Page 34 of Evergreen Desires
Will had sensed something too. His instincts were lighter than mine—more playful, curious—but they werestill real. And his growing interest in Mat hadn’t faded, not even a little. If anything, it had deepened. They were still keeping things quiet, but I could tell it wasn’t just a fling. It was something with weight behind it.
Their budding relationship hadn’t slowed down, even though they were keeping it discreet for now. Mat was still new to the town, navigating the political landmine that came with his position. It was understandable he wouldn’t want to seem like he was fraternizing with the perceived enemy. His honesty had built a bridge of trust that I was grateful for.
"We call this meeting to order," Rich declared from the curved table at the front of the room.
I sat quietly in the back row of the city council chambers, not planning to contribute, just here because Rich suggested it and Mat mentioned the discussion of another cannabis operation being on the agenda. Rich ran through the usual protocols—reading of minutes, reports, old business, and the like. I looked around the room, noting the sparse attendance. Most of the faces were familiar from growing up here and interacting with local businesses. A few were new. Mat was seated at the front, alongside the chief of the volunteer fire department, the city manager, the city inspector, and other officials.Most were people I grew up with.
As the time came for community comments on the license application for a new cannabis operation, Rich did something unexpected.
"Before we begin community commentary on the motion to grant a review of the business license for a new cannabis operation, I have an announcement. In a private session just prior to this council meeting, the board has given its initial consent to approve the application for a business license, planning approval, and building permits. We will waive the requirements for initial inspections and forgo background and credit check requirements. The final vote will immediately follow the public commentary."
The room erupted into a clamor of voices. This deviation from standard procedure was clearly not typical. Bob from the convenience store stepped up to the microphone as the crowd began to quiet.
"Good evening, my name is Robert Etowin Stonehawk, a long-time resident, tribe member, and owner of—"
"We know who you are, Bob. You speak at every meeting," Rich interrupted brusquely, the disrespect in his tone causing a growl to bubble up in my chest.
"I have a point of order,” Bob continued, clearly annoyed by the slight. “I don’t believe you have the authority to waive safety requirements and established city statutes without cause. The owners of this new venture are newcomers to this town and should go through the normal building review process and security checks."
"Thank you for your commentary. We’re acting in the best interest of the city. The current cannabis business," Rich glanced pointedly at me before continuing, "has had numerous complaints filed against it. While we await thestate board’s report, we cannot afford a loss in our tax base if they’re forced to shut down. Therefore, it’s critical to ensure new businesses with a substantial tax base are maintained. The regulations you refer to can be overridden on a one-off basis with unanimous consent from the city council."
Rich’s dismissive response did nothing to quell the concerns. More residents spoke against the fast-tracking of the application and the suspension of rules, some even mentioning my family’s long-standing presence in the community. The council members, however, seemed disinterested, with one even playing on his phone.
After several more dismissive responses from Rich, Mat stepped up to the podium. "Council, I would like to set the record straight," he began, drawing a glare from Rich. "The Boon Farm is not under ongoing investigation for wrongdoing. I have worked directly with the Board’s inspector, who found no indications of misconduct. We’re awaiting his final report, which will likely refer the false reporting of allegations to law enforcement."
This statement sparked another wave of commotion, which Rich attempted to quell with his gavel.
"Chief, do you have an estimated time for the report’s finalization?" one council member asked.
"They expect it to be completed this week. However, government processes are often slow," Mat replied, emphasizing the last part.
A chuckle rippled through the audience, but one council member seemed pensive and distant, staring off into space.
"I am not risking the city’s finances and budget on the chance that a report may not come back anytime soon. With that, I am putting this to a vote," Rich declared, banging his gavel. "All those in favor of approving the expedited application and waiving the review requirements, raise your hands."
All council members except the one in contemplation raised their hands. Rich stared him down, his jaw muscles tightening.
"Before this vote is finalized, I motion for a short adjournment to allow the council to discuss this matter in a private session," the contemplative councilman finally said, initiating a tense stare-down with Rich.
"Do I hear a second?" Rich bellowed after a few moments.
Once the session was formally adjourned, the council chambers cleared, and spectators were asked to wait in the lobby. Many people approached me, offering luck, commiserating about the situation, and asking about my father. Two men stood off to the side, not interacting with anyone. They looked familiar, but I couldn’t place them. Their scowls suggested they were likely my soon-to-be competitors.
When the adjournment ended less than ten minutes later, we resumed our places in the chambers.
"The motion for expediting the application and requirements waiver is being postponed to a later meeting. This item won’t receive a vote this evening," Rich announced, his voice dripping with disdain as he banged the gavel.
The two men from earlier stormed out, glaring at me on their way.
"Well, fuck you too," I muttered under my breath, smiling to myself, wondering how Rich would handle refunding their 'facilitation fees'.
CHAPTER 29
JAKE
Excitedly, I drove home with the ice cream I’d picked up for Beau. Since I had to run over to Alder Falls anyway, I’d gotten something special, Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream—he’d mentioned last week that it was his favorite but that he hadn't had it in a long time. It would be a nice treat for us to enjoy while snuggling on the couch later that night, which I hoped would lead to an even more passionate evening.
Bump.
