Page 131 of The Fine Art of Faking It
“Eden Moody,” Bruce said grandly. “You are a shining example of everything we hope our citizens will embrace in Blue Moon. You’re a hard worker who isn’t above volunteering her time and opening her doors to the less fortunate.”
Davis wasn’t sure how he felt about being labeled “less fortunate.”
“You have worked tirelessly to build a business, and we’re all proud of the adult and entrepreneur and wonderful human being you’ve become.”
It looked to Davis that Eden’s eyes were extra bright under the stage spotlight.
She graciously accepted the invisible trophy, posing mid-hearty handshake with Bruce for Anthony Berkowicz andThe Monthly Moon’scamera.
Still gripping Eden’s hand, Bruce leaned into the microphone again. “The Beautification Committee would like to take this time to invite Davis Gates to join us on stage,” he announced.
If Bruce was intending to have Eden and Davis share the Business of the Year award, he was about to be incredibly disappointed.
“Come on up here, Davis,” Bruce said again.
Eyes on Eden’s face, Davis climbed the risers onto the makeshift stage.
Bruce dropped Eden’s hand, abandoning the invisible trophy, and gestured to someone in the crowd.
“While we’re doling out the good news here,” Bruce said. “We’ll keep the ball rolling with another happy announcement.”
He positioned Davis next to Eden before turning back to the crowd.
“Davis, this is truly fortuitous timing. All of Blue Moon is aware of the tragedy you suffered due to that unfortunate andcompletely accidentalfire. Which is why it’s my great pleasure to announce that you’re the winner of our special Helping Hands Raffle!”
Amethyst Oakleigh took the stage wielding a large glass jar. The crowd, hopped up on good deeds and sketchy adult punch, cheered as if a multimillion dollar lottery winner had just been introduced.
Davis had never heard of the Helping Hands Raffle before, and judging by Eden’s expression, neither had she.
“You may not recall entering this completely above-board raffle, but I can assure you did!” Bruce laughed like a nervous Santa Claus. “Here are your winnings! Two hundred and thirty-six dollars!” He handed it over to Davis in a large pickle jar crammed with wadded-up dollar bills.
That explained where the $8 muffin money went.
Bruce shoved the microphone into his face.
“Um. I don’t know what to say,” Davis told the crowd. They looked at him expectantly as if the pressure of their attention would turn him into an eloquent public speaker. Eden slipped an arm through his. “Thank you for this win?” he said into the microphone. The crowd applauded enthusiastically.
“Wonderful. Wonderful,” Bruce crowed. “Eden, do you have a few words you’d like to share about your Business of the Year Award?”
Eden stepped up to the microphone elbowing both Davis and Bruce out of the way. “As a matter of fact, I do. I have a lot to say about this town.”
Davis held his breath. He knew exactly what old Eden would say and it would involve a middle finger or two.
“The first thing that needs to be said is thank you.”
Davis let his breath out in a soft sigh.
Eden glanced over her shoulder at him and gave him a slow wink. “It’s an honor to be part of a town that is so invested in the health and happiness of its residents. And while we may not always agree on methods, good intentions are at the root of every act… no matter how hair-brained or ridiculous or destructive they may seem.” She gave Bruce a long look that had his neck turning pink.
She admired her pretend, invisible trophy. “It’s no secret that I set out to beat out the winery for this award. And now that I have it in my hands—so to speak—I understand that we’re all in this together. This invisible award is for each and every one of us who make the lives of our friends and neighbors better. Every one of you deserves a piece of this trophy because together, we are more than just people and businesses and private agendas. We’re a community.”
Fitz lit a lighter and held it aloft. Other flames flickered to life around the gym. Those without lighters turned on their cell phone flashlights.
“Community! Woo!” hooted Rupert Shermanski from the back of the crowd.
“Um, thank you. Oh, and I’m sorry for doubting the B.C. and messing up your plans. That’s all I—thanks,” Eden said, backing away from the microphone.
Bruce chuckled. “Oh, this was our plan all along. We knew all we had to do was get you two under the same roof.”
