AllFreeNovel
Share Us
McMonster: Which pair?
oBITCHuary: Sheeeesh.
McMonster: Very kissable.
McMonster: Verdict?
oBITCHuary: Also very kissable.
McMonster: You’re weird.
oBITCHuary: But you love it.
McMonster: But I love it.
ROW
Staindrop’s library was a redbrick, two-story colonial building with bottle-green shutters and a sage roof to match. Both the American and Maine flags danced in the wind on either side of the white, arched entryway. By the number of cars parked along Main Street, I gathered every single asshole in the town was in attendance.
I slammed the Silverado’s door and trudged my way in, muttering profanity all throughout. I went past security, guessing such a measure had been taken precisely to prevent someone from putting a hole through my head. Thank you, Allison. An unfamiliar guard patted me down with inappropriate gusto. Swore he copped a feel when he reached my nether region.
It was nice to see an unfamiliar face, though. Then he started talking and ruined everything.
“Where are you workin’ out? You’re buff, nice definition.” He tried to make small talk while running his fingers over my biceps and maintaining eye contact. “Just moved up here with the wife from Alabama and lookin’ for a good gym. Not into the CrossFit nonsense and all that jazz. Just need an old-school place.”
“I work out at running a kitchen for sixteen hours a day,” I provided dryly.
He laughed. I didn’t. His smile vanished. “I see what it’s like. Good day, sir.”
“That ship’s sailed.” I shouldered past him, going through the double doors of the conference room, which could easily moonlight as a high school theater. It was stuffy and windowless, with old, creaking floorboards and a stage that had seen better days. Probably during World War II.
Allison was already sitting onstage behind two classroom desks pushed together, her lips pressed against a microphone, wearing a sensible blazer and too much makeup. She looked flustered. Contrary to general belief, I didn’t enjoy seeing people suffer. I just didn’t care much unless they were blood related.
Next to her was her assistant, Lucinda, the council members’ spokesperson, Melinda Finch, and a clerk recording the meeting—old Robbie Smith.
The room was crammed with wooden library chairs, which were occupied by townsfolk who stared at me like I’d just stirred their soup with my dick.
Allison acknowledged my presence by letting out a prissy huff and giving Lucinda a pointed look, jerking her head in my direction.
“Ten minutes late, but at least he made it, ladies and gents.” A sugary grin stretched across the mayor’s face.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I proceeded inside. If I was going down, might as well do it in a fashion. People booed from the crowd. I ambled nonchalantly past them.
“Mr. Casablancas, please join us on the podium to answer questions regarding the impending deal with GS Properties.”
“I’m still not sure where the recording button is…” Robbie, beside her, stabbed his laptop keyboard, recoiling quickly, as if it were going to bite him. He had cotton candy–white hair floating over his head like a halo, suspenders, and thick-framed glasses.
“Go, Rowy! We love you!” My sister pumped her fist in the air from the ocean of wooden chairs, letting loose a loud whistle. “Woot woot.”
I kept my pace even, my posture straight as I shot her a glare. “What’re you doing here? You’re supposed to be on bed rest.” Her beaming face nestled among a hundred scowls in the crowd.
“You’re my beloved big bro. If you’re to be publicly crucified, you know I’ll always be there.”
“To support him?” Mom smiled.
