Page 115 of The Endowment Effect

Lucas considered that cursory assessment. “Did you tell him the program you were interested in spearheading to improve the education of some of our struggling at-risk students?”

“I did,” Maynard emphasized with his hands waving in the air. “He said I was all talk and no walk, unwilling to jump in the trenches.”

“Trust me,” Cindy mumbled. “You want to avoid the trenches. They aren’t for the faint of heart.”

Lucas’s head turned, staring at her as he considered her casual statement and then back to Maynard, who was fuming with indignation.

That was it. That was the answer.

Lucas sighed heavily, dramatically, as if contemplating the crass comments made by Hal. “Maynard, I say we shove Hal Humphries’ offensive comments up his smart ass.”

The hulking man’s interest seemed to be captured and confused.

Lucas clarified. “I think you should throw your hat in the ring for city manager.”

Cindy straightened her back, grabbing the arm with her long fingernails, as Lucas worried about them marring the fabric.

But, then again, she was smiling. The first smile Lucas had seen from her since arriving to his office in a hormonal upheaval. But he would never tell her that. He had never seen Cindy cry, let alone complain about her husband.

“But, I’m… a city council member.”

“But should you be?” Lucas asked, bringing his curled forefinger to his mouth as if in contemplation. “This could very well be your next professional step in your desire to serve the community in a real and meaningful way.”

“Are you implying that he’s right?” Maynard asked, offended.

“Absolutely not. You have been dogged in your efforts to get your hands into some really meaningful programs that will help Wayward’s children.”

Cindy agreed vigorously, “Lucas is right. Becoming city manager is your destiny.”

Maynard’s head swiveled toward Cindy. “You just told me I didn’t want in the trenches.”

Cindy waved him off. “Pfft… I was wrong. Jump in that trench. Command that foxhole. You’re perfect for the job.”

Lucas continued, “Think about it. You’re always going above and beyond compared to the other council members. You’re not a budget-wielding guy, you’re a hands-on guy. Plus, you’d be earning a full-time salary rather than part-time, you’d be doing what you were destined to do for Wayward.”

“And the pay is nothing to sneeze at,” Cindy said, sweetening the pot. He’d thank her later.

“What about Timmon’s Hardware?”

Ah yes, his family business. Just a blip in the plan.

“You’re in partnership with your brother, correct?” Lucas asked.

“I am. I don’t feel right handing off all the day-to-day responsibilities to him.”

“How many days a week do you work there?”

“Two, sometimes three.”

“Make arrangements where he’s compensated for the extra time,” Lucas suggested.

Cindy chimed in, “Or, become a silent partner, and hire a part-time employee to take the load off Wade.”

“There are a number of business models you and your brother can discuss and agree to.” Lucas checked his phone for the next item on his to-do list. He could tell by Maynard’s far-off expression this was a slam dunk. His friend just needed time to marinate in the idea. Come to terms with it.

Cindy interjected, “Think your brother’d go for it?”

“Probably,” he replied while staring out the window. “He knows the family business isn’t really my thing. He had all the product knowledge. I had the business know-how. After getting the company up and running, he pretty much runs the show while I handle the finances. When I’m in the store, I’m more in the way than anything.”

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