Colton

On Tuesday afternoon, I met the mayor at the Wilson Hotel cafe. He asked me if I could give the opening speech at the next potato festival, and I said yes. Our conversation revolved around my impact on the community, which involved the construction of various establishments and the generous donations I have made.

"Colton, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the tremendous help you have given us. We are truly indebted to you and are unsure of how to adequately show our appreciation in return." Mayor Bell expressed his gratitude.

"I'm not asking for anything in return. Just a simple thank you would be more than satisfactory."

"Can I ask a question out of pure curiosity? Do you have any interest in politics? If you need help, I would be more than willing to help you out. Among all the candidates, there is none better suited for the next term than the one we have. And with your contribution in the community, your generosity and kind works, I'm very positive that you would win in the next election."

I couldn't help but chuckle and shake my head.

"Politics? Not my thing, Mayor Bell. I'm just glad I can share my blessings with you all. Dansville is where I grew up, and everyone is like family. I'm dedicated to helping and improving our town, for everyone's sake."

"Glad we got that sorted, Colton, cause everyone assumes you'd get into politics." He smiled, looking somewhat relieved. "You just have a kind soul, Colton. Your parents did a good job raising you with the right values. We really appreciate your support. This new hospital you're building would help so many people. Many lives will be saved."

"For sure, that's what I'm aiming at."

We were chatting about my projects, and then he started prying into my personal life.

"Your father still works on his farm, despite your success?"

"Yeah, he does. It keeps him healthy, ensuring he stays active and full of energy. Being on his farm brings him joy. I also help him whenever I have some free time."

"I'm sure you do," he replied with a knowing smile. "And what about you? Are you dating someone or in a committed relationship?"

I chuckled slightly, feeling a sense of unease as the conversation took an unwelcome turn. It puzzled me why people found my love life so fascinating. They saw me as incredibly successful in my career, so they constantly urged me to find a wife.

"Nope. I have a lot on my plate with work, constantly juggling projects and responsibilities. I don't have time to date."

He was like, "Nah," and waved his hand. "You're already super successful. Dating will help you stay inspired. I have a beautiful and smart stepdaughter. Like you, she's into helping the community. I'm sure you'll get along with her."

"Thanks, but no." I shook my head vigorously. "I'm not looking for anyone to date..."

"Wait, there she is!" He got all excited and waved at someone behind me. "Amazing. She showed up when I said her name."

As I turned around, my eyes met the gaze of the woman standing silently behind me.
Hannah Fuller.

My homies were right about Hannah Fuller. Looking at her now, she had changed significantly since our high school days. Without the braces, black eyeglasses, and limp dark hair, she looked completely transformed. She used to be very slim and fragile, but now she has a healthy glow.

"Oh, my goodness! It's you, Colton Treble." She exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise upon seeing me. "You're still gorgeous, just like in high school."

"Thank you." I smiled at her.

"Hannah, join us for coffee." Mayor Bell, invited.

"Sure," Hannah said, as she eagerly sat down beside me, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's unbelievable to run into you here today. Actually, it's quite an honor. You're our superhero here in Dansville, you know. Everyone admires you for your achievements and the positive impact you have made on the community."

"I have to say, I'm flattered by that. I'm simply giving back to the community by sharing my blessings."

"That's incredibly kind of you," she exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face.

"By the way, Hannah is also active in civic organization." Mayor Bell butted in.

"Yeah. I do volunteer works and community service during weekends. Like you, I have this advocacy into helping people and the community."

"That's interesting to know." I replied.

"You two should totally team up for your upcoming projects. People in Dansville would undoubtedly be overjoyed to receive additional help." Mayor Bell said, then turned to me. "By the way, Colton, Hannah's the one in charge of the potato festival this year. Want to lend her a hand and make the celebration more festive? You'll do the opening speech, anyway."

"That's a great idea!" She agreed. "Join us and mingle with our people, so they'll see the real you. What do you think?"

"Interesting," I said, nodding. "Yeah, I'll give it some thought."

***

At night, I was having dinner with my family at home.

"So, apparently, someone spotted you having coffee with Hannah Fuller at the Wilson Hotel today. People are curious if you two are dating." Erin asked.

"It wasn't a date, just so you know. Actually, we weren't alone. Mayor Bell was with us."

"Who's Hannah Fuller?" Dad asked, while eating potato salad. "I've never heard that name before."

"She's the mayor's stepdaughter, and we went to high school together." Erin said. "She used to be a geek, but now she's drop-dead gorgeous. She's the hotel manager of Wilson."

