His curvy distraction, p.18
His Curvy Distraction, page 18
“I know it’s not within your normal job, but I appreciate you helping out.”
“We’re all happy to. My son worked at the summer camp last year. He adores Natalie. He’s really excited about the idea of moving to the campground. Not that he remembers the campground, but he can imagine the fun things Natalie will come up with.”
“She seems pretty amazing at what she does.”
“She is. And if you’re looking for me to tell you something else, you’re asking the wrong person.”
“What do you mean? Why would I be asking for you to tell me something else?”
“Can I be honest, Omar?”
“Please.”
Goldie took a second, gathering her thoughts. Her blonde hair hung long and loose, tumbling when she moved her head to focus on me once more. “Natalie is a friend. I really like her. I was happy to help her out because I believe in what she’s doing. I think you feel the same, but I also know things between you two didn’t start out that great. I was surprised when Jane called and asked to meet, especially when she said you wanted to know about the fundraiser. Natalie has it well in hand. She’s very organized and methodical. I trust her completely with this. And I’m not sure if you’re asking me about it because you don’t trust her or if there’s another reason, but I’m not going to tell you she’s not doing what she’s supposed to do.”
I leaned back in my chair and absorbed what Goldie said. I laughed softly. “You’re right. I apologize. I know how nervous she’s been about the fundraiser. She didn’t want to do it, and she doesn’t tell me much unless I ask directly because of the conflict of interest.”
“Conflict of interest? Because you’re dating?” Goldie asked, leaning forward and resting her forearm on my desk.
“No, not that. If I’d had a bigger budget for the summer camp, she wouldn’t have needed to do a fundraiser. She made a joke about it, and I got defensive.”
“Ah, I see. So you’re trying to get information out of me because you don’t want her to fall flat on her face but you can’t ask her.”
I chuckled. “Pretty much, yeah.”
“Well, I think that’s sweet, but it’s unnecessary. For one, Natalie is amazing. For another, you should just ask her. She’s probably avoiding talking about it for the same reason, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.”
“You’re right. And I’m being ridiculous.”
“No, you’re not. You have a lot going on. Speaking of, how are you?”
“I’m fine. What do you mean?”
Her brows shot high. “The article from today? And the last two.”
“Today? I didn’t see one from today.” I unlocked my computer and pulled up the paper.
“It’s not online. Print only.”
“What? I didn’t know that was possible.”
“It’s in the free paper they have out in boxes. I brought it. I figured you were going to ask me about that.”
I shook my head as I reached for the paper she offered.
Goldie was silent as I read through the latest edition of Omar Knight sucks.
It was more of the same with new quotes from the supposed former employee and more fake evidence that I was playing favorites and supporting my girlfriend’s initiatives only.
“You know this isn’t true, right?”
Goldie nodded. “Of course. Everyone in my office does, too. I’ve been drug through the mud before, but mostly it was within this building and not in public. Mayor Levine made sure everyone he spoke to believed I was incapable of doing my job. But he never went so far as to get an article published saying so.”
“No, he was just going to cut you off at the knees and replace you with a man who would do as he said,” I replied. Mayor Levine was a piece of work. And a piece of shit. He couldn’t see the value Goldie brought to the tourism department, or the value of most women who worked for him. He was a tyrant, and not a day went by that I wasn’t happy he was gone.
“Exactly. So who did you piss off?”
I chuckled. “I wish I knew.”
“You have no idea?” She seemed surprised by that.
I shook my head. “Not a clue. The woman in the picture—”
“Natalie.”
“How did you—?”
“We all know. Maybe not the people who are writing these articles, but Natalie is a friend. She admitted it. But she wouldn’t do this. She didn’t do this. You know that, right?”
I hadn’t considered Natalie until Goldie said that, but I shook my head even as the thought entered. “She wouldn’t. I know that. She wasn’t always a fan of mine, but she would never do something like this.”
“You didn’t think she was a fan? Did you see the way she went off on the reporter a few weeks ago? Before you started dating?”
“Yeah, I saw it. And she made it clear she didn’t like me.”
“That’s all in the past, though. Natalie is young and a little scared, and she doesn’t think she’s good enough for you.”
“She told me the same, but I don’t understand that.”
“People are not always logical. Like whoever is behind these articles. Who is the former employee? Do you know that?”
I shook my head. “No. I fired one person since I’ve worked in this building. He was using the town computers for personal use and getting to websites that were supposed to be inaccessible.”
“Oh. Well, that’s interesting. And could be your person.”
“It’s been years, and he left the area.”
“It doesn’t matter. These reporters will dig up all kinds of things. Someone also could be following you. See where you go, who you spend time with, checking to see if you’re hiding anything.”
She was right. And it was likely how they knew Natalie and I were dating. Calling her out and saying I was only supporting her project was pulling her into the middle of all of this. “Natalie doesn’t deserve to be dragged through the mud on this.”
