Page 46 of The Good Luck Cafe
“Perfect!” The blogger looked giddy about the idea. Then she waved. “I’ll call you next week!”
Chapter Fourteen
The festival was mostly a success, at least for the town. For Gil, it was a bit of a dumpster fire. Not only did he have one competitor gunning for his job, but now he had two. And the second one, Moira, wasn’t someone he ever wanted to fight with.
“Wanna go for a boat ride?” He petted Goldie’s head.
She gave a bark as if she knew exactly what he was asking and her answer was an enthusiastic yes.
Gil stood from his Adirondack chair on the back deck and headed down the steps. He could always count on his dog and his boats.
“Hey.”
Gil stopped walking but didn’t turn. “Here to trade campaign strategies?”
“No.” Behind him, Moira was as quiet as the night. He could almost hear her breathing.
Finally, Gil turned and faced her. She looked mesmerizing under the quarter moon and starry night sky.
“I just wanted to make sure you knew what happened today, onstage, wasn’t personal.”
Gil laughed dryly. “No? Trying to take my job isn’t personal?” He nodded and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Good to know.”
Goldie ran over to greet Moira. She reached out to run her fingers along Goldie’s back as she talked. “Is making plans to demolish my mom’s bakery personal?”
Gil stared at her. “Point taken.”
“Anyway, I was glad we were able to have a sort of truce the other night. I’m still upset with you, but I’m funneling that energy into my campaign. And I don’t want this to affect our friendship.”
Gil took a breath and nodded. “Your announcement surprised me, but I can handle a little friendly competition.”
“Me too,” Moira said. “And, in case you were wondering, I’m not going to shoot below the belt in this campaign.”
Gil narrowed his eyes and grinned. “I’m glad to hear that. I don’t play dirty either.”
Now Moira narrowed her eyes. “Good to know.”
“I meant it earlier. May the best person for the job win, whether it’s you or me.” He shrugged. “As long as it’s not Denise.”
Moira hugged her arms around herself. “My mom is not happy that I’m running against you.”
Gil tore his gaze from Moira and looked at the lake. “I’m sure it just shocked her. As it did me.” He tipped his head toward his boat. “I was about to go for a ride. Care to come along, seeing that we’re friendly competition and nothing more or less?”
Moira seemed to consider his invitation. “No, that’s okay. I should probably get home. It’s going to be a busy week planning how I’m going to beat out the mayor of Somerset Lake.”
Gil chuckled. “It won’t be easy.”
“Nothing worthwhile ever is.”
He took a retreating step. “Last chance for a moonlit boat ride tonight.”
“Tempting, but it was a long day. I’m tired.” As if to make her point, she broke out into a yawn.
Gil wasn’t the kind of guy who pushed. He liked to think he didn’t keep company with that kind of guy either, but apparently he had at one time. Gil hadn’t kept up with Felix Wilkes, because, roommate or not, he hadn’t particularly liked the guy. He hadn’t disliked him either though. “See you later, Moira.”
“See you.” She turned and headed back toward her car.
Gil waited to ensure she made it okay. Then he led Goldie onto his boat, thinking about Moira as he skimmed the water. If he weren’t running for the mayor’s office, he would vote for Moira. Experience or not, she would make a good town representative. Other than high school government, Gil hadn’t had any political experience when he’d run for the position either. Just a dream and a desire for change. Back then he’d wanted to change the world, thinking it was easier than it actually was.
