She looks hurt for a moment until I grip her ankle and give it a squeeze.
“Hey?” I whisper. “It’ll be like this every day, but in our own place. If you want?” I ask her, hoping she’ll agree and promising myself to do better next time I ask.
She opens her mouth to say something, but the doorbell chimes again, and true to my word, I get myself dressed in my dried clothes and step out, ready to talk to the hungry media while Krystal waits inside.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Krystal
With more cameras and reporters than I ever thought in the state, let alone the county, I watch the live feed on the TV from the Mayor’s office as James waits for the final counting of the votes.
Dad’s still in the hospital, and I know he’s watching too, it breaks my heart in a way because since he rescued me, James is suddenly the town hero.
The state hero, even being cited a bravery award by the Governor.
It’s almost like my dad’s been forgotten overnight, but James and I both know he’s as much a hero as anyone else, risking everything to find me.
I want to go see my dad, almost wished I’d gone to the hospital this morning, but he insisted last night I stay at his office and support him from there.
I feel bad because I want to support James too. It’s only natural for me to want to be by his side.
It’s not even afternoon before it’s clear who’s won the election.
It’s practically unanimous.
Woods End has a new Mayor, James Silverthorn.
I’m proud of him. I’m pleased. But I’m torn too. I actually voted for my dad after all because of what James said about him only wanting me.
Dad will be crushed, and what’s he going to do for a job now?
It’s all my fault, if I hadn’t run away then they wouldn’t have come looking for me, James never would have rescued me… Dad would still be Mayor.
“Ms. Newland? Would you mind? Just a few words after Mayor Silverthorn’s acceptance speech?” Somebody asks, poking their head around the door.
I nod absently. Wiping the single tear from my cheek and picking up the phone, not surprised when the hospital tells me my dad’s sleeping and doesn’t want to be disturbed.
Composing myself and hearing the loud applause from outside, I remind myself again about the promise I made in the cabin.
I won’t be mad or get upset with James or my dad. They’re the most important people in my life. My dad’s family and James…
Well. If I play my cards right, James might be family too.
Someone’s waiting to walk me to the podium set up in the same hall where the ball was held the other night. It looks smaller filled with so many people. I think every single person in town has shown up.
My eyes meet James’ and he smiles, but it’s not a happy one.
I want to go to him, to hold him and kiss him but a subtle shake of his head signals me no.
Not yet.
There’s so much noise, applause, and general loudness from the PA and the hyped-up MC who keeps encouraging everyone to cheer and clap some more, but eventually, Mayor Silverthorn takes control of proceedings, making his first speech as Mayor of Woods End.
The first thing he does is thank my dad, Mayor Newland. Reminding everyone who seems to have forgotten just what a great job he’s done for so many years.
There’s an awkward applause, and I can pick up on James’ mood better than anyone.
He’s not happy at all about winning and it shows.
I catch his eye again, and I mouth the words I love you, which seems to lift his spirits.
He even smiles and collects his thoughts before continuing.
Thanking all the other candidates, the voters, and lastly me, he also makes his first announcement to pass a motion with the council as Mayor.
Not usually something dad would do while giving his victory speech, but maybe James doesn’t understand how that stuff works.
“My first job as your Mayor,” he says with some suspense, “Is to pass a motion with the council… That in my absence, for any reason… the office, duties and all salaries and entitlements as Mayor should pass to a deputy of my choosing.”
A hush comes over the crowd, people start to scratch their heads.
What are you doing, James?
“I’ll ask the council, who are all here today. All those in favor of the motion?” he asks, looking from one to the next as they all shrug, a couple even chuckling.
“Aye… Aye… Aye…” And so it goes, with each member favoring their newly elected Mayor’s motion.
James beams with pride, and a relieved smile it is too.
“That’s settled then, because as of today, this hour, in fact, I’m on vacation. And I nominate former Mayor, Bob Newland as my appointed deputy, to fill every role of the office and receive all benefits and entitlements I would normally receive, in my absence which will last for exactly one year from today.”