Page 133 of A Moment In Time

“Is he coming?”

“Yeah. Remy is closing the restaurant early. And Pax is going to close for the meeting, then open again.”

“Everyone wants to support you.”

“That’s what the Calaways do. Whether we want them to or not.” He put on his jacket. “Let’s take a walk.”

Sydney gathered her things, and they went out the door. They headed toward the tavern, which would take them away from the community center where the meeting was being held.

Gage took Sydney’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Where else would I be?”

He shrugged. “I mean here in my life.”

“Oh. I’m glad, too.”

They met a few people who wanted to shake Gage’s hand, and he gave them his best mayoral smile. After he talked to two women for a moment, Sydney nudged him.

“Look who is popular with the ladies. I think this town is ready for a young, sexy mayor.”

He smiled at her. “Are you going to be able to handle that?”

“As long as you come home to me at night, it’s not a problem.”

He glanced back at the women. “I don’t know.”

Sydney nudged him again. “Excuse me?”

He laughed. “Just kidding. You’re stuck with me.”

When they reached the end of town, they turned and headed the other direction. It was time to go to the community center. The walk had helped a lot, and by the time they arrived at the center, Gage felt he was ready to face the next hour or so.

He stopped at the door and blew out a breath. “Okay. This is it.”

Sydney gave him a hug. “I’m very proud of you.”

“Thanks.”

They went inside and Mayor Bessler was at the front of the room talking with Booker and Chase. When he saw Gage, he waved for him to join them.

Sydney smiled at Gage. “Go ahead. I’ll be in the front row.”

“Great.” He gave her a quick kiss, then went to Bessler. “Good evening.”

“Are you ready for this?”

“I believe I am, yes.”

“Good. Everything is set. I’ll talk first, and then introduce you.”

“Got it.”

Booker shook hands with him. “Piece of cake, right?”

“Right.”

The people started arriving. And by six o’clock, the room was full. Gage had spotted most of his family coming in and acknowledged them with either a wave or a nod of his head. He’d be a lot less nervous if they weren’t there.

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