Page 57 of The Mayor and the Mystery Man

Leo tried his best to keep his poker face up. I was less convincing. It was an unfortunate part of our political system that people listened to celebrities, even when we told them to shut up and sing. The festival was abuzz with The English Patients performing. Now they would find out why.

“No campaigning is allowed at Applefest,” Leo said.

“It’s frowned upon, but not a violation. I’m sure people won’t mind once they start playing. I’ll be sure to look out for you from the stage.” She waved good-bye with a giddy lift of her shoulders.

“It was good seeing you, Mr. Mayor. How’s the rotator cuff doing?” Deb said quickly before being ushered away by her wife.

Leo beelined back to his mayor's booth. I was our eyes to ensure he didn’t bump into anyone, as he was texting Vernita the whole time.

“It’s no big deal,” I said to Leo once we got back.

“It’s a very big deal.”

Vernita joined us point-two seconds later with a large stick of cotton candy. Leo filled her in on the music situation. She tossed her snack into the trash.

“The town is going to eat this up. This is the biggest thing to happen since…”

“It’s going to wipe away our article, all of my good press.” Leo paced in the booth.

I searched my brain for something to help.

“People will have fun tonight, but they won’t remember anything by morning,” I said.

“Unless they’re using that neuralizer fromMen in Black, that ain’t happening.” Leo rubbed his forehead. “It’s all anyone’s been talking about since they were announced last week. Once the band says ‘Vote for Rita,’ it’ll be lodged into their minds.”

“I can put out feelers to my network to see if I know any celebrities we could ask for an endorsement,” Vernita said.

“Like we can get Ariana Grande to drop what she’s doing and drive up to Sourwood last minute?”

“Keep talking with people,” Vernita said. “Keep being yourself. You’re great at events.”

“He’s doing so great, Vernita,” I said. “He’s being super social. Everyone loves Leo.” Since I couldn’t help here, the least I could do was shower him with compliments. “And he won me a panda.”

“A panda?”

“Should I leave before the concert starts? I don’t want to look like some idiot out there while Rita is getting all the glory.” Leo gripped the panda, nearly popping off its head.

The wheels turned in my head, an idea coming to light.

“Guys.”

“Leaving will look even worse,” Vernita said.

I held up my finger. “Guys.”

“But staying and enjoying a concert by a group of young assholes who endorse my competition is better? We have two weeks left until the election. We need to think of something big to pull focus.”

I clapped hard, making my hands go raw. “Guys!”

I got their attention. “I think I have a plan.”

Leo and Vernita went silent. Their eyes were spotlights on me. I gulped down hard.

Right, saying I had a plan meant I had to keep talking.

“So, what’s this plan?” Vernita asked.

A smile snaked onto my lips. “For one night only, we’re going to turn Leo back into a rock star.”

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