Some, like Rob, might argue it would be good for the local businesses, but what about the residents in general? How much extra traffic could little Orcas Island sustain?
These arguments rolled around in Lucy’s head day and night. In one moment, she could be convinced they were absolutely going to win at the hearing, and an hour later, she could be drenched in despair, thinking they didn’t stand a chance.
It was a relief when the day of the hearing finally arrived. Lucy piled on to the ferry with the A-team: Claire, Aunt Becca, Lillian, Chip, and Marty. It was nice being together, and it helped ease some of the tension that had built up over the long days and sleepless nights.
The stress was real. Lucy had never seen Claire so pale and quiet. Claire was in even worse shape than when the FBI was convinced she was harboring a criminal – Marty – and Lucy had ended up in federal prison.
That had been bad, but at least it had passed quickly. It felt like Lucy had been forcing herself to smile and insist things would be okay for months. It was exhausting, especially when she wasn’t so certain herself.
On the plus side, their lawyer had prepared them for what to expect during the hearing. He’d be there too, of course, andhe warned they should not be intimidated by the large team of lawyers OSS would likely deploy.
He also said there may be crowds protesting for either side, and to try not to get caught up in it.
Lillian reminded Lucy of this fact as the ferry pulled into Friday Harbor. “This means you,” she said, eyebrows raised. “No heckling, and no fights.”
Lucy let out a laugh. “I know.”
“If you do end up in a fight,” Aunt Becca added, “tag me in. I’m scrappier than I look.”
Lillian shook her head. “Don’t encourage her.”
“I’m just being supportive!” Aunt Becca added, hands innocently up in the air.
Lucy just laughed. She wasn’t afraid of an angry crowd, or a bunch of pushy lawyers. None of that was going to goad her into a fight.
There was only one person she wasn’t sure she could handle: Rob.
The thought of him standing there, all cool and detached in one of his stupid suits, made her feel queasy. She didn’t know if she could look him in the eye, and that frightened her most of all.
They arrived at the legislative building to find a crowd of at least sixty people outside. Lucy thought that was impressive for ten in the morning on a Thursday – a lazy meeting time if she had ever known one – but it wasn’t until they went inside that her breath was taken away. Every single seat was filled, and each wall had bodies crammed against them, pressed close together.
Though the occupancy posted was for forty-nine people, there had to be at least twice that inside.
They spotted Claire’s friend Margie running to and fro, directing people and handing out signs. She rushed over to greet them. “You made it! There are six seats at the front, but maybe I can find one more chair so you can all sit together.”
“Thanks Margie,” Claire said in a small voice.
Margie took one look at her before pulling her in for a hug. “How are you feeling? It’s going to be okay,” she said, giving Claire no time to respond. “Everyone here is behind you. They saw the news story. It’s been the talk of the town! We’ve been so upset!”
Lucy looked at all of the people who had taken the time out of their day to support them. Some were regulars at the farm shop. Behind them were all of her coworkers from the farm – they must’ve shut down for the day. Jade was in the back with a gaggle of people, and there were countless other faces she didn’t recognize.
She wanted to say something, but when she opened her mouth to speak, her voice caught in her throat and tears welled in her eyes.
This was the community she’d been missing all of her life. These people were there for each other through thick and thin. Even if they didn’t agree on everything, they still supported one another. It was something Lucy hadn’t truly understood until this moment.
At Margie’s prompting, they took their seats up front. Their lawyer greeted them cheerfully before going over some last-minute details in hushed tones.
Lucy had a hard time focusing on what he was saying. She kept looking over her shoulder, afraid she might catch a glimpse of Rob, his broad shoulders and devilish smile taunting her from across the room.
There was no sign of him yet, though, and no one from his side at all. By ten fifteen, the head councilman announced they were done waiting and would start the hearing with the land owner’s side of the argument.
Claire and Chip got up, their presentation projected onto a far screen. Marty had put it together for them, complete with pictures, financials, and easy to read arguments.
Lucy and Lillian had helped him cut it down to time, but overall, he was remarkably good at preparing information in this way. Lucy was surprised. Apparently he did do something at that job of his.
Claire spoke first, and Lucy could hardly breathe. She came across well – perhaps a bit humble, but sweet, which was apt, because she was sweet.
It wasn’t long before Chip took over. He was a born public speaker, peppering in jokes and rolling laughter over the room. He was the perfect contrast to Claire’s modesty, reiterating how great the hotel was, talking about how far they’d come, and what an important part of the community they were.
