Page 37 of Just a Plot Twist
“They have to decorate their classroom for an end of the year read-in. I was thinking some streamers or something.” He shrugs.
Now that he’s here, I’m having a hard time thinking of anything besides him.
My gaze narrows. “Like crepe paper streamers? Those are sort of hard to manage.” I drop the garland on the lowest shelf, turn, and crutch my way down the aisle. At the end, I pluck a large package off a peg and hand itto him. “Instant party in a bag. Everything’s color coordinated and good quality and comes with sticky tabs so you don’t even need tape. It’s way easier to handle than crepe paper.”
He surveys the package. “You had me at instant party.”
“I only wish my Grandma would be okay with something like that for tonight. Nothing she wants is that easy.”
He gestures to the packages on the bottom shelf as I make my way back to them. “White garland, huh?”
“It’s the last thing on my list. We already have a lot, but Grandma was worried we’d need more. Better safe than sorry.” I stop and adjust the crutches so they fit better under my arms, then pile the packages in the shopping basket. “I should go, though. I’m supposed to help hang these. I’ve already been over to the venue a few times today and it looks amazing. But this will add a little extra something.”
“I hope it all works out.” He lingers, like something is on the tip of his tongue.
I check my shirt for wayward buttons but then remember I’m wearing a t-shirt. I pile the packages in my basket, which I loop through my arm, and then begin making my way to the registers.
He catches up to me, deftly lifting the shopping basket from my fingers and carrying it for me. “That’s wild that we ran into each other like this. Can I help? My ankles are healthy. I can hang stuff up for you.”
“Oh we have like four ladders and a lot of people. Don’t worry, I’m not personally climbing on any ladders.” I point to my ankle. “I’ll be supervising and bossing people around. Thanks though.” I flash a smile.
It would be fun to have him there, but I wouldn’t ask him to sacrifice his Saturday night for it.
Once we reach the bank of registers, two right next to each other open at the same time. We share another smile as we’re both called forward. I have to put my keys and stuff on the counter to dig my wallet out of my small, crossbody bag. His things go right next to mine as he gets his wallet out of his back pocket.
“The Longdale Longhorns, huh?” He points to my keychain, which is a plastic reinforced crocheted circle in the school colors with the name and mascot stitched right in.
I give a shy smile. “Yes. I’ve had it since high school.”
He nods, trying to cover up a smile. “Go figure.”
“What? I rotate through several Longdale-themed keychains now.”
At his smile, a rash of defensiveness boils up inside me. “What?” I ask.
He taps his debit card to pay. “Nothing. I like that you have roots there. We moved four times in my growing up years, so it was different for me.”
“Longdale’s the best. I doubt I’d even want a city job if I were in a different place.”
“So it’s less about the position and more about Longdale itself?”
It’s time for me to pay now, so I pause. Then, “Yes. I want the city manager position because if Rich gets it, he’ll probably be in it for a long time. It’s sort of now or never for me. I don’t want to manage any other town. And I’m ready. I’ve created so many spreadsheets about how I’d do the job if I get it.”
“You’re going to get it.” He takes the receipt and his plastic bag from the cashier. His impossibly dark eyes study me.
My ears burn hot. “You sound so sure. I wish I was that confident about it. I still need to finish my application.”
“Nobody loves the town as much as you do.”
“I could either be offended by that or take it as a compliment.”
“What do you mean?”
“Maybe you’re saying Longdale isn’t as loveable as I believe it is,” I challenge.
“I’m not saying that. I happen to love Longdale, too.”
I gather my keys and phone and shove them in my crossbody bag. “It’s probably a moot point, though. The mayor is best friends with Rich’s father. It’s going to take a miracle for him to hire me over Rich.”
