The gentlemen in the fine suits all exited quickly from the auditorium, and I was left there standing next to Ben, who had never let go of my hand.
“I’m tired of saying sorry, Percy.”
“I’m tired of forgiving you,” I chuckled. I was also tired of my head spinning around like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. I didn’t know what was up and what was down because I was fucking confused.
“Can you please tell me what is happening?” I asked numbly. I was happy, but it had all happened so fast that I didn’t know what any of it meant.
“I will tell you all what is happening, unofficially, of course.” Mayor Nelson came around the dais and stood in front of all of us. “Foggy Basin will never take away your businesses. I was about to make… Well, the council and I were about to make a very big mistake, and your Ben here called me last night and changed my mind. At his suggestion,” Mayor Nelson winkedat him. “I did call the other towns where BHB had built their resorts, and they had quite a bit to say to me.”
“It was all you, Mayor. I just made a suggestion as a concerned resident.” Ben winked back.
“But I still believe that more tourism to our small town would be good for everyone. Ben, here, has put me in touch with a small boutique firm that has built small resorts in other places.” Mayor Nelson grinned happily, and like a fool, I grinned back. What the hell had just happened? Did Ben come in and save the day? Why would he throw everything away?
“He’s a friend who used to work with me but then struck out on his own. He raises private capital, but what I like about him the most is his commitment to the health of the small towns where he builds.”
“Yes, a small resort with nice pools, golf courses, and activities that use and take care of the land around us is exactly what we needed. It also helps that the town itself will be a stakeholder in the resort. What is it that we have in spades around here? The great outdoors. This will be a resort for people who come here to explore and to have fun. We have been promised that there would be no shops or restaurants in the resort itself, since it will be right on the edge of the town. Think of the money that small business owners will make. It’s a win win and all thanks to our hometown hero, here.”
“I’m glad I could help, Mayor.” Ben grinned and glanced at me, and I dropped my eyes.
“Son, you need to call me George.” He clapped him on his shoulder. “I’m glad to have you on the team.”
“You’re really working for the town,” I squeaked.
“Ben will oversee the resort's construction and serve as our new business and growth developer.” Mayor Nelson said quickly and then cleared his throat. “I need to get back to it. See you nextweek in the office, Ben.” He left us and Ben took my other hand in his.
“You’re moving back here?” I whispered.
“Unless you tell me not to.”
“Please?”
I’m sorry, I…”
“Will you please shut up and kiss me.” And he did. Fireworks exploded once again in my brain as Ben held me tightly against him.
“I’m really glad you’re not a greedy corporate monster. I should have listened to you.”
“I should have told you the truth.”
“It’s all real?”
“Ask me.”
I think there are other things I would prefer to do with my mouth.” I giggled.
He bent down and kissed me chastely. “Like this?”
“I can’t believe you're staying.” He kissed me again.
“There was no way I could ever leave as soon as I saw you.”
Maybe I was about to get my happy ending after all.
18
Ben
“Are you ready?” I asked as we stood outside the auditorium’s doors where all of our classmates were already having fun. Lady Gaga was blasting from the speakers.
