Page 68 of Living Hell

“We were discussing the meeting for today, and I double-checked Ms. Dell’s schedule and it seems she’s busy for—”

“I hope not too busy to be the star of the Fire Lake Apple Festival in two weeks?” Keaghan glared at Cara with thin lips as he spoke. “I’d hate for her to miss the chance to enjoy herself. And what about you, Cara? I know when I spoke personally on the phone with you the past few weeks you assured me that she would be free. I don’t think Ms. Dell is the type of woman to have someone helping her that lies.”

Once a bully, always a bully.

I was about to tell him where he could put his apple festival when Cara spoke up.

“He’s right.” She turned to me. “It’s one festival and I’m sorry, Iona, but I did promise. And I know Babette wanted you to do some local activities to win the heart of the public after the accident.”

I stared at Cara and my heart broke a bit. Why did she have to be so sweet? I couldn’t say no to her. I’d even tolerate Mayor Asshole for a few weeks if it meant she would be happy. And she was right—the public would eat it up.

Taking a deep breath, I plastered on my most Hollywood smile. “Yes, I’d love to do the festival. Now, if I remember correctly, there’s a parade? Would I get to sit on a float?”

The mayor began to swing his arm around to put on my shoulder but stopped midway and dropped it as we walked toward his office. “Yes, you get the prize spot—next to me on the mayoral float. My hardware store is donating the wood and screws for the float.”

“How generous of you.” I gritted my teeth.

“Now, don’t go getting drunk and trying to drive the float. Don’t want you to kill anyone like you did your mom.” He chuckled and slapped me on the back.

He was the worst person on the planet, and I hated that I had to be stuck on a float with him.

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