Page 2 of Love in the Time of Conversation Hearts

After the council has finished fielding questions for Adam from the audience, he relinquishes the microphone and returns to his seat in front of me. His spiced cologne reminds me of the mulled wine Lauren brought to our last book club meeting in December. I wet my lips at the memory. Not at Adam, who’s smirking so hard I’m afraid his face will be stuck that way. Definitely not him.

“Ms. Bennet?” Councilman Roberts calls.

“Go get ’em, tiger!” Dorothy shimmies in her seat and claps lightly. It blends in with the smattering of applause from the audience. I’m well-known here, and I like to think well-loved. Adam’s a transplant, but I’m a local. And the people of Heartsong love nothing more than to support one of their own.

At least, that’s what I’m hoping.

“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend this forum,” I say, addressing the audience rather than the council. “As you know, every year millions of visitors descend upon nearby Lake Tahoe. Whether that’s for skiing in the winter or camping in the summer, there is no shortage of fun to be had. But over the years, those tourists have begun branching out. Eager to escape from the crowds, they’re stumbling into nearby small towns just like ours. And what they see when they arrive determines how long they’re willing to stay.”

My voice shakes. Not from nerves, but from the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I pause to smile at the crowd while drawing in a deep, steadying breath before I continue.

“When I say beautification, I’m not just talking about planting trees along our sidewalks that help provide shade for pedestrians wandering past your shops. I’m talking about adding green space for more local events. Widening those sidewalks so more shoppers can hang around without getting too crowded. My proposal contains all this and more, including repair work for the historical buildings that are not only the face of our community, but are home to your businesses.”

Pleased murmurs echo through the crowd. I chance a glance at Adam, who frowns almost imperceptibly. I take it as a good sign.

“What I hold in my hands is detailed research into what truly helps a community thrive. And if you guessed that it’s the roads that lead to it, you’d be mistaken.” I return the mayor’s wink. “It’s the destination. If you want to increase revenue this year, not five years from now, then my plan is for you. But be forewarned, if humility is a virtue you’re currently working on, you’re out of luck. This beautification initiative is going to grow our hometown pride tenfold.”

Flushed with excitement and trembling from head to toe, I rest my case. Several audience members stand up to applaud, and the others follow suit. All but the broody mayor, who watches me with a cocked eyebrow and crossed arms.

There are no questions from the council or the audience, so I return to my seat where the group chat already has my phone vibrating its way off the chair.

Lauren: So sorry I couldn’t be there, but I know you KILLED IT!

Aubrey: Go best friend, that’s our best friend!

Harrison: Proud of you, sis. Also, how’d I end up in the book club group chat?

Charlie: I added you, doofus.

Charlie: Great job, Cora! Tell the mayor his pants are too tight, btw.

“Did you send them a video?” I ask.

Dorothy pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose and peers down at her phone. “Yes, though it would appear I only managed to shoot your lower halves. Oh well.”

“Could I get a copy of that?” Adam asks, signature smirk back in place. “Would love to share it on my socials when I win.”

“Fat chance,” I mutter. Dorothy simply laughs.

Adam clicks his tongue. “Oh, Cora. When will you see that we want the same things? You’ve just got to be more practical about it.”

“Save the practicality for your day job.” I nudge Dorothy with my elbow. “Ready?”

“As ever. Night, Mayor. Oh, Charlie Austen says your pants are too tight.” She shrugs off the daggers I’m shooting her way, completely unbothered. “Just thought you should know.”

He presses his lips together, fighting a smile or a frown, I’m not sure. “Noted. Goodnight, Dorothy.” His gray gaze flicks my way. “Cora. See you Monday.”

“Can’t wait,” I say, all the while thinking, As if I have a choice.