“Yep.” Vaughn sounded pleased. “And even more will show up later.”
Peyton stared in amazement. “I’ve seen crowds like this one lining up for Broadway shows.”
Vaughn chuckled. “We’re not quite ready for the stage. But our council meetings do get pretty entertaining.”
Peyton smiled. Vaughn was such a nice person. He’d taken her under his wing, helping her navigate the university’s campus and especially its administrative offices. Now he was helping her get acclimated to the town.
She stared at the band director’s broad back as he led her into the assembly room. He was in great physical shape. A well-groomed goatee enhanced his ruggedly handsome features. But Trinity Falls was full of attractive men, a single woman’s fantasy: Vaughn, Dr. Quincy Spates, Ean Fever, Jackson Sansbury, and Darius Knight.
Peyton was surprised to see even more people socializing in the assembly room before the council meeting. Doreen, Megan, Ean, Jackson, Audra, and Darius stood toward the front of the room.
Vaughn led her to them. “I thought it was time to expose our newest resident to one of our greatest traditions, the Trinity Falls Town Council meeting.”
“I thought the Books and Bakery Halloween celebration was the town’s greatest tradition.” Peyton struggled to keep her gaze from lingering on the reporter.
Several other women in the room didn’t seem to have her willpower. In his gunmetal-gray sport coat, snow-white shirt, burgundy tie, and black pants, Darius looked as though he’d dressed for a men’s clothing commercial.
“The Halloween celebration is just one of Trinity Falls many great traditions.” Megan adopted a humble tone even as her wide chocolate eyes twinkled with mischief.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Vaughn.” Darius’s midnight eyes shone with challenge. “When did you start attending council meetings?”
Peyton frowned at the reporter’s question. Why would Darius doubt Vaughn’s interest in the meeting? Her colleague had been adamant that she attend at least one. Why would he be so insistent on her being here tonight if he’d never been to any?
“What do you mean, D?” Vaughn couldn’t meet the reporter’s eyes. “I’ve attended council meetings.”
“Not in the six years since I’ve been covering them.” Darius caught Peyton’s gaze. “Don’t look now, Doc, but I think we’re back in the archives.”
“What?” Was Darius referencing the supposed matchmaking scheme? Peyton turned to Vaughn. “Is that true?”
The band director’s brow furrowed. “I don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Peyton turned back to Darius, but he’d switched his attention to the other five members of their group: Megan, Ean, Doreen, Jackson, and Audra. His eyes twinkled with humor as he addressed them. “Which one of you geniuses put him up to this?”
Ean frowned. “Put who up to what?”
Darius pinched the bridge of his nose. “One of you, maybe more, has been playing matchmaker with Peyton and me ever since she came to town. It’s been fun, I’m sure. But it needs to stop now.”
Peyton confronted Vaughn. “Is that really the reason you suggested I attend this meeting?” This couldn’t be happening. It was a mistake or misunderstanding.
Vaughn shook his head. “I don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Jackson chuckled. “Meddling’s more your style, D. You’re always giving people your two cents on what they should do.”
“My opinion is worth more than two cents.” Darius gave Jackson and Audra a pointed look. “And I’m always right.”
Jackson wrapped an arm around Audra’s waist. “Usually right.”
Peyton wondered at that pointed look. What had the reporter been right about, and how had it involved Audra and Jackson?
Audra touched Peyton’s forearm. “Whatever reason brought you here, you won’t regret it. I’ve attended a couple of these meetings and they’re really interesting.”
Peyton scanned the expectant expressions of the people surrounding her. “I’ll stay. I don’t have anything pressing to do tonight.”
Against her will, her eyes sought Darius. He seemed to be silently laughing at her. Let him. She’d made the choice to stay because she wanted to be part of this community. No one was forcing her.
But she was curious. Peyton glanced around the assembly room. Any one of the dozen or so women undressing Darius with their eyes would be more than happy to go out with him. So why were his friends anxious to set him up with someone? And why had they chosen her?
Minutes later, Town Council President CeCe Roben called the meeting to order. The mayor, council president, and four council members sat behind a U-shaped walnut conference table at the front of the room. A four-foot walnut fence divided the audience from the working section of the assembly room.