Page 4 of All Because of You

But he’d messed up that dream a long time ago. No sense in longing for something that was in the past. Time to focus on what was ahead, on what could elevate him in the eyes of all the townspeople—including dear old Dad—who still saw the lazy screw-up he’d been. The one who’d thrown away a baseball scholarship for a night of drinking with his buddies.

His father glanced up from his phone then shoved it into the clip on his belt. He eyed the proposals in Evan’s arms. “I don’t need to remind you what’s at stake here.”

“I know, Dad.”

“Good.”

At fifty-one, Jim Walsh cut an imposing six-foot figure, with broad shoulders and a full head of black hair that he had never colored to Evan’s knowledge. From the time Evan was young, his father had been a successful businessman, and almost four years ago, he’d won his first bid as mayor. But elections were coming up later this year, so despite all the good he’d accomplished, it was important for him to continue garnering wins to keep his service fresh in Walker Beach residents’ minds.

Herman Hardware would be just such a win—a large one—with the potential to lower costs for those in need of home improvement tools and services and to increase the number of jobs in town.

And that’s where Evan came in. As the town’s assistant community development officer, he worked with his boss to secure grants from various sources and determine where to disperse the funds. But an even bigger part of his job was the focus on revitalizing Walker Beach’s downtown, which included attracting new businesses to the area as well as helping those already there stay afloat.

He and his father started down the hall together, passing other city officials who called out greetings to Evan and Mayor Walsh.

“Evan, Mayor.” Jack Campbell leaned heavily on his cane and extended his right hand. Every month the man’s stage 4 kidney failure became more apparent, leaving him with a yellow pallor and a thinning hairline, though the latter wasn’t unusual for a man in his late fifties.

“How are you, Jack?” Evan shook the man’s hand.

His dad did the same, though Evan didn’t miss the quick glance he gave his watch.

Jack shuddered in a breath, but peace radiated in his eyes. “I’m good, I’m good. Looking forward to having Derek home from France in a few months. He’s going to help me put that grant money to good use.”

“That’s awesome. I can’t wait to see him again.”

“Me too, me too.” Jack cleared his throat. “I can’t thank you enough for securing that money for us. I don’t know what I would have done if we’d lost the vineyard.”

“I’m only sorry it wasn’t more.” What he’d been able to secure for the Campbells would only see Jack through the next harvest. It wasn’t enough—it never was—but Evan had done what he could for his buddy’s family.

“Nonsense. That money gives us the chance to bring new life to the business. I’m hoping to implement several new processes and hire even more workers for the harvest this year. You’re doing good work. Jim, you should be proud of this one.”

Evan probably looked like a kid who’d aced his first spelling test, but he couldn’t hold back his grin. “Thank you, sir.”

His dad slapped Evan on the back. “He’s just doing his job.”

Yep, there came the inevitable pricking of his inflated spirit. “Right, of course. I’m happy to help the community.” And he really was. But it was nice to see his long days sometimes impacted people’s lives.

Tilting his head, Jack squinted. “I heard a rumor that the hardware store may be opening again?” He winked. “If so, you’re on a roll. That sure would be a nice boon to our town. People are tired of driving all the way to San Luis to buy a hammer and some paint. I know there’s online shopping, but there’s nothing quite like browsing an actual store.”

Dad jumped in. “Your council members, including myself, are well-aware of this problem, and we are working to get it solved. Don’t you worry.”

“I’m not worried. Not with Evan here at the helm.” Jack waved them off. “I’m sure you were on your way somewhere important, so I won’t keep you. Just wanted to say thanks.” He turned and headed toward the heavy oak front door.

“We’re late, son. Let’s go.” Dad started back toward the conference room.

“Be right there.” Evan crossed the hallway to the door before Jack could reach it. “Allow me.” He opened the door for the man, who squeezed his arm in thanks as he passed.

Once he’d left, Evan let go of the door and caught up with Dad.

Dad grunted. “That was smart, actually. He might be sick as a dog, but Campbell is an influential member of the fifty-five and older crowd. Good work, son.”

Did it always have to devolve into politics with him? “That’s not . . .” Gripping the stack of proposals, Evan frowned. “The door is heavy. It would have been hard for him to open on his own.”

“Of course, of course.”

Evan and his dad arrived at the conference room, where a twelve-person table and its accompanying chairs took up nearly the entire space. Most of the seats were already occupied by a mix of people—some from the city council, some from Herman Hardware. As planned, his dad’s assistant, Greta, had already seated their guests and provided them with water and coffee.

Chatter stopped, and everyone looked expectantly at them. Before Evan could greet them, his dad spoke. “Sorry we’re late. Evan here was putting the final touches on everything. But thank you all for coming.” He shook hands all around and slid into a seat at the head of the table, leaving the one next to it open for Evan.

---