Page 92 of Someone to Tempt
The proof that someone believed in me before I ever did means more than I can say.
34
IRIS
There’sa knock at the door to my office, and I look up from the computer to see Gloria studying me like she’s been there for a while.
“Do you have a minute?”
“Yes, of course,” I say and gesture her forward. Jodi is at her weekly nail appointment, so it’s just me in the office. “I need to head out in a minute to pick up my yard signs from the printer. I know I’m a little behind, but I’m getting things going this week.” I offer what I hope is a confident smile. “Between the signs and a bigger slate of community events, not to mention the excitement around Fun Fest, I think I can win this election. Do you want to walk to the printer with me?”
She shakes her head and closes the door. “We need to talk in private.”
“Oh.” I rack my brain, trying to figure out what would make her look so serious. “Are you endorsing Joey?” I ask with a nervous laugh.
“It’s not me,” she says as she sits across from me.
My heart drops to my toes. The question was a joke, or so I thought.
But Gloria continues, “I got a call from the national committee chair this morning. Governor Wilhelm’s plans for the next primary are ramping up.” Her voice is professional but carries an edge of something I don’t recognize—pity, maybe? “There are concerns about you becoming… About your continued presence on the political scene.”
Shame and regret come rushing back, the need to curl in on myself overwhelming. But I square my shoulders and meet Gloria’s steady gaze.
I force myself to process her message. “Skylark, Colorado, is hardly a national stage, and no one outside of his immediate circle knows about us. They told me to leave Minnesota and lay low for a while. I’ve done that.”
“You’re the mayor,” she reminds me. “It’s a public role.”
“I was appointed.”
She inclines her head as if conceding that minor detail. “Six months ago, but now you’re gearing up for a campaign. You also asked for my support with a career path that will take you to D.C. if things work out.”
The truth slams into me like a wave. “They didn’t mean lay low for a while.” My voice is flat. “This will follow me forever.”
Gloria’s jaw tightens. “You know how the game works. History is never forgotten. It’s not personal.”
“It feels pretty damn personal.” I raise a hand to my throat because it’s hard to breathe as my whole body struggles under the weight of her message. “If I’d known he was married?—”
Gloria slaps a hand on the desk. “Youknew.”
“Separated,” I say weakly. “I thought they were legally separated.”
“He lied and misled you, and now you’re paying the price for believing him. It might be time for a fresh start. I reached out to a friend who runs a think tank in Seattle?—”
I choke out a laugh. “I’ve never even been to Seattle.”
She doesn’t flinch even though I practically spit out the words. “It’s green and lovely—the mountains are different than Colorado but just as beautiful. Winters can get a little rough, but get yourself one of those SAD lights and you’ll be good to go.”
“What if I don’t want togo? I’ve done everything right. Skylark is thriving, and people like me now.” My voice cracks, and I draw in a breath. “I’m thefunmayor.”
She shakes her head. “Fun doesn’t win races.”
Ironic considering I thought being an uptight stick-in-the-mud was my problem. “Are you trying to kick me out of the raceandthe town?”
“I’m trying to give you options,” Gloria says. “I like you, Iris. I admire your dedication and resilience. You have a lot to offer a community, but it’s not going to be in politics.”
“I can work in another capacity and?—”
“What’s changed, Iris?” Gloria leans back, hands folded in her lap. “Because a few weeks ago, you made it clear that Skylark was just a stepping stone to something bigger. Is staying in town really what you want?”
