Page 29 of Kissing the Beach Town Fire Chief
I am not sure how long I continue to talk, only that when I do some people clap and some just sit there, but it is Ami who stands up and claps the loudest. And when she does, I can’t keep the smile off my face as I look at her.
All that matters at this moment is her.
Chapter fifteen
Ami
A few years ago, if someone told me that I would be standing here, clapping and cheering on a guy that I grew up competing with, I would never believe them. But life works in a mysterious way, and so here we are. A few years ago, I would never admit that I was impressed with Ethan, but this one summer has changed so much between us that whatever we thought was normal between us is no longer normal.
We’ve found mutual respect, as we create a bond that I never really saw coming in just a few weeks. This trip has proven to be more than I initially thought it would be. Frankly, I didn’t even think that coming here would help my writer’s block. But color me surprised because not only have I been able to get back to writing, but with a great many ideas. And that’s because of all the interesting things I’ve learned about Seabrook.
The fact that this place carries history so rich and colorful surprises me. The feeling of having missed out on the true beauty of this town fills me every time I think of it. But witheverything that is going on, I have high hopes that Seabrook will return to its original state once more.
And even though I’m here, supporting Ethan and rooting for him as he finishes the speech, I can’t help but notice my aunt sitting nearby. She doesn’t conceal her disappointment or feeling of betrayal and I feel a pang of regret hit me. I didn’t want things to turn out this way but what could I even have done when Aunt Maggie refused to even talk about this?
As soon as Ethan’s speech ends, he walks through the crowd stopping to talk with a few people but his eyes keep flickering to me, as if to confirm that I am still where he last saw me. Something about that makes my cheeks heat, but I try not to think much about it. My eyes fall back to my Aunt Maggie. I feel such guilt as I watch her stand up and storm away. Concern fills me and I was about to get up and follow when Ethan finally comes up to me. “Hey,” he says casually.
I tear my eyes away from my aunt's retreating figure. Maybe it’s best that I leave her alone for a while. Knowing her, even if I try to talk to her and explain myself right now, she’ll just refuse to hear me out. Even though this is the last thing I want, I sigh and turn my focus back to Ethan, avoiding the confrontation with Aunt Maggie that I know is bound to happen sometime soon.
“Hi, you were awesome up there,” I tell him with a small smile.
“You think so?” he asks, his eyes lighting up.
“Of course. A lot of people were very invested. I’m sure this campaign will be a success; I can feel it.” I tell him.
“I really hope so,” he says, as he pauses and scans my face with concern. “How did Aunt Maggie take it?” he asks softly, and my smile evaporates. I sigh, and he understands immediately as he places a hand on my arm in a way to comfort me.
“I didn’t expect her to cheer for you, but I don’t like that she and I are on such bad terms. You should have seen the betrayedlook she had when she saw me, Ethan. I hate this.” I tell him, my voice thick with emotion.
Ethan’s eyes soften as he looks at me. He places a hand on my shoulder, making me look up at him.
“Hey, hey, hey. Don’t be so negative, now. Your aunt loves you just as much as you love her and I am sure she will get over this soon. Just give it some time. She’ll come around.” he tells me.
“And what if she doesn’t? What if she hates me or can’t ever trust me again?” Tears well in my eyes.
“Nothing of that sort will happen, Ami. And if it does, I promise you I will do anything I can to make it right. Trust me, Aunt Maggie and you will be just fine,” he promises, and I can’t help but put my faith in his words. After all, what other choice do I have?
I nod, “I hope so, Ethan. I really do.”
We stand for a few moments before I break the silence. “So, what’s the next step?” I ask, and Ethan removes his hand from my shoulder. And even now I will never admit it out loud, I miss the warmth as soon as it leaves me.
“Well, the next step is the forum. Which I will be hosting,” he tells me, and I raise my eyebrows.
“Aren’t we already done with the forum?” I ask, confused.
“We are,” he nods before continuing, “but since I have changed my campaign, I have to host it once more and explain my ideas in detail with the people and give them a chance to interact and ask questions,” he explains.
“Oh, so basically this time around you have to take people’s opinions about your ideas?” I confirm and he nods. “Not just ideas, but their oppositions too. People can tell me what I am doing wrong and what I should do. And I admit that I’m a little nervous,” he admits.
“Hey, you don’t have to be nervous. You have great ideas, and you deal with people easily.”
“It’s not just that. Honestly, you and I both worked on this. Remember, a lot of the ideas in this campaign are yours. I was thinking of asking you to co-host with me but seeing the situation with Aunt Maggie, I don’t want to put you in a more difficult situation. I just hope that I can answer all their queries without making a fool out of myself.” he says worriedly.
He's right, he was so worried when we were coming up with a new campaign that I had to give him several ideas before he could come up with things himself. The fact that he needs me but won’t ask for my help because he knows how much my relationship with Aunt Maggie means to me warms my heart.
“Oh Ethan, you could never make a fool out of yourself. Where is the smug, overconfident guy that I have always seen? You know you’re good at everything you do, and this is going to be no different.
And as for co-hosting with you, since I have already come so far, I won’t back out just now. I want what you have in mind for this town, and after everything I have already done it would be a shame if I back down now.” I tell him with a slow smile. He looks at me with a hopeful expression.
