Page 6 of November

“It’s my bookstore. The same one that the city council has denied historical landmark status to twice. I’m sure you remember that.”

“I don’t, actually. Sorry,” he said, giving her an expression that read mock-sympathy. “Anyway, I thought I’d come check out the competition now that the election is so close.”

“Really? I’ve tried to reach your office for months now to arrange a debate on the issues, and you’ve failed to get back to me every time.”

“I didn’t know that,” he replied. “But now that we’re so close, it doesn’t seem like much of a point, does it?”

“Yes, it does. This is when voters are cementing their decisions.”

“Well, I’m ahead in the polls, and I think we both know that you’d only want to debate me to get your face out there since you don’t have any bus ads or billboards, so it wouldn’t benefit me. Besides, no one would watch that debate anyway. Most people in this city think the mayor makes all thedecisions and don’t even know wehavea city council. If we had a debate, no one would come. It would also be on public access TV. Who watches that anymore?”

“It’s not somethingyoushould be deciding. This is about allowing people to make the right decision on where they put their vote,” she argued.

“And they will.” Colter smirked as he looked around the shop. “Where is your campaign, exactly? Are the books part of it? You’re aware that people don’t really read books anymore, right?”

“Do you have any idea what this city needs?”

“Yes, I do. More big businesses offering jobs and getting tax breaks to bring their companies here. More people like me, willing to do what it takes to even bring them to a city that’s known more for its booze and music than being a place where people want to work.”

“You don’t think people work here?”

“It’s called The Big Easy for a reason.”

“You don’t even have a job,” she replied. “All the other city councilors have at least another part-time job in consulting or something, but you don’t. Now, you’re telling me that people in this city don’t work? Who do you think keeps this place running so that you can get your half-caf, no foam, soy lattes from Starbucks or something? There’s no way you buy the local coffee.”

“My job is this city,” he said. “Or, at least, that’s what I tell people.” Colter took another look around. “You’re really running a campaign out of here? Where’s all your stuff? I have a whole building and about a hundred people working for me full-time. Did you honestly expect to win this thing running it from a store?”

“Not everyone can afford a whole building and a hundred people, Mr. Stone. Thisstorehas been in this city since–”

“1790 or whatever. Yeah, I saw the sign,” he said. “It’s old, and I’m pretty sure you have mold. I can smell it.”

He made a face as if he smelled something nasty.

“That’s just what books smell like,” Maisie noted. “Wehave antiques and special orders of first editions. Yes, the building is old, but there’s no mold here. You walked into my bookshop to insult me? Why? I’m no real competition for you, according to your building, bus ads, and one hundred people.”

“Don’t forget the billboard,” he said with a wink.

“Is this fun for you?” she asked.

“A little,” he said with a shrug. “But I can see that you’re busy.”

He nodded toward Sarah, who was behind the counter.

The customers had all been checked out and had left since Colter Stone had walked in, so it appeared as if the store had always been empty, despite the fact that she had come up here specifically because they’d been busy only a moment ago.

“That’s fine. We’re about to close, anyway,” Maisie replied. “Here, take this.” She held out the guidebook. “You might need it. I don’t think you know this city at all.”

“Nah. I’m good.” He held up his phone. “The internet exists. I’m really not even sure why peoplebuybooks anymore.”

He turned around and walked out without another word. It appeared, he reallyhadonly come into her store to mock Maisie, maybe brag about his own campaign and wealth, and leave like he’d done none of it at all.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Lainey asked. “It was a little loud up here.”

“That was Colter Stone,” she said, pointing after him.

“The city council guy?”

“Yes.”