“Gilly, you need to run an ad in Reva’s blog,” Doug said from over his cup of hot cocoa, its steam curling in the air and fogging his glasses.
“What do you know about running ads on Reva’s blog?” Gil took a sip of his drink.
“I talk to Reva when I walk Goldie,” Doug said. “She said she’d help me. She said Denise shouldn’t be the only one promoting herself.”
Gil sighed. “If you want to run an ad, that’s fine by me. Just make sure I see it first. And not until after I officially announce my intention to run for reelection. I’ll do that Saturday at the festival.” Gil was guessing everyone already assumed he was running again, but he hadn’t said as much. Hopefully, the announcement would rally his supporters in a big way.
Doug set his mug down. “I had pins made. To go on people’s shirts. Gil Ryan for Mayor.”
Gil sipped his coffee. “That’s great. Thank you.”
“And I’ll be wearing my hat and shirt.” He gestured across his chest. “It says Vote Gil Ryan for Mayor.”
Gil leaned over and laid a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Best brother ever.”
Doug looked at him. “And campaign manager?”
“Of course. Love you, buddy.”
“Love you, too, Gilly.” Doug looked down and stared into his cocoa but didn’t take another sip.
“Something else on your mind?” Gil asked.
“Yeah.” Doug looked over at him. “I need you to talk to Mom for me.”
“Oh?” Gil asked. “About what?”
Doug offered what seemed like a hesitant smile. “I want to find my own place to live.”
Gil had hoped he wouldn’t have to be brought into this matter. His mom had already asked him to start defense on this issue, which he didn’t want to do. “Mom doesn’t think that’s a good idea.”
The skin between Doug’s eyes pinched. “She talked to you?”
“Yeah. The other day.”
“So you’re on her side?” Doug asked, pushing his mug of cocoa away.
“I didn’t say that.”
“I’ve always supported you, Gilly. Always. Now it’s your turn to support me.” Doug pressed his index finger into the center of his chest. “I want to live on my own.”
“Okay, but why now?” Gil asked, feeling like he was straddling a fine line that separated his mom and Doug’s stance.
Doug narrowed his eyes from behind his glasses. “Why not now?”
Chapter Eight
Moira’s shift had been long and unremarkable. No one had called the dispatch today. Not a single person. At one point, Moira had even wondered if the dispatch was working. She’d checked all the cords and lines. She’d even gone as far as using her cell phone to call 911 herself to make sure she got through.
Now it was five o’clock, and she was clocking out. Throughout the day, Moira had been thinking about her idea to create a petition. It was a good idea, but would it work? Some part of her wondered if appealing to Gil one more time would make a difference. She wasn’t exactly friendly with him, but maybe if she were, he’d work harder on her behalf. There had to be something he could do, right? What was the point of being mayor if he couldn’t stop a travesty like this?
Moira stood from her desk and walked to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. After drinking it down, her mind was settled. It was still early. She could drive over to Gil’s home and ask if they could talk. She’d be friendly and honest, and Gil would be exactly what he always was: a charming, good listener with a big heart.
Something fluttered around in Moira’s chest. Ignoring it, she grabbed her keys and headed out the front door. The closer she got to Gil’s house, the more intense the flutters became. She considered turning back and going home. The bakery was on the line though. Moira’s second home. Sweetie’s wouldn’t be the same if it moved across town. People would likely choose to go to the diner on Good Luck Avenue instead. Sweetie’s sales would go down. It was hard enough keeping a small business afloat on the main stretch downtown. Keeping one running in the middle of nowhere wouldn’t work at all.
Moira’s resolve thickened as she pulled into Gil’s driveway and cut the engine. Everything would be okay. Gil was a nice guy. A good guy. And, like Tess had pointed out, he was handsome too.
She stepped out of her car and headed up the driveway. Her legs felt shaky as she climbed the porch steps. Then she took a breath before ringing his doorbell. When no one came, she rang it again. His truck was in the driveway, so he had to be here, right?
“Looking for Gilly?”
Moira turned to see Gil’s brother standing off to the side of the house. “Hi, Doug. How are you feeling?”
“Much better. Thanks to you.”
“Good. I’m glad. Do you know where Gil is?”
Doug smiled. “On his boat.”
“Oh.” Moira’s heart took a dive. She guessed she wouldn’t be talking to Gil tonight after all.
“He hasn’t left yet. You can still catch him,” Doug said.
Moira furrowed her brow. “He’s still here? At the dock around back?”
Doug nodded. “I can’t go out with him tonight. I’m working on the campaign,” he explained. He pointed behind the house. “Better hurry if you want to catch him.”
Moira headed quickly down the steps. “Thank you, Doug. I’ll see you later, okay?”
“Okay, Moira,” Doug called behind her.
Moira picked up her pace, hoping to catch Gil before he set off. She saw movement on the dock and started walking faster. Gil’s dog barked when he saw her coming, and ran up to meet her.
“Goldie, heel!” Gil called before seeing where his dog was running. He straightened and watched Moira approach. “Hey. What are you doing here?” he asked when she was standing just a few feet away.
“I was hoping to talk to you.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I see that you’re about to set out, but could you spare a few minutes?”
Gil hesitated. “The water is pretty calm right now. Why don’t you join me?”
“On the boat?” She immediately shook her head. “What I have to say won’t take long.”
“Great. There’ll be more time for us to enjoy the sunset. We have to hurry though.”
Moira glanced between Gil and the boat floating off the dock. Some part of her wanted to say yes. Another part of her knew that wasn’t the best idea. “I don’t know.”
“I dare you,” Gil said with a grin.
Moira narrowed her eyes. That was something Gil used to say to her when they were younger—before he’d developed an obvious crush on her. “That’s just wrong.”
“I know how hard it is for you to pass on a dare.”
He winked, and everything inside her turned inside out. “I haven’t been dared in about a decade now.”
“Then you’re overdue.” He tipped his head toward the dock. “I’m chasing a sunset tonight. Come with us.” He gestured at Goldie.
“Your dog goes with you?”