Page 11 of Broken Boundaries

“Mornin’, Mr. Mayor.”

“Brooks. It’s a fine mornin’ if I do say so myself.” Eli and I went to school together. All thirteen years of it. I’ve known him my entire life. He’s always been a little bit of the nerdy type, but even I have to admit, he’s a pretty good mayor. He loves Blue Haven, and the people love him. So as much as I dread having these little talks with him, I know they’re necessary.

“That it is. I’ve got my new assistant with me today. Her name is Aspen.”

“Aspen?” Eli asks, more to himself than to us. “I don’t think I know an Aspen. Are you new to town?”

I look over the desk at Aspen. “Yes, sir. I am.”

“Oh!” Eli is way too excited about this. “Welcome to Blue Haven: the best town in the state of Georgia.”

Aspen lets out a quiet chuckle as she says, “Thank you. I’m glad to be here.”

“You’ll have to come on down to city hall soon. I’d be happy to give you a tour of the town. Welcome you properly.”

Aspen looks terrified by that suggestion, but she agrees nonetheless.

“Alright, let’s get down to business, shall we?” I say. “Got a busy day today.”

“Yes. Right. I won’t keep you long,” Eli says. “Just wanted to go over plans for the Fourth of July.”

“You mean you wanna know how much money I’m gonna give you?”

“Well, yes, Brooks, but you don’t need to say it so crudely. I’m only looking out for the town. They’ve come to expect a certain standard for these town celebrations. Unfortunately, without raising taxes, your generous donations are the only way we can keep it up.”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist, Eli. You know I’m going to donate.”

“As you know, the Moonlight Ranch donations cover the food trucks, the 5k, the DJ, and the activities for the kids. You should feel proud that you’re contributing to so much joy.”

Miraculously, I manage to hold in my laugh. “Don’t need you telling me how to feel, Cunningham. Tell me what you need, and I’ll write the check.”

Eli goes over the breakdown. Unfortunately for me, he’s very thorough in covering exactly where the money will go. He goes on and on with his quotes and which vendor the city has selected. If he expects me to question him on his math or sources, he’s got the wrong man. But I let him talk because, after all these years, I know he just needs to get it out.

“Sounds good, Eli. I’ll drop the check off this afternoon.”

He sighs in relief as if he expected me to say no. I’ve never rejected anything this town has asked me for. My father didn’t either. The Calloways are rooted deep in Blue Haven, and I plan on keeping it that way for as long as I can.

“Alright. Thanks, Brooks.”

I hang up the phone and notice Aspen frantically writing things down on her notepad. “Sorry, I didn’t get some of the numbers. He went so fast.”

“That’s alright. I don’t really need it.” Guess I should’ve told her that earlier. I’d like to say I had a good reason for her to sit in on the call, but honestly… I didn’t. Just kind of wanted her to be in here.

“Oh.”

“I’ll come grab you after lunch, and you can come to city hall with me. Get your meeting with Eli out of the way.”

“Alright. Can’t wait. I’ll be at the desk.” She stands from her chair, and I watch her walk out of my office with her little notebook. She’s cute. It’s easy to see why Zach likes her.

And the good news for me is that she really does seem eager and motivated to work. I’m really hoping this works out.

I grab my phone and shoot Zach a text.

Me: Hey, wanted to check in. How’s everything going? Anything you need?

Of course it goes unanswered, and I’m left wondering if our relationship will ever mend.

CHAPTER 5