Page 3 of Falling Again
Anthony’s ears perked up at the mention of Max. While their friendship wasn’t entirely on solid ground, the two had gotten closer since their wives started N&G Planners together. “That’s a good idea. Someone like Max would bring a lot to the table. Why don’t we reach out and see if he’s interested?”
Jillian frowned and clicked her pen several times, cutting through the silence. “I think everyone should present their ideas for the council. Then we’ll all vote.”
Anthony couldn’t disagree. He knew if Max was interested, he’d win over the rest of the council members. Nodding, he made a note for the vote to take place at the next council meeting. After discussing other business, Anthony adjourned the meeting and packed up his things.
Before he could get the last of his papers into his messenger bag, Jillian was at his side. “Do you have a moment, Mayor?”
Of course he didn’t, but Anthony knew he needed to play ball. “Sure Jillian. What can I do for you?” During his father’s time in the hot seat, he was famous for making time for every Buckeye Fall’s resident; whether he had the time to give was another matter entirely.
Jillian offered a bland smile and slid her gaze up and down Anthony’s frame. He hadn’t felt that scrutinized in ages, and he was grateful he’d chosen his favorite suit that morning. “I know you have a lot going on right now with Natalie’s new business and the children, but I’m concerned with your workload.”
Anthony should have seen this coming. His father had been very dedicated for over two decades, never missing an event in Buckeye Falls, nor any council meetings. What the residents and council members didn’t realize was that his father missed a lot at home. While his father was cutting ribbons and touring the town, Anthony and his sister were playing football, dancing, going to debate competitions, and trying to impress their absentee dad.
Jillian had always supported his father and wouldn’t understand Anthony’s attempts to balance work and home life. “My workload is fine, Jillian. Thank you for your concern. Was there anything specific you wanted to discuss? I need to get to my next meeting.”
In truth, Anthony didn’t have a meeting for another thirty minutes, but he wanted to find a moment to check in with Natalie. He hated leaving her stressed and alone this morning. The look of defeat on her face brought a dull ache to his chest that he couldn’t shake.
Hesitating for a moment, Jillian finally shook her head. “No, that’s all for now. Make sure you’re not late next time.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to defend himself, to tell Jillian off. He had been one minute late, and none of the other council members seemed to notice. But he had enough political savvy, even on a Monday morning, to know when to stay silent. Now was certainly one of those times.
“Of course. Have a great week, Jillian.” And with that, Anthony gathered the last of his things and paced down the hall to his office, a small trail of mulch left in his wake.
Anthony was greeted by his assistant, Trudy Cook, a Buckeye Falls native who had worked for his father. Trudy was stubborn, yet passionate, and Anthony adored her.
“You have a missed call from your dad, something about the lake house. You had a call from the sewage company, and another one from the electric company––something about tax cuts?”
Reaching out with his free hand, Anthony took the stack of pink slips and went into his office. Trudy followed and handed him a mug of coffee and the local paper.
“Thanks, Trudy. You’re a lifesaver.”
The older woman chuckled and pointed to the paper. The headline was about the summer camp for honor students at the high school, Shining Stars Academy. There was a kick-off event later that month, and he and Natalie were expected to attend. Anthony was happy these kids had a bright future, but they were eating up his schedule.
“Don’t forget about the Shining Stars event. You need to RSVP and confirm your involvement by Friday. Do you think Natalie will be available?”
Before she started her business, Natalie had always been available for Anthony. Even after having the kids, she’d somehow show up on his arm dressed to the nines with a smile on her face. She had taken to the role of Buckeye Falls’ first lady like a fish to water, but lately she seemed to be missing some of her Natalie sparkle. So was Anthony if he was being honest.
Anthony’s thoughts went back to the morning. Seeing Natalie standing in front of him in her lacy bra had brought his pulse up and nearly knocked him to the floor. They hadn’t had much alone time recently, and Anthony hadn’t realized how much he’d missed seeing his wife until she stood there half-naked and covered in chocolate syrup.
“Did you hear me, Anthony?” Trudy asked, snapping her fingers in front of his face.
“What? Oh yeah, the summer camp.” He rubbed his eyes and reached out for the cup of piping hot coffee, wishing he could chug it. Caffeine and a sense of inadequacy were his favorite morning companions these days.
Trudy offered a sad smile and reclined on the desk. “Yes. The camp. But you also need to decide where we’re starting the 4thof July parade this year. A few businesses have already called to stake their claim on the starting line.”
“Can you email me a list?” he asked, assuming it was already waiting in his inbox.
“Done and done. Deadline for that decision is Wednesday. Just let me know and I’ll reach out to the shop owners.”
“How would I ever run this town without you, Trudy?”
“You wouldn’t.” She winked and closed the door, leaving Anthony to stew in his office.
A mountain of paperwork and emails awaited him, but all Anthony could think about was Natalie. He missed his wife, truly and with all his heart. The trouble was, he didn’t know how they could find their way back to how they were before. Much like the mounting pile of tasks in front of him, finding his way back to Natalie seemed nearly insurmountable.
