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On her way to the parade, she rang her mother, prepared for the chiding that came with each call.
“About time we heard from you,” her mother scolded, though Monique swore she could feel happiness seeping from the speakers. “You’re going to run yourself ragged.”
“I have been busy. But it’s slowing down somewhat. I’ve been able to devote more time to my clients. And guess what. Today, I’m going to be in a parade!” She shared what she knew about the annual event that celebrated the town’s incorporation. “People from neighboring towns attend, as well. There’s not much ongoing entertainment, so this is a big deal.”
“You sound happy, dear.”
“I am. I balked at first, but now I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be riding in a white convertible, wearing a white suit. I stopped at the cowboy hat that Lance suggested.”
“How old is Lance?”
“Lance is married, Mom.”
“Oh. I just hate to think of you in that town all alone.”
“Margo’s here. And the people are friendly.” And I’m in love with the man I’m running against. No, that sounded crazy in thought, let alone voiced out loud.
“How is Emma? Has she had the baby yet?”
“She’s not due for a few months. I need to give her a call.”
“When you talk to her, tell her I said hello. What about Rob? Have you talked to him lately?”
“Yes, and he’s doing well. The business is growing and it’s baseball season. He’s enjoying two of his favorite things.”
“Your dad’s here, Monique. Do you want to talk to him?”
Monique neared the park where the parade would begin. It appeared that all of P.C. had already arrived. “I’d love to, but I’ve arrived at the parade route and need to call Lance. It looks as though I’m one of the last to arrive. Give Dad my love. I’ll call him tomorrow.”
Lance found her before she could dial his number. They weaved through the throng of people to a side street where four brand-new convertibles gleamed in the morning sunshine. They were identical except for the colors: red, white, blue and black. The other candidates were already there. Niko, dressed casually in a black button-down and jeans, spoke as she passed.
“Don’t forget to wave,” he joked. “But remember to hold on.”
She greeted the other candidates and met the driver for her car. Soon, they were on their way, heading down Main Street. Monique smiled, waved and tossed candy to the children lining the street. It was amazing to her how many faces she recognized and people she knew, when a few short months ago, they were strangers. After years in Los Angeles, she’d thought she’d go stir-crazy in a place this small. But the slow pace and simple life were growing on her. She’d run for mayor because it was what her godfather had wanted. She’d win because this little town was beginning to feel like home.
* * *
Niko was distracted, but he went through the motions: smiling, waving, calling out friends. He’d rarely missed this celebration and had been in the parade more times than he could remember. But this time was different. All his life he’d lived in this town. Soon, he’d be running it.
His car was right behind Monique’s. A beautiful sight. She was excited, and it showed. Her smile was contagious and people were drawn to her warmth. She tossed her hair, exposed that part of her neck that he loved to nibble, turned to the side and the outline of her breast gave him pause. He shifted his gaze and his thoughts. He turned and looked again. Was that…? No, couldn’t have been. She would have told me. The band reached their spot and began to play, and the thought was forgotten. It wouldn’t come up again for the rest of the busy day.
* * *
In the wee hours of the morning, he called her. “Are you up?”
“Yes.”
“You looked beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you know how hard it was for me to watch other men dance with you, hold you and flirt as they looked into your eyes?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact I do, because of all of the ladies you spun around the room.”
“It comes with the job, love.”
