Page 46 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
Something made Jack stop. He looked at the little one’s face and saw his own disappointment mirrored there. How many times had his father and mother used that same ploy when he was a kid? He’d grown up hating how little importance he held in their schedules – so much, he’d stopped asking. No way he’d put the same shame onto his newest crush.
“Precious, I’m never too busy to spend time with my favorite girl. I’ll be there in an hour, and you can show off your talent while your mom and Mark get organized. Is it a date?”
Maisie ran to him and lifted her arms. He had to crouch for her to reach, but the sweetest kiss he’d ever gotten from a female landed on his cheek as she hung onto him and whispered, “It’s for suwe a date.”
***
Jack couldn’t believe the red tape involved in applying for the position of mayor. Stella, an old client who worked at the counter at the Maricopa City Hall, laughed at the shock he couldn’t hide. “Some think it’s a privilege to serve your city.”
“I never thought of it in those exact terms.” Jack felt his left eyelid flicker and knew his childish reaction to stress had returned. “I mean, look at Mayor Lotborn. He’s the vice-chair, chairman, councilman or on the board of directors of more councils and associations than I can name. Hell, I work with the homeless and donate my spare time to renovating houses for the poor.”
“And what do you think has more impact with the citizens? Sitting in on meetings, never being with your constituents or helping them personally? My sister and her husband still sing your praises for the new roof you and your boys erected afterthey had that tree drop smack dab on their place and leave them in a mess. I happen to know you never did collect on that bill.”
“Hell, they have four kids and another on the way. Who’d be so heartless to go after a family like that? And all I did was set them up temporarily.”
“Baloney, Jack. They’re good for years with that roof and you know it. I’ve never heard of you doing any kind of stopgaps.”
“Hey, they’re paying me.”
“Right! Twenty dollars a month is hardly payment for a bill in the thousands. And I’d like to know how many others you’ve helped out in the same way?”
Changing the subject to one that didn’t make him uncomfortable, he asked, “You said I can do this online, right?”
“You sure can, sweetie. And if you need any help, I’m your girl.”
“Okay, then. Thanks, sugar. I’ll get to it, and for the questions that have me stumped, I’ll come back.”
“You do that. And remember, it has to be received in this office no later than four p.m. day after tomorrow.”
“Got it!”
Stella arched over the counter, inviting him to lean closer. She whispered words he already knew but didn’t want to hear. “Lotborn is a mean man, and he’ll play dirty, Jack. I thought we’d be stuck with the lowlife for another term. But if you run, I can guarantee a lot of people will be thrilled… myself included. So… don’t be late with your application.”
Picking up the scads of paper, he left with a wink and a pat on the hand gripping his. “Got it! Thanks, Stella.” Seems more than Angie thought of the man in a disparaging way.
Heading to his office, he found the men already scattered on various jobs he’d aligned for them before he’d left to pick up Mia. Only Brian sat at one of the computers in the front room. “Hey boss, what’s up?”
“You wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”
“Try me.”
“Angie hoodwinked me into running for mayor.”
Brian, an older hand he’d never regretted hiring, turned his wheelchair to face him. “You? Mayor of Maricopa?”
“Duh! Is it that shocking?”
“Just messin’ with you.” Brian laughed. “Hell, Jack, you’d be the answer to our prayers. The idiot there now has plans to ruin the city. Him and his big-monied cronies.” Brian made a sour face. “Who in their right mind wants to build a huge resort, golf courses and who the hell knows what else in a place that has water issues and a lack of affordable housing? I’m thinking he’s dangerous too. Don’t turn your back on the guy; I’ve heard rumors. He’s a complete jerkoff!”
Jack had to grin at Brian’s description. Seems everyone he knew considered this man a jerk one way or the other. “Fine, I’m happy if you’re happy, but it’s me who has to fill out all the paperwork, run a campaign and be willing to give up all those hours in an agenda that’s already too full for most normal guys.”
“Don’t give me that bull. I never knew anyone who’s so willing to delegate and then put your trust in those you choose to do a good job.”
“That’s because the people I hire have great skills, good work ethics and love their jobs.”
“Sure, the jobs you set them up in. We have so many applications from guys around here who would give their left ahhh… you know what to get hired on with Jack’s Construction. In fact, I have a friend who’s been applying for months, an old vet buddy, and he’s good.”
Interest flared and Jack leaned a hip on the edge of the opposite desk and gave Brian his full attention. “Why haven’t we hired him already?”