“I agree. Which is why I think you might need to sit down with a reporter and get your side of things out there.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“I do. Not the one who’s been publishing these articles, but someone who’s going to actually listen to you.”
“I don’t think I know anyone.”
“A friend of a friend is a new reporter. Worked for the paper years ago, then quit when she had her daughter. She just got divorced and is back working there.”
“And you think she’d actually listen to me?”
“Absolutely. She’s a good friend of Melody Holland. You know Ramsey, right?”
“Yeah.” The idea was getting more appealing.
“Melody said Casey is pissed about the articles. Considering finding a new job because she doesn’t like being tied to a place that would try to ruin someone who’s doing good things for the town. She also has a daughter who will be going to the summer camp.”
“So there’s a conflict of interest.”
Goldie shook her head. “Not if you’re talking about your job instead of the summer camp.”
“True.”
“How does the rest of your week look? Do you have time to meet with her tomorrow?”
“I’ll make time,” I said. Clearing my name was too important not to.
“Do you mind if I call Melody right now? I don’t have Casey’s number, but Melody watches Casey’s daughter after school. She sees her every day and can get in touch with her.”
“Please do.”
I listened to Goldie’s side of the short conversation. From what I could tell, Melody was on board and was excited to let Casey know I’d asked for her at Goldie’s suggestion.
“Melody is going to have Casey call Jane and get an appointment with you,” Goldie said as she put her phone away.
“Then we better tell Jane to make it a priority,” I said, getting up from my desk. I opened my office door for Goldie, who stopped at Jane’s office with me. “A woman named Casey…”
“White,” Goldie provided.
“Thank you. Casey White is a reporter and is going to call to get on my schedule. I want you to set an appointment with her as soon as possible. She’s a friend of a friend.”
“So she’ll put out a good article about you for once?” Jane asked.
Goldie laughed. “That’s the plan.”
“Exactly.”
Jane’s phone rang, and we all stared at it. Jane answered and winked at us before clicking over to the calendar. After a minute, she hung up.
“Tomorrow at nine,” Jane announced. “She’s going to have a photographer with her and said she wants to highlight all the good you’ve done for MacKellar Cove since you took over as interim mayor.”
“Good. Thank you, Jane. And you, Goldie. I appreciate you coming by, and being honest with me.”
“Any time, Omar. Have a good rest of your day.”
“I think it’s good you’re doing this,” Jane said. “It’s good for people to see who you are.”
“Thank you, Jane. I hope it’s good.”
“It will be. Goldie wouldn’t have recommended it. She’s your biggest fan. Well, maybe second biggest. I think Natalie might have top spot these days.”
My lips lifted into a smile at the thought of Natalie. I was definitely her biggest fan.
And there was no one I wanted to talk to about the article more than Natalie.
With Natalie’s late nights at the community center, we didn’t see each other during the week very often. I let her know about the article, and she wished me luck. She also asked to hear all about it on Saturday, when we had another date planned.
I was more nervous than I expected to be when I got to work Thursday morning. I knew this one article could have a bigger impact on my future than anything else I did for the next few months. I hated that it was true, but it was how politics worked. If a candidate looked horrible once, it was the only thing anyone remembered.
Thirty minutes before Casey White was supposed to arrive, Jane buzzed my office. I’d closed the door to focus and avoid distractions. I wasn’t excited about one, but I answered in case it was Ms. White there early.
“Yes?”
“You have a visitor, Mr. Mayor. She promises to be quick.”
“Okay,” I said, my heart jumping. A smile lifted my lips even before the door opened and revealed Natalie. “What are you doing here?”
She walked right to me and stepped into my arms without hesitation. “When I have something big like this, I get nervous. A hug from someone I care about helps. I took a risk that it would be good for you, too.”
I held her tight and inhaled the strawberry and marker scent of her. My heart rate slowed and my body relaxed. “How do you do that?”
“Years of therapy and lots of meds,” she said with a chuckle.
“Really?”
She shrugged, looking embarrassed about her admission.
“No judgement. I just didn’t know.”
“Anxiety is a bitch. Sometimes it’s worse than others. I don’t do well when I have to talk to strangers. Adults. I’m fine with kids, but I had a panic attack and threw up before my first open house night when I was a new teacher. Same before parent-teacher conferences. First day of school, I was fine. Kids only? I’m set. But parents? Nope.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. It’s just a part of my story. And I’m not here to complain about me. I’m here to help you relax.”
I quirked an eyebrow at her. “Oh, really?”
She pushed me away. “Not that relaxed.”
“Aw, man.”
She chuckled and smoothed the lapels of my suit. “Are you ready?”
“No,” I admitted. “Goldie was here yesterday and suggested it. Said she thought it would be good to get my side out there.”
“She’s right. I wouldn’t have thought of it, but it’s a good idea.”
“I was checking up on you,” I confessed.
“You were what?” she blurted.
“I wanted to know how things are going with the fundraiser and afraid to ask you. Goldie set me straight. I want to know about the fundraiser. And about your day. And everything about you.”