"Hmm, she seems really interesting." Mom nodded, then turned to me. "Why don't you date her, Colton? Don't forget, you're not getting any younger."

"Don't tell me, tell Erin."

"You think I don't have a love life?" Erin's eyebrows went up. "You'll be shocked when you find out."

"Who's the guy? Is he just another one of your book boyfriends?"

"Nope. I'm not telling you because you'll ruin it."

"You must be joking if you think I would. I don't give a damn, Erin. Really. It would make me really happy if you got married soon."

"C'mon, Colton." Erin's lips twisted. "You're just diverting the topic. Mom said you should totally date Hannah Fuller."

"That's right." Mom agreed. "She could be the perfect woman for you."

"Why does everyone want me to get married? For heaven's sake, I'm only twenty-seven."

"Twenty eight soon." Mom corrected.

"Dad. Help me." I turned to Dad, who was busy eating.

"Sorry, son. You're on your own. This steak is so good." He said, then savored his steak.

I sighed, then turned to Mom.

"I've still got a bunch of stuff to do. We haven't finished constructing the hospital yet. Right now, we're planning on adding a new section for the pediatric department."

"So? Love won't stop you from reaching your goals. It'll give you the motivation to work harder." Mom started her lecture.

"Not for me, maybe for others. When you've got a ton of work to do, it's difficult to give your full attention to a relationship since it requires time and effort to make it thrive."

"You make a good point, son," Dad chimed in. Finally. "Balancing work and love is a challenge. But haven't you been so career-focused that you forgot about love? Having too much won't be beneficial. You'll forget being human."

"Totally," Mom said. "You've done so much already. You've helped the community and made everyone happy. It's time to prioritize your own happiness, too."

"I'm happy. Alright? Being in a relationship isn't the only way to be happy. I have loads of friends, colleagues, and of course, you, my family."

"Sure, if that's what you want." Dad wiped his mouth with a napkin. "But I really hope you'd give us some grandkids to carry on the Treble name."

He made a good point. We were the only Trebles in Dansville, and as the only son, I was the only hope of keeping our surname going.

I didn't want the Treble name to fade away and be forgotten, either. I have to continue the lineage.

"Of course. I'll remember that." I said.

"How about we ask Hannah Fuller to join us at the potato festival?" Erin suggested.

"Stop it, Erin. Why not invite your secret boyfriend instead of sticking your nose in my business?" I shot back, and her eyebrows furrowed.

"I know the real reason." She smirked, and gave me an 'I know your secret,' look.

My phone rang, cutting us off. It was Gerald.

I left the dining table and headed to the living room.

"When are you planning to come back here?" Gerald asked, wondering.

"Perhaps next week. There are still a lot of things to do in the hospital. Gonna meet the architects and engineers tomorrow and new machines and equipment coming the day after."

"Oh, I see. Just so you know, Luna asked about you this afternoon."

Hearing Luna's name gave me a burst of adrenaline. Suddenly, I felt energized.

Honestly, I was doing my best to steer clear of Luna that I was in a vulnerable state. I was falling harder for her each day. I didn't know if I could control myself and gave in to my feelings.

"What did she want?" I asked.

"Nothing. She wanted to know if you'll be in the Glamour Fashion office. I said no since you're in Dansville."

"Did she ask for anything else?"

"Oops, it slipped my mind. She said she really misses you and can't wait to see you again."

Surprised and puzzled, I asked. "What?"

"Gotcha!" He laughed out loud. "Just kidding, bro. I know that's what you wanted to hear, right?"

"You're such a jerk, dude. That's not funny at all."

"Sorry, bro. I just want to make you laugh." He continued laughing. "Oh, by the way, we found more evidence of Cox's expenses. I set it up with PowerPoint for a smoother presentation. If you're down, I can email them to you right away. It's all set."

"Yes, do it now. I think Luna is now ready to look at it."

"Yeah, I think she does." He agreed. "She looks different, you know."

"What do you mean, she looks different?"

"Well, you've got to see her to find out." He said.

After we hung up, I got really curious about what Gerald said and started thinking about Luna.

She texted me last Saturday night to thank me for the pizza. I took the opportunity to call her to check if she was okay. It made me happy to find out she ate them with Remedios. I just wanted to put a smile on her face and make her forget her troubles, even just for a sec.

The next morning, I forwarded Gerald's email to Luna. The files would totally surprise her. But she's gotta deal with it, to find out about Cox's shady stuff.

If Luna was still unsure about breaking off her engagement to Cox, I was certain that after seeing the documents I sent her today, she wouldn't hesitate any longer.