Page 36 of One Sultry Summer

I learned how to dance a two-step and ride a horse, all in the same day. What other exciting things can I learn? As I lay in bed, I replay every moment of the day, especially having sex out in the middle of nowhere, and I couldn’t help smiling at the thought of being in Wyatt’s arms, hopefully again soon.

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The town hall meeting was scheduled for this morning. Yesterday, I worked all day with Devin on getting prepared. I can honestly say that I’mlooking forward to meeting up with the mayor and the residents. In the past week, I have met some incredible townspeople, and I hope that I have won them over.

Now it’s my chance to make a great impression. I’m eager to share our plans and hear their feedback. The support of the community is crucial, and I’m optimistic about the positive changes we can achieve together.

Even though it was against my better judgment and style, I decided to change my appearance. I dressed in blue jeans and a green button-down blouse. The color green signifies calmness, thoughtfulness, and tranquility. I pulled on my black cowboy boots and added a single-breasted, mid-length coat to match them.

I kept my makeup to a minimum. The green blouse flatters my eyes. A knock on my door signaled it was time to leave. Devin looks pretty dapper in a suit and tie, with a laptop case in his hand.

“Wow, you look great! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in jeans.”

“Thank you. You look fabulous, as well.” I shifted my feet. “I was thinking.”

“What about?” His eyebrows narrowed as he wore a worried expression.

“Let’s attend as observers. I know, I know, we did all that work yesterday and it feels that it’s fallen by the wayside. Give me a minute and listen to my thought process. We don’t want to come off as pushy or overbearing. We can gather valuable insights and feedback from residents without imposing an agenda. By understanding their needs and concerns, we can better address them at future meetings.”

“Okay, I’ll follow your lead.”

“Do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“Can you bring your notepad and take detailed notes during the meeting? It’ll help us capture all the key points and sentiments expressed.”

Devin was a quick study; he nodded. He adjusted his tie before slipping it off, along with his jacket, which he draped neatly across the bed. With deliberate movement, he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, allowing the crisp fabric to fall open slightly, giving him an effortlessly relaxed appearance. “Got it. Let’s do this!” He removed a notepad and pen, leaving his laptop case by the door.

As we made our way downstairs and rode the elevator, I was reminded of the wild horses. I can’t believe I forgot to tell Devin the one detail Wyatt shared with me. I filled him in on the horse details and the area where they roamed on our way to the community center. I emphasized that the area was off limits. We made a quick stop at the bakery and purchased coffee and donuts to go.

As we made our way inside, my eyes roamed the room, hoping to see Wyatt, but he was nowhere in sight. The room was filled withmostly unfamiliar people, with the exception of Abby and the mayor. We sat and listened as the meeting began. They went over complaints about paved roads needing repairs and the possibility of raising taxes.

There was an audible groan that came from the attendees. However, they remained calm. It was quite different from seeing the crazy stuff I’d seen on TV where council members get into fistfights. I think the difference is that these are hard-working people from a close-knit, small town, just trying to make a difference within the community. Once the agenda was complete, they opened the floor for anyone to bring up concerns.

An older woman stood up and walked over to the podium. Her silver hair was braided, and it came down to the middle of her back. She took a deep breath and exhaled.

“Am I the only one who is concerned about that newfangled company coming into town and shutting down businesses?”

The mayor addressed her, “Margaret.”

“That’s Mrs. Bishop to you. As an elder in the community, I should be addressed as so.”

“Yes, ma’am, my apologies, Mrs. Bishop. As you know, Phoenix Construction has sent over representatives. You are welcome to ask them questions or voice any concerns you have.”

I may have visibly swallowed, waiting for her to take her wrath out on us. She turned and spotted Devin and me as we stood out like a sore thumb. I did my best to give her a natural, calming smile.

“I’d like to know if you’re planning on buying up business and shutting us down?”

I stood so that I could project my voice. “Mrs. Bishop, I’m Valerie Masterson, and this is my associate, Mr. Devin Appleton. We were sent here to locate property for a hotel and golf resort. However, after meeting the lovely people of Skybrook, I honestly can say that’s not what is needed here. I’d like to talk with the owner ofPhoenix Construction and give him my feedback. Afterwards, I’d love to share what we have come up with at the next town hall meeting.” Mrs. Bishop’s eyes softened slightly.

“I don’t know the protocol, but I brought coffee and donuts to share.” Before I knew it, the mayor spoke loudly, “Meeting adjourned,” and hit the gavel. I asked Devin to find a place where we could put the refreshments to share. When Mrs. Bishop walked by me, I asked if I could see her for a minute.

“I hope all your questions were answered. If not, please feel free to give me a call.” I handed her a business card. The room darkened as the previously shining sun was now hidden by clouds. I stepped closer and looked out the window, the sky darkened ominously.

A storm suddenly rolled in, and the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The mayor takes a step closer. “I think we better call it a day and have everyone go home. I don’t like the looksof those clouds.”

Being from California, I’ve never seen anything quite like it, so I don’t know the dangers. The only thing I can think of is lightning and heavy rain. “Mayor, I agree. Thank you for inviting us.”

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