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Oh lord. Shit. Luca really did sleep with Holdens girlfriend?
“It was senior year and she asked me to prom, I didn’t have anybody I wanted to take so I said yes, I didn’t know Holden was in love with her and had already asked her. She asked me after saying no to him. Holden of course, believed that I had intentionally sabotaged him because I wanted the girl but I didn’t. He wouldn’t listen to reason and that night, he took my birthday gift Bentley out on a joy ride, crashed it and nearly killed himself.”
Woah. That is a whole lot. Now k understand Holden better. Of course it still doesn’t excuse his behaviour this morning but he’s not a complete douche.
“Evelyn you have to believ me, I would never have gone out with that girl if I’d known he liked her, we weren’t close to begin with so he never told me about her.” Somehow I believe him, maybe it’s the sincerity I can see in his eyes or maybe my judgment is just clouded but I do believe him.
“I believe you,but I’m shocked and I really wish you had said something earlier. I deserved to know.”
I say and he nods.
“I know, and I’m sorry, I didn’t want you to think different of me. I was being selfish.”
I’m quiet for a while as I process this information.
“While we try to figure out who’s behind this, we need to work on other important things. Like your media presence. It’s kinda in the dumps.” I say and he nods.
All of thisis too much for one day, I’m just going to focus on work and not deal with this drama today .
* * *
“I thinkthe problem is that people think you’re way too aloof. They do not feel like you understand them or can relate to them.”
We are in his office having a very serious meeting about his media outlook, I have decided to keep the whole drama of today aside and focus solely on work, which has been going great so far.
“Are you saying I’m… stuffy?” Luca asks looking incredulous.
“Yes.” I say and he he’s eyeblrows go up.
“Not me, per say, the townspeople. They believe you think you’re above them, we need to show them that you’re not, that’s the only way you’re getting their support.”
“But I have been a good mayor, not to brag but things have been great since I assumed this seat.”
It’s not your competence that’s in question here. It’s your candor, your ability to relate with them. And so far. You can’t.”
“Okay, and what would you say is the solution to that? Oh wise one?
I smile at the dig, pleased that he’s making jokes.
“Your kids.”
“What?” He asks sitting up .
“I think you need to spend more time with your children, in public.”
“You want me to use my kids as props?”
Dammit, I was afraid he would not be open to the idea.
“No, not as props. I would never as you to use you children as props.” I didn’t have kids and that would always be a source of pain, but it didn’t mean I would use another persons child.
“I’m saying, if people saw you relating with your kids more it’ll make them understand that the stakes are high for you too. Your children are a part of this community and the town just hasn’t seen enough of them.”
Neither have I , but I don’t mention that.
“Darlene and I-“” he stops and takes a breath.
“We decided to keep them away from the media, we wanted them to have a normal childhood without the press always being in their face.”
