Always, Like This by Fiona Grace

Author:Fiona Grace [Grace, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fiona Grace
Published: 2023-08-08T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“You did not sign up to run a political campaign!”

Ariel leaned against the brick wall of Mocha Magic, her favorite downtown Endless Harbor coffee shop. The strong aroma of freshly ground coffee beans mingled with the salty scent of sea air, creating a sensory experience that always soothed her nerves. Clutching her phone and sipping a warm chai tea, she listened to the unmistakable sound of her brother's laughter echoing from the other end of the line. Oliver was in some European city, exploring ancient streets filled with history and culture—and laughing at her.

"I did, and Oliver, you wouldn't believe the drama that could happen back here," Ariel said, her voice tinged with frustration. "The mayoral election could get downright nasty—

heated debates, smear campaigns, the works."

"Really? In Endless Harbor?" Oliver asked incredulously. "I thought things were usually pretty calm there."

"Normally, yes. But this time, I’m worried that all hell will break loose," she replied, watching people pass by on the sidewalk, their faces buried in their phones or engaged in lively conversations. "Darcy is doing his best to manage Leeside while I’m on the campaign, but I can tell the stress is taking a toll on him. Katie doesn’t want to go to college, but I did convince her to tour one this weekend."

She could almost feel Oliver's concern through the phone. "How are you holding up, sis?"

"Me? Oh, I'm fine," she lied. She didn't want to burden Oliver with her worries; he was supposed to be enjoying his trip. "Just trying to juggle everything with the campaign. I’ll keep you updated."

In the distance, she spotted a group of Mayor Stanton's campaign signs sprouting up along the street corners like invasive weeds. It was the first time she'd seen any campaigning efforts from the mayor himself. As Ariel's eyes lingered on the street signs, her mind swirled with campaign strategies; she was distractedly brought back to the present by Oliver's voice on the other end of the line. "Hey, sis, speaking of updates... Any news on the wedding front? Am I allowed a plus one?"

The question caught her off guard, like a gust of wind sweeping away the leaves that had settled on the ground. She hesitated, realizing she hadn't told anyone yet that they were pausing the planning amid the chaos of the election.

"Uh, yeah," she said, pushing a strand of her auburn hair behind her ear as she glanced around at the bustling downtown streets of Endless Harbor. The vibrant colors of the storefronts seemed to blur in her peripheral vision, much like the unattended wedding plans. "You should definitely bring a date, Ollie. It's a formal event."

"Great," Oliver responded, his enthusiasm apparent even through the static connection across continents. "So, any updates on the big day? You know, flowers, cake, all that jazz?"

Ariel's heart tightened, guilt creeping into her chest like tendrils of ivy. She knew she should have been more involved with the wedding arrangements, but the mayoral election had consumed every spare moment she had.

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