Page 121 of Everything Has Changed
“Now we know why they up and moved without notice a few months ago.” Matt’s face is hard as he connects the dots.
And so do the rest of us.
“They bought out all the surrounding farmland.” I gasp. “All to deepen their pockets with a fucking resort.”
“Are they trying to destroy Willow Grove?” Piper questions.
I shake my head. “Not destroy it, but to turn it into a cash cow. And there is no trying. This is happening. Logan mentioned he had tried to stop whatever is coming, but it’s no use. He can only try to lessen the repercussions.”
We all take note of the sad expressions overtaking our neighbors. Some remain seated at the tables, their heads bowed together in deep discussion. Others flee like the place is on fire, tears in their eyes at the thought of their home changing.
“So this,” Piper waves her hand around the room, “was all for show.”
Optics, I think.
“And so was yesterday. That’s why they wanted this weekend to rake in the money. I thought it was to help the town, but really it was to help themselves and to fund the resort.” I slap my forehead. “I’m so fucking stupid.”
“No, you’re not.” My brother assures me. “None of us could have imagined this was coming.”
A waiter passed by with another tray of champagne. Matt stops the guy and grabs all of us a fresh glass. “Let’s get the hell out of here,” he raises his glass, then tosses back the liquid. “I don’t want to entertain these assholes for one more minute.”
We all follow suit, my sinuses tingly at the liquid assaulting them, but I’m glad I have a extra false courage as I start my walk out of the ballroom with my family.
As we exit, we all decide more alcohol is needed to digest the news. Although I don’t want to step foot in the apartment that holds so many memories of the man who lives next door, I also don’t want any of us driving so we start the short walk toward my place.
I’m stepping foot onto the sidewalk when I hear my name called behind me.
“What do you want us to do?” Piper asks.
I take a deep breath and steel my spine. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine. This will only take a second.”
Piper squeezes my hand quickly, then continues to steer the boys away, while they send death glares over their shoulders and toward my apartment building.
“Gwen.” My name is almost a whisper behind me.
I take another breath, then turn on my heels to face the man behind me.
“What do you want, Logan?”
His face is stricken, but I can’t find it in me to care at this moment. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
I huff out a laugh. “You didn’t tell me a lot of things, did you?” Shaking my head, I give him one more chance. “Is there anything else I need to know, Mr. Mayor, before you completely change this town forever?”
He flinches at the title. “Please, just remember everything I’m doing is for you. I would do anything for you.”
“Except loop me in on the truth, got it.” I start to turn away, but he calls out for me to wait.
“They wanted to shut down most of the shops in town,” he rushes out. “Including The Willow Whisk.”
My breath halts. “Wanted?”
He nods. “I stopped it, but I had to agree to other things for my father to back me.”
I attempt a smile, but the pressure in my face keeps me from doing anything except for holding in the tears that are brimming. “Like getting engaged.”
“Gwen, I promise it’s not real, it’s–-”
I stop him before he continues. “I know what it is. Doesn’t mean it hurts any less.”
