By the time we get close to the cookout area, I feel like my arms have been covered by one of those stim machines that help circulation and massaging muscles, except it’s from trying to control the heavy cart along the sidewalk.
We finally make it to the marina and hand over the soda, chips, and ice cream.
“I can take the carts back,” Aiden says, squishing both together.
“Are you sure?” I ask. “I can help.”
He waves me off. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Save me some of the good stuff.”
“What does he mean by ‘good stuff’?” Avery asks.
“Probably a little of everything.”
Aiden and I are shaking out our aching hands and laughing when a man with blindingly white teeth and a strange, pink-striped suit approaches us. He looks like he belongs in a carnival and not at a small-town cookout.
“Thank you so much for contributing to our party,” he says.
Something about him immediately makes me wary. He gives off the vibe of an old-time swindler. He just needs a greasy mustache, and he’d be all set.
When I notice Talia frowning beside me, I know I’m not the only one uncomfortable.
“Why are you here, Mayor Denison?” she asks sharply.
I’m surprised by her tone because, apparently, this guy is the one behind a lot of the renovations and rebuilding happening around town.
“Just making sure the citizens of Penrose Beach are enjoying themselves,” he says smoothly. “It takes a lot of work to put together something like this.”
Talia practically growls. “We both know you didn’t help.”
His smile slips for just a second before his eyes harden. “Ido a lot more for this town than you do, little missy, so I’d be careful what you say.”
I’m curious about whatever history exists between them, but honestly, I’m already on Talia’s side.
The mayor walks away, his polished smile returning as he greets more townspeople.
“How did he get elected?” I ask.
Talia snorts. “By buying off the other candidates.”
“Really? Is that legal?” Avery asks.
“No, but some people will be swayed by money.”
Aiden presses his lips together. “I take it you’re not one of those people?”
She gives him a surprised look. “Was I ever?”
He looks embarrassed. “No. You definitely weren’t a sellout.”
We mingle with people, and I get to know a few more residents before spotting Chloe and Brock. I walk over, wanting to check on them.
“How’s everything with the B&B?” I ask.
Chloe gives me a tired smile. “Luckily, we were able to repair a good chunk of it. We still need to repaint and get everything settled again, though. What a mess. Oh, you forgot some money when you left. We have it at the B&B. Stop by and get it.”
I lean in so I can lower my voice so they’ll still understand. “I left that for you. To help with the costs of repairing things.”
Brock’s eyes narrow. “You left a five-hundred-dollar tip?”
