Page 85 of Falling For You

“We can’t let big corporations come to our special part of the world and drive their agendas through the heart of it. We’re not against change. We’re against being excluded from the discussion. I hope today, that will change. Now, let’s make a difference.”

The crowd cheered as Millie took the bullhorn back and weaved through the crowd.

As I turned the corner near the post office, I saw Fifi standing with a group of teenagers. They all held brightly-colored signs. Fifi’s neon-orange one read,Lakes, Not Corporations!and I smiled.

I jogged over to my sister. “Fifi, look at you, rallying the next generation!”

She grinned and rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, they just wanted an excuse to skip school.” She looked at the teenagers and wagged her finger. “But I’m telling them this is serious business!”

Isabelle flashed a wry grin. “We’re here to save the town, Violet!”

I gave her a playful nudge. “I’m counting on you, Isabelle. You ready to lead the charge?”

“No, but I’ll try.” She laughed.

“You’re doing amazing, Vi. Everyone’s here because of you.” My sister looked at the news crew. “Can you believe it?”

“It’s not just me. We’re all in this together.” I swallowed the lump of something I couldn’t figure out.

Pride?

Sadness?

Gratefulness?

“I guess we should start?”

Fifi nodded.

I tugged my jacket tighter around me to fend offthe breeze nipping at me.

The excitement was palpable. People were fired up, and it felt good—empowering, even. This protest felt like our chance to regain control after everything between Owen and Vern.

“Violet!” Millie waved me over. Her eyes twinkled with the same excitement I felt. “Look, the news is here! This is huge!”

“I know. I saw it. I think they captured our speeches.”

“Good. Good.” She clapped her hands.

Truthfully, I hadn’t expected media attention. But it made sense. Small towns talked, and word got around quickly.

This wasn’t just some small-town protest anymore. This was about preserving a way of life.

A reporter, a woman in her thirties with a blonde, blunt bob haircut and a microphone in hand, scanned the crowd, clearly looking for someone to interview. Before I could step back and disappear into the crowd, Millie waved her over.

“Darn it. You’re too fast,” I muttered, and Millie chuckled.

“This is Violet,” Millie said, her hand on my shoulder as she introduced me. “She’s leading the charge on this. You should talk to her.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but it was too late.

The reporter had already turned her attention to me, with her camera crew settling in beside her.

“Hi there, I’m Lisa Carter with WBOP,” she said, extending her hand. “I understand you’re one of the organizers of today’s protest?”

“Uh, yeah,” I stammered, shaking her hand.

She smiled warmly, clearly sensing my nerves. “Don’t worry, just be yourself. We’re live in about thirty seconds. I merely want to ask you a few questions about why the town is protesting and what this event means for Buttercup Lake. Introduce yourself first… and five-four-three-two-one.”

---