Page 52 of Axe Backwards
Even Jude was happy and fulfilled these days, playing music, hiking with his dog, and continuing to work for the family company now owned by Chloe, Gus’s ex-wife-turned-girlfriend.
As the meeting continued, several people spoke. The water commissioner droned on about lawn watering restrictions, the cub scouts updated us on their flower fundraiser, and Mrs. Blakely, with a steady stream of boos from Mrs. Dupont, outlined the schedule for the Fourth of July festivities.
When it was Vic’s turn, she passed Tess to me, and strode to the podium, her dark hair down her back and her eyes shining.
Shit, I couldn’t help but be entranced by her.
With a broad smile, she adjusted the microphone. Speaking in front of hundreds of people would scare the shit out of me, but she looked completely at ease.
After expressing gratitude for the recent donation drive, she launched into her plans for the summer fundraiser. Last week, she’d made a PowerPoint between episodes ofSchitt’s Creekand a box of Annie’s Mac & Cheese we split for dinner.
“As you know, last year’s wood chopping was a big success.” A series of whistles and whoops rang out around the room, the majority distinctly female.
Tess clapped and shouted, “Ick-Ick.”
With a smile, Vic waved at her.
“This year, we hope to include even more activities.”
“Bachelor auction!” a woman shouted.
Vic gripped the edges of the podium and glared.
Lucy Myers, who had been our lunch lady in school, stood with a huff. “I was told there would be a lumberjack bachelor auction this year.”
Several other older ladies hooted and hollered.
Vic’s shoulders stiffened, and she rolled her head to one side, then the other like she was tamping down her annoyance. Next to me, Jude slid lower in his seat. He was the most eligible lumberjack in town, after all. I plopped Tess in his lap to distract him, and she immediately buried her hands in his beard and tugged.
“While I appreciate your letters, phone calls, and emails on the subject.” She narrowed her eyes. “We will not be auctioning off any lumberjacks this year.”
A chorus of boos went up around the room, and Jude’s shoulders relaxed.
“Instead, we will be hosting an expanded lumberjack competition with multiple events, including a children’s competition.”
The applause in response to that was subdued.
“The heritage and history of Lovewell are tied to timber. Leaning into the lumberjack branding could bring in more tourists and give us an economic boost.”
That statement had several people perking up.
“We’ll have a professional demo, and Remy Gagnon—”
The room erupted in applause for the hometown athletic hero.
Vic broke into a relieved smile. “Remy will be there, and we’ve invited other athletes from the New England area toparticipate. Cole Hebert has volunteered to handle permits for local businesses to participate, so for any of you interested, email either of us.”
Dozens of hands went up at once.
“Can I do a yodeling demonstration?”
“Where can I submit my petition that the lumberjacks be shirtless?”
“How many tourists?”
“Will there be a senior division?”
Vic patiently answered each question and went through her slides. As she explained her projections and how vendor fees and ticket sales would benefit the food pantry, people grew more and more excited.
