Page 6 of Before We Break

I sit up straighter.

The WVBA has had it out for me ever since I refused to join three years ago. They’re constantly in everyone’s business. The association is run by an insufferable woman named Karen Parker, a realtor in town who thinks she can dictate how other people do things. She says it’s for the benefit of Willow Valley and its residents, but I think she’s on a power trip.

The woman in question stands and faces the crowd with a look of smug satisfaction. “As you know, Willow Valley takes great pride in our small town charm,” she says in a forced country accent, flipping her blonde hair back. “We’re known for our rich history and, quite frankly, our whimsy. Businesses like Saps and Swirls, the Grove, and Branch Out thrive because they subscribe to the overall theme of our quaint town. I would like to further our appeal as a tourist destination with a few minor changes. First and foremost, I have filed a motion with the council that Lunar Ink should change its name to something more thematically appropriate.”

I stand abruptly, chair legs scraping against the linoleum. “Over my dead body.”

Chatter erupts, but I can’t make heads or tails of any of it. Whether they’re on my side or Karen’s is anyone’s guess.

Gramps bangs the gavel, calling everyone to order. “Thank you, Karen. I’ll take it from here.”

Karen retakes her seat, but I stay standing. Gramps cocks his head at me.

I cross my arms. “You got something to say, say it.”

“She has a point, Weston. Tourism’s been down this year.”

“My business is doing just fine. You wanna see my books? Compare numbers? I’d wager I’ve made more money in the last six months than Karen’s made selling houses in the last two years combined. I’m not rebranding my successful business because of Karen’s petty vendetta against me.”

Clio tosses a handful of popcorn at my head with surprisingly good aim. “Boo. Sit down.”

“Watch it, princess,” I grit out.

A mischievous grin spreads across her face, deepening the smile lines around her eyes. “I, for one, think the tree-themed names are charming. You should lean into the whimsy, Noah.” Clio’s voice is dripping in sarcasm, and I’d love nothing more than to wipe that smirk right off her face. “Maybe you should… turn over a new leaf.”

Quinn snorts, digging her hand into the bucket of popcorn. “This was so worth it.”

I lock eyes with Teddy, secretly hoping he’ll side with me. As usual, he’s a disappointment.

He stands, steepling his fingers against the table. “I move for an immediate vote on this motion. It is crucial to our town’s overall appeal that we focus on unity and cohesion. Lunar Ink’s borderline occult branding could be doing more harm than good. All those in favor of a rebrand, raise your hand.”

I should know better than to put my faith in that dipshit. What does Emma see in him? Considering she’s the one who designed my branding, I’m not sure their relationship is going to survive much longer. Emma is a walking, talking advertisement for Lunar Ink.

My eyes lock on the back of Clio’s head as her arm shoots up, along with a good number of others in attendance. She quirks a brow at me over her shoulder.

I glare at her.

This kind of standoff is nothing new for us. When I met Clio, I made the error of thinking she was just a harmless single mom looking for somewhere to live. Underestimating her was my first mistake.

Janet begins counting up the votes, and my nostrils flare. “It’s a tie,” she says, relaxing back into her chair. “Milton, if I may?”

He nods.

“I’ve lived in this town my whole life—much longer than many of you. I’ve watched your families grow, seen businesses come and go, and one thing has always remained the same: Willow Valley puts its people first. Tourism is important, that’s true, but I don’t think one business name is going to change the economy. So, with that said, I cannot support this motion. I believe it is beyond the scope of this council to force a business to adhere to something as arbitrary as… what was the word?”

“Whimsy,” Clio says around a mouthful of popcorn.

“That’s right. Thank you, Clio, dear.” Janet smiles sweetly, but there’s something almost amused beneath the surface. “I move to dismiss the motion with prejudice.”

Without preamble, Gramps bangs his gavel. “Motion dismissed.”

Karen stands. “But⁠—”

“Sit down, Mrs. Parker,” Janet says sternly, her tone brooking no argument. “You had your moment. We’re moving on.”

I stand and head straight for the exit to the alleyway, swinging one leg over my bike. The satisfying sound of the engine revving sends a thrill coursing through me as I take off toward the cliffside overlook. I fly down the backroads, chasing the last rays of the setting sun and letting the summer heat wash over me as the wind whips past. My mind is blissfully empty for the first time all day.

Fuck, I needed this.