Page 14 of Love Grows

“Of course I have. I just didn’t use the word ‘hack’.”

He looked confused. “What did you use?” he asked.

“Common sense.”

Katherine, along with our group, snorted, and I studied her. She gave me a long look in return.

“Angel, I am assuming that you’re going to lodge a formal written complaint within the allocated ninety days?” she asked.

Again with the coaching. It was looking more and more like Katherine, senior lawyer, was sitting on a thin fence with this development. She definitely had a foot in the concerned citizens camp. I wondered why. I heard Steph deliver a single hum beside me, and out of the corner of my eye saw her turn side-on to the front tables.

“Ms Whitlock, while I understand the need for democratic process.” Benjamin threw me a smile—the teeth and Teflon version. “I’m sure we’ll be able to come to an amicable and forward-thinking agreement that will be of benefit to all parties.” The smarminess was dripping off his tongue and all over the walnut stained table. “But if you must lodge a complaint, then make sure it’s within the time frame.”

I decided then and there that Jules needed to sell Benjamin Walker voodoo dolls in Pip’s crystals section of the cafe.

“That’s all we have time for tonight,” the Mayor spoke up. “Thank you to those who registered and put forward their concerns. Thank you to our guests for their attendance.” There was a smattering of applause led mostly by the councillors and Benjamin and Harry themselves.

The meeting ended immediately after the mayor’s thanks and we were ushered towards the exit by the single security guard who’d been asleep in the corner the entire time.

Our small group stood huddled under the light of the lamppost nearest the forecourt of the council chambers.

“Well, as far as meetings go, I’ve attended better,” Ted said, his hands flipping in a gesture of resignation.

“Did you not want to say anything?” Steph asked, her hat now sitting properly on her head.

“No, love. Been there, done that. I just came for moral support. Young Jules and Angel here did a good job with our concerns. Nice and passionate.”

“I am also passionate but my English is not so good. I would have the stage fright,” Mrs G announced. We all raised our eyebrows. I couldn’t believe any situation where Mrs G would have stage fright when speaking her mind.

After a few “See you later”s, Ted, Jules, and Mrs G departed, leaving Steph and me under the lamppost light.

“How’s your headache?”

“It went. Probably about halfway through your interrogation of m—of Benjamin. It was fantastic to watch.” She grinned.

“I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Benjamin Walker. Fancy suggesting that a board member go undercover. What a jerk.” Then I pointed randomly. “But I do like the idea of the QR code, of generation whatever Tik-Tokking their way through the construction of a flat-packed laundry cabinet. But Dig It will feel the financial pinch.” Then I pointed again. “Oh! I tell you who was pretty interesting was the lawyer, Katherine. She really looked like she was coaching Paul, and then Jules. And wow, she isn’t a super fan of Benjamin. It was like she was stepping into both sides of the issue.” I chuckled.

Steph rolled her lips together.

“Angel, I need to tell you something,” she said, frowning.

I contemplated her. Her eyes were darting about.

Suddenly, Paul was upon us. “Thank you so much for the opportunity to have a question for the council.” He waved his arms enthusiastically “The local paper wants to interview me about the Eastern Australian Spotted Finch! That’s so cool!” He put out a fist, which I reciprocated, tapping his, and he repeated the gesture with Steph. Then he was gone, galloping after a tram as it trundled past. I looked back at Steph.

“I want a hundredth of his energy.” I grinned. “You were going to tell me something?”

Steph waved her hand as if to brush away the question. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll see you tomorrow, Angel.” Then, after another arm rub, she walked toward the overflow carpark of the local shopping centre, presumably to her car.

I sat astride my motorbike for a moment before starting it, wondering what seemed so important to Steph to put a frown on her face but not important enough so she could easily erase it.

ChapterFive

Bookleaf Mallee

(Eucalyptus kruseana)

An unusual and very attractive small tree with tiny, round, blue-grey, stalkless leaves which cling densely to the branches. Bunches of creamy-yellow flowers arrive between Autumn to Winter. The Bookleaf Mallee thrives in sunny situations. Prune at an early age to establish the desired form.

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