ChapterTwenty-Four
LAYLA
Nerves are swirling in my belly. This is the day I’ve been dreading.
The fateful town council meeting.
And I’m here by myself.
Simon was needed at the ranch for a potential security issue. I can’t fault him for being there. I just hate that I didn’t even get to see him last night because of Blake’s bachelor party.
Thankfully, he helped me rehearse my speech before he left.
I only wish he were here with me now. Because this is the reason that we’re even together.
Watching everyone file in and take their seats, I smooth a hand down the front of my suit jacket.
I didn’t want to take any chances. The black felt drab, but hopefully it will impress the town council.
“Layla. How are you today?” Mrs. Bush asks, handing me a copy of the agenda. Her thick, cat-eye glasses make her eyes the size of saucers.
“I’m well. How are you doing?” My voice is syrupy sweet. I don’t want to give these people any ammunition to use against me.
“Fine.” She pushes her glasses farther up her nose. “You’ll notice you’re second on the discussion list this evening.”
“Thank you.”
I take a seat toward the front, studying every single person on the town council. Most of the council members are older. They’re people I remember from my childhood. With Gramps being so active in Dixon, we knew everyone.
And I hate the judging looks they’re giving me.
These people know me. They know what kind of person I am. I hate that it’s even up for discussion right now.
“Welcome everyone to the town council meeting. We have a few items to address, and then we will open the floor to any concerns from citizens.”
Brad’s eyes drift across the room, settling on me, before going back to the agenda at hand. He waxes poetic about some new business that is supposedly coming into town. Having to deal with him in order to run my business has always been one of the downsides of Pinstripes & Push-Ups.
But it’s my dream. If I have to deal with this asshat every few months, so be it.
Brad nods to Mrs. Bush, who clears her throat.
“Next item on the agenda is the future of Pinstripes & Push-Ups.” I hate how excited Mrs. Bush sounds. Brad is sitting next to her, a flat look on his face. “We are going to hear from the owner, Layla Winchester.”
Wiping my hands on my pants, I stand up and approach the microphone standing in the center of rows of chairs.
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Layla Winchester. I have lived in Dixon my entire life. I love this town. I knew I wanted to give back to my community here. Pinstripes & Push-Ups has been a part of this town for years. Whether it’s Dixonites coming in or tourists, every person is welcome at my store.”
I clear my throat, and look at each council member sitting at the table in front of me. Some look bored. Some are shifting through the papers in front of them. Others, like Mrs. Bush, look like their minds have already been made up.
I steel my spine. Surely they have to see reason, right?
“I provide jobs for people in town. I attend all the town council meetings. I donate to charities in town and pay my taxes and rent on time. This business has been my dream for as long as I can remember.” My voice starts to crack. “I love being able to create for the people of this town. I love seeing the faces of everyone when they leave, feeling better about themselves. I hope you can see the contribution I make to this town and will allow Pinstripes & Push-Ups to continue thriving in this community.”
A few people clap as I finish my speech.
“You sell lingerie.” Mrs. Bush’s lips are pulled into a thin line. So thin, they look like one straight orange lipstick thread. “Your bedroom activities do not need to be thrown in everyone’s faces.”
The disdain dripping from her voice makes it sound like I’m parading around town naked.
