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Carrie sighed. “Auntie Jane, no one’s being chased.”
“That’s not what I heard. Cathy?”
Carrie’s mom nodded. “Oh yes. I heard Amanda’s Georgie had to go to the emergency room. Sounded quite gruesome. Someone said it was your dog, Ethan? I’m sure that can’t possibly be true.”
She smiled innocently at him and Ethan understood in a flash how complicated Carrie’s relationship with her family was. The woman had obviously made up her mind, but was highly skilled in passive aggression.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” snapped Carrie. “That’s enough.”
Before he could grab her, she stormed up to the podium, her skirt twitching, revealing a bit more thigh with each step.
“Carrie!” He stage-whispered to her but she ignored him.
Defending him to her family was one thing; a public statement was something else entirely. He could take care of himself.
He certainly didn’t want her to sacrifice what was left of her own goodwill, in service of his.
Sacrifice created obligation.
“Carrie!”
“Go away, Ethan,” she snapped. “I’ve had enough of this.”
She stood behind it and tapped on the mic.
“Hello? Can everyone hear me?”
The DJ quieted the music and the dancing stopped. Someone shone a spotlight on her and she squinted, blinking.
“Yes, hello,” she said, her voice high with nerves now. “Hi. I hope everyone’s having a wonderful time. Is this a wonderful Cherry Festival, or what?”
A smattering of applause. Ethan should storm up there and drag her off. That’s what he should do.
“There’s been a lot of talk over the past few weeks about Ethan Nash’s dogs running wild and scaring people.”
He took a step toward her but the glare she gave him made it clear that she was doing this. Period.
The crowd grew quieter. Everyone was paying attention now.
“It’s completely unfounded. The only injury was to Mr. Nash’s reputation. The dog in question turned out to be a sweet, homeless Labrador cross who now has four puppies that Mr. Nash is caring for, at his own expense until we locate the owner.”
She paused and looked at Ethan.
“He’s a good guy. He deserves better from Cherry Lake.”
From way back in the kitchen, someone dropped a tray of cutlery and everyone jumped, including Carrie.
“Isn’t she something, everyone?” Clinton Calloway stepped up beside Carrie. “We all should have such a cheerleader. Thank you, Carrie. Now, I want to see dancing!”
He pulled her away from the mic and led her back to Ethan.
“She’s quite the advocate, isn’t she, Mr. Nash? If perhaps not as credible as she once was. Though I suppose, with your past, that might make her the perfect woman.”
Ethan’s stomach dropped.
“Shut up, Calloway.”
“Ethan?” said Carrie.
“You might want to get all your facts before you stick your neck out, honey,” continued the mayor. “This man’s done Cherry Lake no favors. Tearing down your grandma’s homestead when it could have been a treasured historical landmark. Your Jackson heritage.”
“I know all about that, Mayor,” snapped Carrie. “Grandpa Nate doesn’t care and neither do I. You lost a chance to flip some real estate for a tidy profit and you’ve had it out for Ethan ever since. That’s just sad.”
“It’s okay, Carrie.” Ethan tried to lead her away but she was in a state.
“Don’t act all lily-white with me, girl.” Calloway’s face took on a darker hue. “You think I don’t know what you’ve been up to lately?”
“I’m sure you do. And since it’s no longer a secret, I have nothing to hide. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to dance with my date.”
She crossed her arms but Ethan saw how quickly she was breathing.
“Your date,” sneered the mayor. “Has Ethan told you about his brother? How he lost his company? The only reason Vincent Nash isn’t in prison is that his brother here covered for him. Why do you think he’s even here? A guy like him? In this town?”
Calloway’s face twisted with envy and resentment.
