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ChapterTwenty-Three
TESS
Thelastperson I wanted to be myfirstguest at this inaugural movie night is Mrs. Lockhart, but sometimes I don’t get what I want.
Read: I usually don’t.
After showing up early with an audiovisual crew from the city, the mayor watched as the rest of us got the ranch prepared for the evening.Watchedbeing the operative word. I guess arranging two speakers, one giant microphone system, and more rows of folding chairs than we could possibly need is a lot to manage in a pantsuit.
But apparently eating wasn’t too hard, because Mrs. Lockhart stayed through dinner.
So I choked down spaghetti, sitting next to her in the dining hall, hoping Spencer wouldn’t show up. I’ve successfully avoided him all week, and I’m not sure how my face will react when I’m actually near him again.
I’ll probably blurt something out likesave me, hero!
Okay, no. I wouldn’t do that. But I might blush or stammer or betray my emotions in any number of weird ways.
Fortunately, by the time we open the gates for movie night, there’s still no sign of Spencer. And as it turns out, wedoneed all those folding chairs, because every single citizen of Apple Valley is lined up outside the entrance of the ranch. At least that’s how it feels.
“Nothing like a free movie to bring in the crowds,” I say.
“Not to mention win an election.” Mrs. Lockhart arranges her face into a smile and offers her best parade float wave. As the entire town shuffles in, she greets everyone by name, which is impressive. “Look at all these people,” she says quietly through clenched teeth. “I hadsucha great idea.”
“You aresoright, Mrs. Lockhart.”
Her floral perfume is a thick cloud. I’m practically gagging on the stench. But I just breathe through my mouth and smile. “You truly were meant to represent Apple Valley as our mayor.”
Okay, yes. I’m kissing her butt. But I’ll do anything to keep this job. And I’ve got things pretty well under control. Until Mr. Dudley comes toward us in line. He’s wearing a full-on suit to movie night, and his comb-over is shiny with shellac.
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer,” Mrs. Lockhart says under her breath.
“Good evening, Tess,” Mr. Dudley blusters. “And greetings, Mrs. Mayor.” His awkward smile tugs at my heartstrings. Especially when his voice cracks like he’s in puberty. He bows to Mrs. Lockhart. Also awkwardly. “I’m here. Right on time. As you asked. And might I also add, your pantsuit is lovely this evening. Purple. Like a cluster of grapes.”
“Yes. Well.” Mrs. Lockhart fidgets with her lapel, and pats at her updo. Tonight it’s basically a beehive. I’ll bet she thinks Mr. Dudley’s announcing his candidacy for mayor tonight. Why else would he be wearing a suit, right?Wrong.
The next time Mrs. Lockhart and I are alone, I need to clarify that Mr. Dudley never actuallytoldme he might run against her for mayor. I just said that hecouldrun. Which is true. It’s just not exactlythe truth.
“As the pillars of our community,” she says, “perhaps we should take seats in the front row.”She offers Mr. Dudley her arm. “Shall we?”
Mr. Dudley spins, his eyes frantically scanning the crowd. Before turning back to us, he sputters something likewingman.But that can’t be right. Can it?
He tugs at his collar and takes Mrs. Lockhart’s arm. “Be that as it may.” Then they head off together—one man with chronic pepperoni breath and a woman who’s a human popsicle. If there’s an odder couple, I haven’t met them.
As they leave to find their seats, my brother steps up in line. He’s with Brooke, who’s getting bulgier by the day. Daisy’s between them, poking at Brooke’s stomach every few steps. “Hi, Auntie Tess! Kiss the baby! Now!” Thankfully, Daisy hops past us without making me plant one on my sister-in-law’s ready-to-pop belly.
“Ugh,” Brooke groans. “Do I look like I’m fourteen months pregnant? Because that’s how I feel.”
“You’re glowing and gorgeous,” I tell her.
“Andyouare too kind,” she says. “But Daisy’s not slowing down, so I guess I’d better waddle on after her.” Brooke hurries off, calling out, “Love you!”
“Ditto,” Mac echoes, lifting a hand in a backward wave. Okay, so my brother didn’t stop to gush about being proud of me, but I got adittoand a wave. I’ll take it.
Frank and Alice head through the entrance next. “This movie night’s a great idea,” he says, reaching for Alice’s hand. “Good stuff for the town. Right, Al?”
Whoa. Did Frank just say something nice? I thank him, then brace for the backlash I’d expect to come after his compliment, but he doesn’t have time because Jill pushes up in line. “Best friend coming through,” she says, dragging Owen behind her.
“Hey, Tess,” he says. “Great crowd tonight.”
