Page 99 of The Mayor and the Mystery Man

“That’s your choice. Democracy and all that. But can I ask why?” The politician in me stirred awake, ready to persuade.

“Well, unfortunately, amidst all our fake relationshipping, I never changed my address. I’m technically not a resident of Sourwood. Thus…”

“You can’t vote in our election.”

“I’m sorry.” He shrugged. His hands were tied. Not in the good way. “But I’ll still pull your lever.”

“Thank you for the offer. If I lose by one vote, Dusty…”

“Then you are allowed to punish me.”

My mind reeled with the possibilities at the mention. He’d be a great troublemaker to get in line.

Dusty sat up. “You should probably go vote. Isn’t that a thing? Reporters following candidates to the voting booth to watch them vote for themselves?”

I nodded my head yes. “Maria Lopez is meeting me at my precinct this morning. Then don’t forget we have the results party at Mitch’s.” Mitch was setting up extra televisions so we could watch the local news as results trickled in.

Dusty climbed on top of me, his sleepy eyes sparking to life. He leaned down to whisper close. “And then after the party, I’ll take you where you really want to celebrate.”

I let out a guttural groan.

Dusty licked his lips and wiggled his eyebrows.

“Applebee’s,” we said at the same time.

* * *

“Mitch, you’ve truly outdone yourself!”Stone’s Throw Tavern was decked out head-to-toe with campaign gear and posters and red-white-and-blue everything. Two tables were laid out with a buffet of appetizers. People stood around small cocktail tables watching the TV as results started to come in from elections across the county.

Mitch walked me around the restaurant showing me everything he and his staff had done to get it ready.

“I am truly impressed. Thank you.” I clapped him on the shoulder, then pulled him into a hug. “Thanks for everything.”

“I’m proud of you, Leo. I knew when you were the annoying kid, you had a life of politics in your future.”

“Thank you for thinking so highly of me.”

“Just calling them as I see ’em.”

Cal raced up the stairs and flashed his “I Voted” sticker on his chest. “I voted. I just made it.”

“The polls have been open since seven in the morning,” Mitch said.

“Mitch, I had a day. Josh would not wake up this morning, and we were almost late to school. And I forgot to make him his lunch because I was recording until late last night.”

“What about Russ? Where was he in all of this?” I asked.

“Russ had to work late on end-of-year corporate spreadsheet-y stuff. I told him I would handle getting the boys up and to school in the morning since he’s having a busy week.”

“And Russ actually agreed to that?” Mitch asked, eyebrows arching. “He has met you, right? He knows that’s basically like asking you to do rocket science.”

“First of all, fuck you. Second of all, just kidding, I love you. Third of all, I have been able to raise a child on my own. And fourth of all, fuck you again.” Cal exhaled a deep breath. “Mitch, you remember what having kids is like.”

“It’s been a long while for Mitch,” I said, getting a kick out of how opposite these guys could be.

“Please. My staff are teens and twentysomethings. I’m always parenting.” He rubbed his forehead and let out a sigh. People filtered around us and kept interrupting to congratulate me. But I couldn’t focus on them, not when my friend was obviously dealing with something.

Cal and I directed him to a corner.

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