Page 10 of Summer Showdown
"Oh?" she said, her expression curious as she approached.
"Lark, this is Edna Twinkleberry and Piper Walsh," I said, making the introductions. "Edna, Piper, this is Lark Hayes."
Edna's eyes lit up with recognition. "So you're the Chicago lawyer everyone's talking about!" She gave Lark a once-over. "My, you're just as pretty as your picture, dear. Wade's a lucky man."
Lark's eyes widened noticeably, clearly taken aback by Edna's appearance and enthusiastic greeting. The mental image of the mayor's fiancée she'd probably constructed—some elegant, conservative older woman—was being rapidly redrawn.
"It's nice to meet you both," Lark said politely, though I caught the wee hint of surprise in her voice.
Piper smiled and held up the sign. "What do you think?"
"It's adorable," Lark said, a genuine smile softening her features as she studied the design. She looked up at Edna. "You're turning this into a cat café?"
"Indeed we are," Edna said proudly. "Theodore and I are combining our resources to create a haven for our feline friends in need. Do you have cats, dear?"
Lark scrunched her forehead slightly. "No, I don't have any pets. I'm not sure why exactly..." She paused, considering. "I've always loved cats, but my mother was allergic when I was growing up, so we couldn't have one. And after law school, I guess I've just been working so much I never really had time for anything else."
Edna patted her arm sympathetically. "It's never too late to stop and smell the roses—or in this case, the litterboxes." She paused, tilting her head. "Though I'm not sure that's really the right analogy, but you know what I mean."
I bit back a smile at Lark's expression.
"Can I get you two anything?" Piper asked. "First cup's on the house today. We're testing new cat-themed specials."
"Just black coffee for me," I said.
"I'll have a vanilla latte with oat milk and an extra shot, please," Lark ordered. "And maybe one of those almond croissants if they're fresh?"
"Made this morning," Piper confirmed. "I'll bring everything over to your table."
I guided Lark to the corner table I'd selected. As we sat down, I noticed her taking in the space—the mismatched vintage chairs, the local artwork on the walls, the newly added cat accessories.
"So," I began, once we were settled. "I appreciate you asking to meet. I agree it’s a good idea for us to discuss…things."
Lark nodded, folding her hands on the table. "Let's be clear about what we're discussing. The mayor wants us to pretend to be a couple to boost tourism for the festival, is that right?"
"That's the gist of it, yes." I leaned forward, keeping my voice low. "Look, I know this is an unusual request, but the Summer Splash Festival is important to Wintervale. Tourism has been down the past few years, and the mayor's made it his mission to revitalize the town."
"And our supposed romance is going to achieve that?" Skepticism laced her voice.
"According to Mayor Snowcroft, Zoe's blog post about us is already getting attention. People love a good summer romance story." I shrugged. "Plus, the mayor thinks the opposites-attract thing adds a certain cachet."
Piper arrived with our drinks and Lark's croissant, momentarily pausing our conversation. When she left, Lark took a sip of her latte, leaving a faint imprint of lipstick on the rim.
"What's in this for you?" she asked directly. "You must have a reason for agreeing to this charade."
I hesitated, not wanting to explain about Logan's near-drowning or how I still felt the weight of being away when my family needed me most. “I run a water safety program for kids here in Wintervale. It's important work, but funding is always tight. The mayor promised that if festival attendance increases, the town will match the donations we receive.”
Lark nodded, understanding in her eyes. Professional, assessing. "That seems reasonable."
"What about you?" I asked. "The mayor mentioned you're taking some time away from work?"
A shadow crossed her face. "Just taking some time away from the office," she said, her tone making it clear she wasn't interested in elaborating. "It seemed like a good opportunity to get some perspective."
"I won't pry," I assured her, though curiosity burned within me.
"I appreciate that," she said, her posture relaxing slightly. "So, if we're going to do this, we should establish some parameters."
"Agreed. Timeframe is through the festival and the mayor's wedding?"
