Page 82 of Save Me
“I don’t rest much, that’s for sure. Howard—that’s my husband—complains sometimes that I don’t know how to sit still, and maybe I don’t, but I feel like my work is important. I think it’s one of the reasons I keep getting reelected.”
“It is. Absolutely.” My tone, my rapt attention … Who the fuck am I right now? Surely, I could get an Oscar nod for this.
It goads her on. “My Back to Grace Foundation is especially important. It funds all sorts of events that bring families into the community. I started it nearly fifteen years ago when I saw a distinctive shift in values.” Her eyes widen with meaning. “It’s concerning, seeing so many young people losing their way. All thesealternativelifestyles andideasbeing forced down their throats, especially with social media feeding them nonsense. Every corner of entertainment is pushing their sin-filled agenda these days. Not even literature is safe anymore, aside from the Good Book. They can’t change that!”
Clearly, Gayle is a specific kind of Christian—the kind who thinks she has a right to tell people how to live and hides behind bible verses while she does it.
I bite my tongue against the urge to ask if me and Connor fucking a woman at the same time is considered an alternative lifestyle. “So, this foundation, how does it combat these issues?”
“It focuses efforts on providing as many wholesome, faith-based interactions as possible in the community. By doing so, I believe these lost people can find their way back to the Lord.”
“Praise be.” It’s taking everything in me to keep a straight face.
She nods with approval. “The hotel’s contributions have certainly helped.”
Bingo.
My phone is vibrating in my pocket, but I ignore thecall because I need to learn what I can from this woman. How I’ll use it, I have no idea. “So Henry’s made a donation to your charity?”
“Oh, yes. Several sizeable ones.” She laughs. “I won’t lie, when I first heard about plans for this hotel and the area, I was against them. But Henry has helped me see the benefits over time.”
How many digits did it take for her to see the light, I wonder.
“What about you? I see you aren’t wearing a wedding ring,” she notes. “You should come to our Sunday service. There are plenty of young women who attend. I could introduce you to a few.”
Old Ronan would accept, like a fox discovering a hen house, and every single one of those young, godly women would end up screaming my name just to prove a point. “I’m not sure what my work schedule looks like.”
“The Lord shall wait for no paycheck.” She waggles her finger.
My experience at church is limited, but I doubt that’s a proverb.
Her eyes wander. “Oh! There’s Mayor Wilson.”
I follow her gaze to a short and stocky bald man by the fountain.
“I’ve been trying to get hold of him all day. Henry had me earmark a chunk of money for Theo’s son’s outdoor adventure club so they can go camping in Idaho this summer. What an experience for those kids.”
I struggle to keep my expression smooth. “Does Mayor Wilson know Henry’s the one helping out with that?”
“Of course he does! The boys went to Yosemite last year. Theo said the scenery was spectacular.” Her smile is genuine. “Henry has been so generous. Councilwoman Reeves’ daughter and a few classmates are going to Paris in the fall to study fashion! And Councilman Maher’s wife has been trying to start a community theatre, so we’re giving her the funds to do it. That’s a big one. We’ve been saving for years. No way we could do that without Henry’s help.”
“That’samazing.” What’s amazing is that this woman doesn’t seem to see Henry’s game for what it is. But she can’t be this dense … can she? Either way, two drinks in and Gayle is a fucking canary.
“It truly is. Our community is going to thrive, all thanks to Henry. Of course, he doesn’t want credit for it. He’s happy to allow the foundation to shine.” A hiccup escapes Gayle, earning her laughter. “I think this drink might have put me over the edge. Oh dear, it looks like Theo is leaving. I don’t want to miss him before he ducks out.” She reaches out to squeeze my forearm. “It was so nice talking to you, Ronan. We’ll see you on Sunday?”
“I’ll try my best.”
Gayle rushes across the room.
“Really great talking to you,” I murmur after her. So, Henry is funneling money through Gayle’s charity organization to support causes and win votes, and he’s buying Gayle’s vote by helping her with her mission to save all the lost souls.
“Look at you, schmoozing the politicians.” Abbi appears at my side to tease me. She’s in a short silk dress that accentuates her belly.
“I think I need a shower,” I mutter.
“I met her earlier.” Abbi nods toward Gayle. “Reminds me of my mother. Only less fanatical.”
And more dangerous. Gayle holds a position of power. Bernadette just likes to gossip and judge.
