Page 164 of Hate Mates

“Corruption is rife….” I begin, and a hushed silence descends on the room.

Lincoln stands next to Mayor Weston at one side of the stage, his brows furrowed together.

I pause, and shaking my head, I make my choice.

“This city deserves leaders who put people, not profits, first. Together we can take the first step toward a brighter future, but not by dragging the other side down. Instead, I want to talk to you about what real leadership looks like. Leadership means prioritizing everyday families,” I say. “It means restoring trust in government by being transparent, ethical, and accountable. It means ensuring our kids can go to well-funded schools, our roads are safe, our neighborhoods are clean, and our environment is protected for generations to come.”

I take another breath, submitting to the passion I feel for what I want to achieve to ensure a better future.

“If elected, I plan to expand educational programs by increasing funding for public schools, I intend to invest in after-school tutoring, and I will partner with local businesses to encourage vocational training. I aim to revitalize the city’s infrastructure by repairing roads, bridges, and water systems, and I will implement green building initiatives for sustainability. I will support small businesses by streamlining the permit process, offering tax incentives for startups, and creating a local business incubator. We need to champion environmental stewardship by protecting green spaces, pushing for renewableenergy incentives, and holding polluters accountable. Finally, we must enhance public safety and healthcare by funding community policing initiatives, improving mental health services, and ensuring affordable healthcare options are accessible to all.”

Roars of cheers and applause from the gathered crowd break out. I see hope in the faces of the people in front of me. From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Lincoln. He’s watching me intently, and there’s a massive smile on his face as he gives me a subtle nod of approval.

I didn’t use the evidence he gave me, and I stuck to my principles. I realize now that was all part of his game plan. He was testing my resolve.

“The time for complacency is over. This is our city. Together, we can shape it into the kind of place where every person has an equal opportunity to thrive.” As I wrap up my speech, the crowd erupts in a standing ovation.

A hush falls after a few minutes when a moderator from the community center steps up to the microphone. “The vote is officially open.”

In that moment, as I step away from the podium,I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I feel freer than I have in weeks. No matter what happens next, I know I’ve done the right thing. And for now, that’s enough. I didn’t come here to tear someone else down. I came here to build something better. There is a chance I might just get to do that.

Scanning the room as people file out to vote, my eyes land on Lincoln again. He catches my gaze before disappearing into the throng of voters. Maybe he isn’t as much of an asshole as I thought.

SEVEN

11:00 PM

A QUIET GOODBYE

“The winner, and your next elected mayor. Sophia Tucker.”

I put my head in my hands, taking a moment to let the announcement settle in. I can hear my entire team cheering, Beth the loudest. I raise my hands to the crowd to thank them before stepping off the podium to excited congratulations and embraces.

It feels like everything is surreal. Time passes as if I’m in a dream as I make my way through the room with Beth at my side. She has the biggest smile on her face, and I think she can tell I’m a little overwhelmed as she pulls me aside and into a room off the main hall.

“You did it.” She holds me tight.

“I can’t believe it.” I wave my hands in front of my face to stop the tears that are threatening to fall.

“And you did it your way.” The look of pride on her face causes a tear to tumble down my cheek. “Oh no, no tears. You’ll ruin your makeup. And we can’t have Mayor Tucker with smudged eyes.”

“Thank you, Beth. You’ve been with me all this time. I couldn’t have done it without you. We’re going to make this city so much better for everyone who lives in it.”

“We are. But first, you’re going to enjoy this moment while I go home to see my son and husband. I’ve missed them.” Beth smiles at me.

“Yes, of course. Go. Take the next few days off. Please.”

She snorts a laugh. “Maybe I’ll come in late tomorrow, but I’ll be in. We’ve got a lot of work to do, Mayor.”

We embrace again before she leaves.

For a few more moments, I remain standing alone in the quiet room, allowing the victory to settle in.

“I did it,” I tell no one in particular.

“You did.” The gravelly voice comes from the doorway. Lincoln is standing there, leaning against the frame. “And you did it your way. All along, I knew you could do it. You’re the only one to beat me at my own game.”

He steps into the room, his presence filling the space and confusing my senses. I really shouldn’t be alone with this man. He’s my enemy. Except he isn’t anymore. He’s something else, but I don’t know what that is exactly.

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