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Great, thanks. Steer clear of Nick.
Relax, I’m a big girl. You’ve never even spoken to him.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?The last thing I need to add to this gigantic clusterfuck is the CEO hooking up with my sister. No freaking way am I going to let that happen.
Heading into town, I’m surprised to find the cars bumper to bumper. Judging by the interest at the first meeting, this one will be busier as more people come out to support our little town.
I walk almost a mile, and while I’m thankful to be dry, the heat fries my skin. With every step I take toward town hall, I scan the trucks and people for any sign of Solia. I’m sure the property owners will have seats up front, but remembering the last time I saw her—and her body pressed between mine and her truck—I’m going to have a difficult time concentrating. She has seeped into my every cell.
After our back-and-forth texts last night, then my dreams of her, the thought of seeing her today makes me want her more than I ever have.
Solia is nowhere in sight. She may be already inside. A crowd has formed outside town hall with their signs, yelling shouts of opposition and vehicles honking in support. The crowd grows by the minute. It seems for every one person who was here last time, there are ten more this time. We may not all know each other, but we share a powerful love for this place, and it shows.
I stand among my neighbors and friends and hold my sign high. There’s no way I’ll see Shannon and my grandparents in this crowd and heat—it would be too much for them. I’m certain Shannon will park in the back handicap spot and enter through the side door.
After small talk and a lot of shouting and beeping, the crowds assemble toward the front doors. Walking behind me are Ryan, his parents, and Cindy from the bar. Ryan’s mom reaches out and squeezes my hand, and Cindy gently waves. Gerry greets us at the door with a clipboard in hand, collecting signatures of those who are interested in speaking. At a glance, there are over fifty names.
Gerry offers me the clipboard to sign. “This is a lot of fucking names, Gerry. We’re going to be here all night. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but …”
“Better too many than not enough.”
“Sure. Is there a limit?”
“Not that I’m aware of. I believe they may limit the time from three minutes to two or maybe even one. I think it might be more impactful to have the property owners speak last this time. End on a power note. What do you think?”
“Whatever you think. You’ve been leading this and have done a great job, so I’d say you know best.”
He nods in appreciation and takes the clipboard back. I’d do almost anything to have my property removed from the Green Breeze list, but I am thankful for the reserved seating. Residents are packed in like sardines, and we move at a glacial pace. Ahead are a few elderly residents being rolled to the front for priority seating. This, combined with the volume of attendees, is causing quite the backup.
I spot Shannon’s long black hair, grateful she’s here. I’m one of the last property owners to arrive. Katie, her husband, and Mary are together at the end of the aisle, clearly putting a divider between the properties that are on board with the wind farm and those that are not. Mr. Folger sits by my grandfather, and I spot two empty seats.
I go around the other side of the aisle so I don’t step over Katie and crew. I squeeze past my grandparents and Shannon and take a seat next to my sister, leaving an empty chair on my other side.
Placing my hand on Shannon’s knee, I ask, “All good getting in here? Any problems?” As I wait for her response, I search the room for Solia.
“Everything is fine. These two are safe and sound.”
My grandparents smile in response, although I’m not sure if they even hear her with the noise surrounding them.
“Excellent.” I sit taller and crane my neck for Solia.
“I haven’t seen her yet,” Shannon says, reading my mind.
I smile. There’s no hiding who my heart is set on, especially from my sister. I slide back into my seat, the emptiness of the adjacent chair scattering my thoughts. I hope she arrives soon.
Onstage, the town council organizes themselves at their seats, shuffling stacks of papers and testing their microphones. The podium is in the same spot as last time to allow residents to speak.
The side door swings open and in walk the suits. With no observable emotion, they proceed to the reserved section and sit directly in front of us. How these guys pull off three-piece suits is impressive in this heat, but downright ridiculous. They must have special corporate bullshit deodorant.
They both sit, and jackass number one winks at Shannon. He doesn’t even try to be slick, just blatantly winks and turns back around. The worst part is, Shannon smiles in return. Unfreakingbelievable! Now is not the time nor place for me to get into it with her, so I bite my tongue.
Lost in thought, I stare out the bay windows flanking both sides of the stage. Although both gigantic glass panes could use a good cleaning, the view from this room is beautiful. The weather has turned from the doom and gloom of last night to bright, glowing sunshine. It’s only a matter of minutes until this room, filled way beyond capacity, bakes us like a sheet cake.
Gerry and I make eye contact from across the room, and he shrugs in what I believe means he, too, is unsure of her whereabouts.
The town council president, Mr. Morgan, takes the podium.
Maybe she is stuck trying to find parking. Or maybe she’s running late. It happens.
