Page 97 of Someone to Tempt
She tips up her chin in acknowledgment. “Daniel brought lunch. We’re discussing the foundation’s involvement in the initiative.”
“In my office with the door closed?”
“There’s a class of loud third graders touring town hall for a field trip.”
“Huh. I didn’t see any kids when I walked in.”
I can’t help but wonder what’s going on between the two of them. Whatever it is, I’m happy for Jodi if she’s happy.
“I should go,” Daniel says as he bends down to scoop the fallen chips.
“You don’t need to go,” Jodi and I say in unison.
I draw in a deep breath. “I’m glad you’re both here. I have something I need to tell you.”
I incline my head toward Jodi. “Mostly you, but it’s probably good that someone from the foundation hears this as well since they sponsor so many community events.”
Daniel frowns. “Shouldn’t Jake be part of the conversation?”
“Jake doesn’t work for the foundation yet.” That’s not why I haven’t told him my news, but Daniel doesn’t argue.
“Did you pick up your signs?” Jodi asks. “I haven’t seen any yet.”
“I’m not putting them out.” I walk forward, my hands balled into tight fists at my sides. “Daniel, don’t worry about the chips. I’ll vacuum later.”
“I can vacuum,” he offers, glancing at Jodi with a shy smile.
“Have a seat,” I tell him.
Jodi places her half-eaten sandwich in a paper wrapper on the corner of my desk.
“Sorry for using your office,” she says. How funny she’s apologizing now when she’s taken far bolder liberties over the past six months.
“You’re welcome in here anytime. I’m sure your cousin will feel the same when he takes over.”
“No negative thinking.” Jodie shakes her head. “You have a good chance of?—”
I hold up a hand. “I’m dropping out of the race.”
She and Daniel both gape at me before blurting out, “Why?” in identical tones of confusion.
“Personal reasons. The bottom line is that as much as I enjoy making a difference in the mayor’s office, politics isn’t my true calling. I likeinitiatives.” I smile at Daniel. “I love working with the foundation. But the other parts of the job—pancake breakfasts and the public persona of the glad-handing small-town mayor—they aren’t for me.”
“But you’re making it work.” Jodi sits back in her chair—mychair. “Your whole make-the-mayor-fun operation is working.”
“And I’ve had way more fun than I expected.” I shrug, thinking about my brother’s words and all the cute porcupine images I have on my phone thanks to Jake. “I’m glad I learned to loosen up a bit, but I don’t want the pressure to prove I’ve changed. I don’t want to change any more than I already have. If I continue in politics, I’d have to become someone fundamentally different. I like me, even if I am an acquired taste.”
Jodi doesn’t look convinced. “Are you sure? You have a decent chance of winning.”
“I appreciate all the support you gave me,” I tell her, “but I’m sure.”
I turn to Daniel. “The initiatives we’ve started—the parks improvements, small business grants, the youth programs—are too important to let fall apart because I’m not in office. I want to make sure they continue, whether I’m mayor or not.”
His expression shifts from surprise to something more thoughtful. “Most people would walk away and let the next guy deal with it.”
“This town means too much to me,” I say firmly. “The people here mean too much. Even if I’m not mayor, I still want to help.”
He smiles and adjusts his glasses. “You’ve done a lot of good here, Iris. I hope you know that.”
