Page 57 of The Reverse Cinderella

Chapter 10

Piaget smiled until it felt like her face was going to crack and then she smiled some more. She was at Barneys with Adam, Max and a multitude of others, waiting to for the results to be announced from the Mayoral race. There were even reporters there, waiting to catch her statement. It was a wonderful night with her supporters, but she would be glad when it was over.

Adam checked his phone for the up to date status on the race. The preliminary findings should be released any moment. Finally, he saw the end results and showed them to Piaget.

Someone had given her a microphone, purloined from the karaoke machine no doubt. Max helped her so that she could stand on the table and everyone could see her.

Piaget cleared her throat and tapped the microphone to get everyone’s attention. “I’d like to thank all of you for being here. Many of you were involved directly in my campaign, and maybe some of you even voted for me today. I really appreciate your support. None of this would have been possible without you.

“The good news is that Mayor Johns is now the former mayor of the city.”

There was a cheer from the crowd over this, people raising their drinks in a toast.

“The other news is that Tom Bailey, a late comer to the race and former councilor of the city, won the post of mayor,” Piaget announced.

There were some boos from the crowd.

Piaget held up a hand and they quieted down. “I have to say, I am a little relieved. I was underqualified and not ready to take on such a demanding, prestigious role as the mayor’s office. I would have done everything I could to be the best mayor possible, but I am glad that someone of Mr. Bailey’s experience and caliber has been elected to the position. Mr. Bailey and I agreed on a number of key issues that the city faces, including helping those who need it most, from our school children to the homeless on the streets. Mr. Bailey hopes to implement his ‘Back to Home’ program which will include more funding for shelters, counselling services, and assistance for those looking to apply to the lower income housing programs.

“I am very happy to support Mr. Bailey with this program. I am also very pleased to be able to focus my attention back to my schooling and my passion for broadcasting.

“I propose a toast to Mr. Bailey. May he be the best mayor this city has ever had,” Piaget raised her glass of wine and everyone cheered. She handed off the microphone and Max helped her down from the table.

“See, I think you would have made a great politician,” Adam said. “You certainly have a knack for speeches.”

Piaget laughed. “Honestly, I was terrified and forgot all my talking points. I just let my mouth run.”

“It was great,” Max’s husky voice was in her ear. “You are a natural.”

She leaned happily against him. “I’ve never been so relieved to lose. Now life can go back to normal.”

“I think you would have made a great mayor,” Dix said. “I would have come and bugged you at the office every day. In fact, I would have demanded to be your assistant or something.”

“I would have loved to have you with me,” Piaget smiled. “You know you would have set the city on its ear. Maybe you should run for mayor next election.”

Dix shuddered and took a drink of her beer. “No, not me.”

“So where’s the ring?” Adam asked.

“Excuse me?” Piaget raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, where’s the ring?”

“She doesn’t have it yet,” Max said dryly.

“Oh, dude, I thought you were going to… before…” Adam slapped a hand across his face. “I’m so sorry.”

“I decided to set a couple of things up for after the race,” Max sighed. “The fireworks would work better that way.”

“Fireworks?” Piaget turned to look at Max and raised an eyebrow. “Are you withholding things from me again?”

“Whoa!” Max held up his hands in surrender. “It was a surprise for tonight. Surprises aren’t surprises if I tell you what’s going to happen before they happen.”

“What’s this about a ring?” Piaget tilted her head and waited.

“Well, I’m kind of thinking I should cancel everything and try something else,” Max said.

“Give it up Max,” Dix laughed. “She heard the word ring. No woman can let that word go so you might as well go ahead with it.”

“You knew as well?” Piaget looked at her friend.