Page 6 of One Weekend in Sydney

“Hello!” Odette waves a hand in front of my face.

“Where’s Tara going?” I ask, only glancing at Odette before looking back at Tara. “Make sure she comes back soon. Your boat won’t wait for her if she doesn’t return on time.”

“She’s not joining us.”

That gets my full attention, and I switch my focus to my cousin. “Why not?”

“She’s going to A Musical Night in Masquerade instead. Someone gave her a ticket.”

“Why?”

Odette looks around furtively. “That’s what I want to talk to you about. We decided it’s not a good idea for her to get on this boat because someone’s intending to record us—Tara, in particular—having fun watching the strippers.”

My brows jump high. “Who? And why?”

“People sent by Eric Hislop, Tara’s competitor for the mayoral position at Moonstruck Cove. She’s expected to win, but Eric is doing everything he can to prevent that.”

I frown as Odette tells me of Eric’s plans to sabotage Tara’s chances at the election. What an asshole that guy is!

I did hear from my uncle that while most Mooners don’t like Eric Hislop, some are worried that Tara might be too young to be the mayor. Not that they don’t believe in her. Rather, they feel protective of her. They don’t want the significant responsibilities of the mayoral position to be put on her relatively young shoulders. If she were a few years older, there wouldn’t even be a question as to who they’d be voting for. Clearly, Eric Hislop discovered this sentiment among some voters, and he’s going to try to milk it for all it’s worth to give him the advantage.

“Eric doesn’t care about Moonstruck Cove.” Odette huffs. “He’s just going to use his position to help his unscrupulous developer friends. Of course, that’s not what he’s saying to people, and he’s looking for ways to discredit Tara.”

“Does she really want to become mayor? Is she ready for more responsibilities?”

“Yes! She’s always been about community. She lives for it, and she’s a far better choice than Eric. We don’t want to help him by giving him more ammunition!”

Odette lets out a long breath. “Look, you and I aren’t Moonstruck Cove voters anymore, and you’re not friends with Tara anymore, either. But please do this for me. My best friend doesn’t deserve her name sullied because of Eric’s plans. To suggest that she’s unreliable because she’d rather watch strippers on my bachelorette party than entertain would-be investors is just so wrong and unfair!”

I stare at Odette. Even though she’s correct in saying that Tara and I aren’t friends anymore, I feel anger towards that scheming Eric Hislop. He shouldn’t be able to get away with it. “Okay. Can you tell me anything about Eric’s spies? Male or female? Young or old?”

“Sorry. We know nothing else. Someone just heard something and reported it to Tara.”

“So, it’s just a rumour?”

“What if it isn’t?” Odette demands. “You know that even though Mooners gossip a lot, they do get the details right most of the time. It would help if your guys could identify the spies. Then Tara and her team might also be able to prevent any future sabotage Eric is planning before the election.”

I nod. “I’ll speak to my guys.”

“Thanks. But don’t tell Tara, okay? It’s just that…well…I’m not sure if she wantsyouto help,” Odette says apologetically.

I smirk. “She still hates me, huh? No worries. It’s not as if I plan to talk to her. I’ll probably get a slap in the face if I do. Which I deserve,” I add in a quieter tone.

Odette cocks her head. “You can apologise.”

My heart skips. “Do you think she’ll accept it after all this time?”

She makes a face. “I don’t know. To be honest, I think she’s happy with the status quo.”

I hide my dismay. I can’t ask for forgiveness that I know won’t be willingly given. “Well, after a decade, I don’t think we want to rehash the past,” I say lightly. “There’s no reason for us to talk or see each other.”

“Yeah. Thanks. Hey, I really appreciate you doing this.” She hugs me.

“Don’t mention it.” I know Odette is loyal to her best friend, but she’s also loving to her extended family, me included. I’m grateful for that. She’s a good person.

“See you later.” She waves goodbye.

“Have fun,” I say, looking in the direction of where I last saw Tara. But the crowd has swallowed her up, and I’m disappointed I can’t see her anymore.

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