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“What do you want the flyer to say?”
“Keep it simple. Anyone who would like to purchase the vacant buildings or land at a discount should come by the mayor’s office to discuss more in person. They might be willing to start up a business or maybe they know someone that would like to from a different town. We need to start getting a rough idea of what types of businesses we have, what people are looking to create, and go from there. There is a lot of land that belongs to Rose Falls that we can utilize and build on later. I would like to focus on getting the current buildings inspected, up to code, and renovated so we can get some life back into this place.”
“Okay, I will get going on that and put them up all over town. I’ll head to the cafe with a laptop and work on it there,” I said with a tight smile before I turned and headed out of his office.
“Sounds like a plan,” he said to my retreating back. I grabbed the laptop that was set to be mine, and I made my way out of the office. I didn't think I would be going to a coffee shop; most likely just a spot somewhere outside that would let me get Wi-Fi. I didn't have any money on me, and I couldn’t imagine the single cafe in the whole town would be pleased for a non-paying customer to just hang out at one of their tables.
I got a couple of blocks down when I saw a woman roughly my age leaning against a building. She didn’t look too good, and immediately, I went over to her. I reached out and placed my hand on her arm as I spoke.
“Hey, are you okay?” I asked. She looked a bit pale, and I was worried she was going to pass out on me.
“I’m fine,” she said with a shaky voice as she looked up. “Oh, you must be the mayor’s wife,” she said with a warm smile.
“What?” I asked, slightly confused.
“The mayor, you are his wife right?” she asked, feeling less confident in her initial assumption.
“Oh, yes. Yes I am. Sorry, I’m still getting used to people referring to him as Mayor,” I said with a slight chuckle. Great, the first time I’m actually interacting one-on-one with someone, and I almost blew it.
“I can imagine. I have to admit, I’ve been doing my own research into you both. It’s not everyday that an ex-quarterback is your new mayor. There’s lots out there on him, but I couldn’t even find a picture of you anywhere.” She meant it as a polite ask, but I could hear that she was interested in how I had been kept a secret, but we had prepared for this.
“I know, we get that all the time. I’m not a fan of having my photo taken, and I was a bit apprehensive about dating someone so well known. I wanted to still live my normal life, and he understood that. It was an adjustment period for us to get used to each other’s different lifestyles, but we made it through.”
There was never going to be any pictures of me in the press. Not from the past and not in the future. I had made sure Charlie knew that from the beginning when we went over our story. I couldn’t risk my photo getting out into the public, especially with my location attached to it.
“I can understand that. I think a lot of people figure it would be amazing to be dating someone famous. But in the practical sense there is a lot that goes with it that can be a major downside or hindrance. I am really glad to have you both here though. This town used to be beautiful, and it’s now dying pretty quick. I’m sorry I just realized I didn't introduce myself. I’m Kelsey Lansdowne. I work as the kindergarten teacher.”
“Maya Beaumont; it’s lovely to meet you. My stepdaughter Zoey, she came home last night and could not stop talking about school. She loved it there which was a huge change compared to her last school. She didn't like the private school lifestyle.”
“Oh, that is so great to hear. I know there are a lot of benefits to private school, but some children thrive better in public school. It’s all about personalities. I am sure she will fit right in, and from the sounds of it, she already is,” Kelsey said with a warm smile.
“She made six friends yesterday, so I think it’s safe to say it was a huge success. You had mentioned something about the town dying, and clearly you are correct. I was just wondering, what the hell happened?” No one seemed to really give us a solid answer on that, and it was driving me insane. Was the last mayor just lazy and checked out? Which I can understand, but how do you let it get this bad?
She let out a soft sigh before she spoke, “Mayor Campbell was a great man, and I would never speak ill of the dead.”
“But,” I said, because I knew there was one.
“But he was a lazy prick that just didn’t care as long as he kept getting paid. There were plenty of rumors about the property taxes not going to the right place. That he would take them and then when people discovered his secret and they refused to pay their property taxes, he would take their land. Literally show up with a State Patrol Officer and kick everyone out with little to no notice. I have no idea what he was doing with the money, because he didn't leave any to his niece and nephews that are still alive. People kinda just started to leave after things began to fall apart. It’s really quite sad.”
“Wow, scandalous eh? Well, my husband and I are dedicated to get this place back to its former glory and expand it to bring new life into it. I am currently going to make flyers to try and see who would be interested in opening up a business in town and get that sorted. So spread the word. Anyone that is interested can come and meet with Charlie and chat about what they are looking to do,” I explained with a kind smile.
“That is wonderful news. I will let everyone know,” she said as she closed her eyes for a second, and I could tell she was fighting off either a wave of dizziness or nausea.
“Are you sure you are okay?” Because she really didn't seem like it.
“I’m good. It’s just morning sickness. It’s kinda kicking my ass at the moment. Not to mention all my bras hurt my breasts. They are so tender,” She gave me a slight wave as she continued, “The joys of being pregnant right? The first trimester is always the worst. At least that’s what everyone at work tells me.” She looked down at her watch before she spoke again, “Sorry, I have to get going. It was lovely meeting you, and I hope I see you soon.”
“Of course. I will be around. You take care of yourself now,” I managed to say with a smile I was hoping came across as friendly and warm.
I vaguely took notice of her leaving, because all I could think about was what she had said. About morning sickness and her breasts being tender. I had noticed mine were getting sore. I had to change my bra twice today just so it would fit right and wouldn’t squeeze or rub in the wrong places. I was sick often in the morning and feeling rundown. All of that could have been explained away. It was the fact that I didn't even realize until this moment that I hadn’t gotten my period. A period that I should have gotten two weeks ago now. I was late and not in the running behind for an appointment kind of late. Late as in Charlie might have knocked my ass up, late.
“Fuck.”
Charlie
Atthesoundofthe door opening, I turned to see Maya coming back in. She had been gone for a couple of hours, but I had expected as much. She couldn’t work here yet because we didn't have a printer set up and honestly, there was nowhere to really sit with a computer and work yet. She didn't look all that great though, and I was really starting to worry about her. She truly should be back at the house resting, and maybe tomorrow she would feel better.
“Hey, you look worse than when you left. Are you sure you don't want to head home?” I tried.
