The last thing he needed to do was explode and prove all the gossipers right. Just because Linc had a reputation as being Mr. Tough Guy didn’t mean he wouldn’t be a good father. He deserved the chance.
So Zoey did the only thing she could think of. She hopped off her stool, climbed on the counter despite Elisa’s shocked protest, and cupped her hands around her mouth. “Hey! Has everyone heard the big news?”
Dozens of eyes blinked up at her, a mixture of confusion and surprise. Except for Linc’s. His gaze held…concern? She shot him a reassuring wink. No reason to worry. She had this.
She cleared her throat. “Noah Hebert is running for mayor!”
* * *
Linc owed Zoey about a dozen bags of Doritos.
“Thanks for that.” He scooted over in the booth for her to take the seat next to him. Amelia had immediately headed for the restroom. She hadn’t wanted to come in the first place, had argued the whole drive there. But they had errands to do, food to buy, school to enroll in—all the things Linc wasn’t sure how to accomplish. Better figure it out soon, as school started next week. At least she wouldn’t have to jump in midsemester.
If he knew anything about Magnolia Bay, though, he and Amelia had to face the inevitable gossip chain. Figured they might as well get it over with over a sizzling plate of bacon. Thankfully, after Zoey’s announcement about Noah, the diner erupted into whistles and cheers, and everyone forgot about them. Apparently, his friend was a shoo-in.
Which begged the question—why hadn’t Noah mentioned he was running for mayor?
Linc’s phone buzzed in his pocket. The Gone Fishing text group had been blowing up for half an hour.
Cade
Um, Linc, anything you care to tell us tonight at the pier?
Owen
What do you mean?
Noah
He has a kid
Owen
A KID?
Cade
I was going to let Linc tell it, but yeah
Owen
Man. I never hear the tea
Cade
Probably because you use phrases like that
Noah
Oops, I meant teenager, not kid. My bad
Linc
Looks like you guys already have it figured out. Catch a few for me
Noah
No way. You better show up!
