Page 106 of Everything Has Changed
“I don’t think I know you,” he says in a low voice.
The girl swallows thickly, her eyes darting from me and back to him. “I’m just passing through. I saw the ad online for this event and thatyou were accepting out-of-town vendors. Is that okay? I paid the fees, I promise.”
“Yes, you are absolutely welcome,” I say quickly to ease her worry. My eyes catch on her table. The colorful crocheted animals and cross-stitched signs are laid out for viewing. I smile at the lyrics I recognize on the framed piece of artwork hanging from one of the poles, mentally reminding myself to come pick it up later. “Katherine, right? I have been looking forward to seeing your collection since your application came through.”
With a sigh of relief, she smiles wide at me. The clear ease I have given her relaxes some of the anxiety building in my chest, thanks to the man beside me.
“Kate, actually. Thank you for opening up to everyone this year. I’ve been coming to the Harvest Festival with my parents for as long as I can remember, so it feels like a big deal to me that this is my first major event. I am–-”
“I don’t approve of these.”
We both whip our heads over to Mr. Spencer, who has a meaty finger pointing accusingly toward a display of cross-stitched pieces. A couple of lyrics I recognize, but the one he is highlighting with his sneer makes me want to giggle. “Fuck the patriarchy” is embroidered within colorful flowers.
“Either take them down or you can pack up and leave.” That’s all he says before he turns on his heel and moves to the next one.
I look over at Kate, seeing her face turning red and her eyes welling up with unshed tears. “Oh my God, I am so sorry. That’s our mayor. He’s—”
“A douchebag?”
I chuckle humorlessly. “It seems that way. A bit of a newer realization for some of us. Please stay. He’s a little on edge for some reason,but I doubt he will stick around for long. So why don’t we just put those particular ones away for right now? You have full permission from me to bring them out later, okay?”
She nods; angrily swiping under her eyes.
“I’ll be back later as well to buy some stuff for myself. I was completely serious; I have been stalking your art online for a while now.”
That makes her crack a smile again.
“Gwendolyn!”
I visibly cringe again at my name being shouted across the way. Whatever Mr. Mayor found now he clearly isn’t a fan of.
“Good luck,” Kate whispers as I walk away.
This was going to be a long-ass day if this keeps up.
37
Logan
Ihaven’t talked to Gwen in hours, but I’ve been keeping an eye on her ever since I walked away at the gazebo this morning. The few glances we have shared, paired with secretive smiles, have been fueling me all day.
The way she makes me feel seen and cared for is something I have never experienced and something I never want to be without. My chest aches at the thought of potentially having to give her up thanks to the greed of the men playing puppet master with Willow Grove. Though after the conversation I had with Camila, I worry that the dream of making her mine officially is just that. Not something I can make reality. At least not right now.
But even that wouldn’t be enough, because why would Gwen wait for me to sort this mess out when the mess in question is going to heavily affect her if I’m not careful? When the current plan that has been planted in my head that feels like the best option for everyone will crush her?
We need to talk sooner than later. I need to come clean about what is actually going on behind the curtain at Town Hall and about how my father is the Wizard in his own version of Oz. Just a greedy man hiding behind a persona. I’ve tried to bring it up a few times, but theuniverse decides to step in every time the thought even crosses my mind to finally spill.
I watch her now as she throws her head back laughing at whatever she is talking about with her sister and grandmother. Her long red hair cascades down her back in waves, making my hands itch to dive into the strands and drag her to meet my lips.
The Willow Whisk booth has been a hot spot since opening, like everyone knew they would need to stop there first to get their boost for the rest of the day. And that probably has something to do with the social media posts I had Piper create just for them. After seeing how well the reach was with the Harvest Festival posts, I talked Piper into making a few more posts for some of the local shops. The reach was insane and the reactions were heart warming. I threatened Piper with a full time job at Town Hall after I take office if she kept up the good work.
It was obvious the extra money put toward marketing helped, because I had never seen our town crawling with so many people.
Walking around the square, checking in with everyone to make sure all is well and no one needs assistance, pride swells within me at how good the event is rolling out. Kids run around laughing, couples share treats, and groups of friends are huddled around vendors excitedly showing each other what they’ve found.
I pass by the local florist who is selling single stem roses, buckets of mums, and bouquets of colorful flowers. A quick glance over my shoulder, I grin to myself as a thought forms.
“Logan Spencer, how the hell are ya, son?” Eric Stallers and his wife, Patty, greet me with happy expressions.
