms?” Noah decided he’d give himself an alibi. If she thought he’d talked to Mrs. C, it was likely she’d refuse anything offered.
“It’s none of your business.”
“I told you what I’d do, Lani.”
“I’m staying above the shop, and not because of you, but Mrs. C.”
“Excellent.”
“Don’t smirk.”
“No smirking here.”
Soon the hall was full, and everyone fell silent as two men and a woman walked down the aisle and took the steps up to the stage. Beside him, Lani slouched again.
What is her deal?
“What’s the problem here?” The seats weren’t wide, and he could feel the length of her thigh down his.
“What?”
