Page 44 of The Good Luck Cafe
She turned toward Gil once they were off the outdoor stage, and her heart dipped.
He looked deflated in a way she had rarely ever seen him. Gil typically carried himself with confidence. That was one of the things she secretly admired about him.
“I’m sorry,” Moira said, at a loss for anything more to say.
“You just took me by surprise, that’s all.” He ran a hand through his dark blond hair. “I had no idea you were even considering running for office.”
“Well, it’s something new. I haven’t even filled out the paperwork yet.”
“So you just announced onstage to the whole town that you’re running when you’re not actually serious about it?” he asked, sounding tense and suddenly irritated.
“I am serious.”
“Just because of what’s happening with your mom’s bakery?”
“Isn’t that reason enough? If you aren’t going to support small businesses here, I will.”
Gil crossed his arms over his chest. “Idosupport business owners.”
Moira shook her head, hackles rising. She didn’t need to explain herself to Gil. “Not all of them.”
They stared at each other for a beat. Gil was obviously upset, but she wouldn’t apologize for this. Maybe she hadn’t been keen on this idea when Vi had first suggested it, but now she was. This could be good for her, and for the town.
Gil simultaneously shook his head and blew out a breath. “I can’t believe this. First Denise and now you. Good luck,” he said, facing her, his tone incredulous. “May the best person win.”
“Thanks. I think.”
Gil headed off, leaving Moira standing there alone, but only for a second. Then Lucy, Tess, Della, and Trisha stormed her.
“You were amazing up there!” Lucy said, grinning from ear to ear.
“You’re a natural for sure.” Tess was more subdued with her enthusiasm, but she was beaming.
“This feels like a dream. Am I really running for mayor?” Moira asked, not quite believing any of this. “Am I really doing this?”
“You are,” Trisha said on a laugh, one hand holding the mound of her belly. “I heard it with my own two ears and so did the rest of the town.”
Moira still felt shaky but also exhilarated. Maybe there were more things she wanted to do. The world suddenly felt like her oyster. She looked among her friends, enjoying the moment. Then the guilt hit her. “I think Gil is mad at me.”
“Serves him right,” Lucy said. “Two of us are small-business owners. Not saying he’s done a bad job, but knowing what’s planned for Sweetie’s scares me. We need a mayor who’s going to look out for our businesses’ best interests. You’d be great.”
Moira just wished it didn’t mean going up against Gil. He’d never been anything but nice to her until this parking lot thing. And he was still being nice.
“We can meet on Monday morning at Sweetie’s and begin discussing your campaign,” Tess said, taking the lead as always. Whenever there was anything that required planning, she always took charge.
Lucy lifted a hand. “I’ll be there.”
“I still have the dispatch to work,” Moira said, “so I won’t be able to stay long.”
“We’ll just have mini–planning sessions. It’ll be fine.” Lucy narrowed her eyes. “You’re not in this alone. We’re going to be the best campaign team you never knew you needed.”
All the women took turns giving Moira a hug. Then Della returned to Roman, and Trisha left to locate Jake.
“I have to find River,” Tess said. “He’s not a fan of crowds. I promised not to leave him to suffer through this festival alone.”
Lucy hugged Moira last. “You can do this. I’m inspired by you.”
“Thanks.” When the ladies were gone, Moira was left standing alone. She sat on the steps of the makeshift stage and took a couple of deep breaths.