Natalie’s face softened. She nodded and stepped into my arms again. “Okay.”
I held her tight, letting her presence relax me and remind me I was good at what I did and I believed in not only myself, but my staff and the town.
“You’re going to be amazing,” Natalie whispered. “You are so good for this town, and people know that.”
“Thank you for coming.”
“You’re welcome.”
She pulled back and lifted on her toes to kiss me. We kept it chaste and simple, but I wanted more. I always wanted more from her.
“I’m gong to go before the reporter comes, but good luck. Kick ass. And remember how awesome you are.”
“Thank you, Natalie.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled, holding my hand as she walked toward the door. When she was too far away to hold on, she squeezed my hand, then let go.
I watched her leave, knowing the article was going to be a success.
Casey White arrived a few minutes after Natalie left. Casey and the photographer set up quickly, then we jumped in, exchanging pleasantries.
“Tell me what the most important thing about this job is, Mr. Mayor,” Casey said.
“I believe my job is to make every situation best for as many people as possible. To use the town’s funds to support the residents and find ways to bring more money into the town to help support it.”
“The articles lately have been pretty hard on your position to help out with the new summer camp. Can you comment on that?”
“The new summer camp will be on land that was donated to the town by a very generous family who wanted it to be used for the town. The original idea was to use the property for summer camp. It was the owners’ suggestion, and I agreed that it was excellent.”
“But it is taking money to fix it up,” Casey prompted.
“Of course. We had a very small amount of money in surplus that I directed toward that project because we’re getting toward the end of our fiscal year and the money didn’t have any other uses. Putting that money into the new summer camp and having the ability to open it up to more students will be a huge benefit to the parents of MacKellar Cove.”
“It will be, yes. It’ll also bring in some jobs, won’t it?”
“Yes. Amelia Rucker, the director of the community center, has some amazing ideas about what can be done with the property. We intend to use it for more than just summer camp. It’s going to be an asset to the town, and it’s easily going to pay for itself. But first it has to be functional.”
“What other projects do you have going on right now?” Casey asked, a gleam of approval in her eyes.
“We are working to get the gazebo in Catherine Park repaired. The River Walk needs some small repairs after the storm a year ago. And our tourism budget expanded this year to help bring more people into town. Goldie Spear is amazing at coming up with events that draw guests to town.”
“But doesn’t that put a strain on local resources?”
“There is a balance, yes. Always. MacKellar Cove Inn is almost completely booked through summer, from what I hear, and the hotels just out of town are getting close. The other towns in the area are seeing the boost from our town as well, with more of their hotels filling up and more money going into their towns.”
“Is that a good thing? Money going to these other towns?” Casey asked.
“Absolutely. As we elevate the overall awareness of the area, people come to all the towns and see the variety. Each of the towns along the Saint Lawrence River has something a little different to offer. We don’t compete with each other. We work together and support each other. Goldie has reached out to the other towns and a few of her events this year include visitors traveling the whole length of the Saint Lawrence River from Lake Ontario up to Canada. Everything we do is beneficial for MacKellar Cove and all the other towns.”
Casey’s grin widened. “That sounds like a lot of fun. Family friendly but not exclusive to families. You’ve created an amazing team, Mr. Mayor.”
“I’m very fortunate. The people who dedicate their time to this town are truly special people. They work hard to make MacKellar Cove not just an amazing place to live, but a great place to visit. And it shows. It’s because of that we’ve not had to raise taxes since I became interim mayor, and I don’t see any reason to do so going into next year, either. It’s all a team effort, and I am able to do all the things I do because of the team around me.”
Casey nodded. “Thank you for your time today, Mr. Mayor. I think I have everything I need. It was a true pleasure to meet you. And I will say I will be voting for you.”
“Thank you, Ms. White. That means a lot.”
“You mean a lot, Mr. Mayor. Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
They cleaned up their things and headed out. Jane gave me a thumbs up after they left. I couldn’t stop smiling.
If the article was as good as the interview, I was feeling good about my chances at election.
20
Three weeks after my interview with Casey White, I had my last meeting with Natalie and Amelia before the fundraiser. Everything was set, everyone was ready, and I had to admit they’d pulled together an amazing event.
“I think we’re going to hit our goal, Omar,” Amelia said before we ended the meeting.
“I think you might, too. It was a great idea to have the baskets for people to bid on. It’s very generous of Hudson to provide food and drinks at cost, too. I know that’s a lot of money he’s losing, especially on a weekend,” I said.
“He was happy to help. He’s paying his staff their regular salaries, but everyone who comes gets a drink ticket and a food ticket,” Amelia explained.
“He’s really looking forward to it. He was talking about it last week. Everyone is ready.”
“I just hope we get the money we need. The building kit we want is not cheap, but I think it’ll be ideal for us,” Natalie said. She studied her notes carefully. “We have some presale tickets, but not enough to cover everything.”
