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I headed to the town hall, mentally preparing myself for the day ahead. Meetings, discussions, paperwork, it was all a blur, but it was also my life. I took pride in my role, in being able to make a difference, but the personal sacrifices were beginning to pile up.
Throughout the day, my thoughts constantly drifted to Paisley. I pictured her among the grapevines, her laughter echoing, her fingers delicately caressing the fruits. The irony wasn't lost on me. Here she was, savoring the product of my family’s legacy, while I sat in an office, drowning in bureaucracy and keeping secrets.
The town square was buzzing with last-minute preparations. Fairy lights strung between trees, stalls being set up to display a myriad of wines, and an air of excitement palpable amongst the crew. This wine festival was one of the most anticipated events in town, a showcase of our local produce and craftsmanship.
As I walked around, confirming final details, my phone vibrated in my pocket. An incoming text from Paisley. I hastily pulled it out, heart racing.
“Hey! Heard about the wine fest tonight. Sounds incredible. Wish I could make it, but feeling a bit under the weather. Rain check?”
Reading the message, my heart sank. Partly out of concern for her well-being, but mostly because it meant yet another day would pass without confessing my secrets. It felt like the universe was giving me a way out, and I couldn’t decide whether to be relieved or frustrated.
A sharp voice interrupted my thoughts. "Austin! You need to check this!" Terry, the festival coordinator, waved at me impatiently. His red face matched the wine he was so passionate about.
"What's up, Terry?"
"The vendor from the next town over just pulled out. We have a huge empty spot in the middle of the square!"
"Shit,” I muttered. This was the last thing we needed hours before the event. “Do we have any local vineyards that aren’t already showcasing?”
He scratched his head. “Well, your vineyard was never on the list since you wanted to keep it out of the limelight with the whole mayor thing.”
I sighed, weighing the options. “Alright, set it up. We’ll showcase my vineyard. But keep it minimal, okay? Nothing too ostentatious."
Terry nodded vigorously, already barking orders to his assistants.
Taking a moment, I retreated to a quiet corner of the square. Dialing Paisley's number, my mind raced, constructing and reconstructing the words I wanted to say. How do you casually mention, "Oh, by the way, I’m not just the guy you’ve been seeing, but also the mayor and the owner of the vineyard you’re so intrigued by?"
She answered after the second ring, her voice slightly hoarse. "Austin? Hey."
"Paisley, hey. You alright? You sound off."
She chuckled softly. "Just a small cold, nothing major. I just don't want to risk spreading it around, especially not on such a big night for the town."
The concern in her voice melted my heart. “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. Want me to swing by after the festival?"
"That'd be nice,” she murmured. “But... are you sure you can? I mean, with your... duties?"
I laughed, thinking of how little she knew about the true extent of those 'duties.' “Anything for you," I replied, every ounce of my being wanting to spill my secrets.
The bright festivity of the wine festival contrasted sharply with the churn of unease in my stomach. Pulling up to the town square, the rhythmic beat of music greeted me as fairy lights draped over stalls and trees illuminated the space.
Stepping out of the car, I adjusted my coat, taking a moment to take it all in. As mayor, I'd made the decision to keep a low profile, believing it would be easier to manage the tasks at hand without the weight of public scrutiny. But this was a double-edged sword, especially tonight. The festival was a brainchild of mine, a nod to the vineyards, one of which I owned. But few knew about my dual role - the mayor and the vineyard owner.
I caught Terry out of the corner of my eye, waving me over. "Austin! Just in time. Everything’s running smoothly. Your... secret is safe," he winked.
I chuckled. “Thanks, Terry. Let's keep it that way.”
As I moved through the crowd, accepting glasses of wine and engaging in light conversation, I couldn't help but constantly scan for a familiar face - Paisley. I felt a thrill at the thought of her seeing me here, not as her lover but as the town's mayor. But there was also the nagging fear of her discovering the full extent of my identity.
“You’re looking rather dapper tonight, Mayor.” A sultry voice caught my attention. Turning around, I was met with the striking face of Claudia, one of the town's council members, her lips curved in a smirk.
“Well, thank you, Claudia. It's not every day our little town has a wine festival.”
She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And between you and me, the wine from that new vineyard is exquisite.” She pointed to the stall showcasing my vineyard’s produce, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Suppressing a smile, I replied, "Oh? I'll have to try it out then."
Before I could move away, she placed a gentle hand on my arm. “Care to share a glass with me?”
