Wyatt’s jaw tightened. “So, he doesn’t give a shit about the farms.”
“Wyatt…language…” His mother’s cheeks colored as she looked at me apologetically.
“I’m only telling you that there is another side to this issue. He’s the mayor of Salvation, not just the farmers of Salvation.” God, that tasted like vinegar as I said it.
“So, you can’t do anything to help us?” Peggy asked.
I inhaled a breath. “I’m urging you to stand together. I, personally, wholeheartedly support the effort to stop this prison.”
Wyatt studied me. “Personally. So, you’re not here as deputy mayor?”
Tightropes were hard to walk on, as I was discovering as I worked to navigate my personal interest along with that of the mayor’s office.
“The mayor’s office is doing an impact study as a way to see how a prison would both help and hurt the community. But as with many important issues to members of a community, often it’s grassroots activism that makes a difference.”
Wyatt sat back with a wide smile. “That’s the Sinclair I remember. Rebel with a cause.”
“I didn’t realize you two knew each other that well,” Peggy said.
“I’m Ryder Simms’ sister,” I said. I didn’t know if Wyatt still wanted our summer together to be a secret, but at this point, I wasn’t sure I wanted it out in the world.
“Sinclair here was always stirring up trouble.” He laughed.
“I was not,” I huffed out, but secretly I was pleased that he felt I was a strong independent woman.
“When she wanted something, she went after it. And she got it.” His smoldering green eyes bore into mine and I knew we weren’t talking about farming or prisons, but instead the summer I went after him and won his heart.
“Yes, well, this will take a community effort.” Feeling hot, too hot, I stood. “Thank you for the iced tea, Mrs. Jones.”
“Please call me Peggy. Ryder was like family. That makes you like family.”
My gut burned at her words. They were truer than she knew. “Thank you.”
Wyatt rose from his chair. “I’ll walk you out.”
No. God, please no. I had to get away. All of a sudden, the magnitude of my situation here bore down on me. Again, I couldn’t breathe.
“Are you okay, dear? It’s frightfully hot out there. Maybe you need to sit a little longer,” Peggy said.
“I’m fine. Really.” I started for the door in a haze. I made it to the car, vaguely aware of Wyatt behind me.
Why is he here?
“It was good to see you again, Sinclair,” he said, holding the car door open for me. I stared into his eyes, wondering if he knew my secret. I didn’t know how he could, unless Ryder had told him. But he promised me he wouldn’t, and I knew I could trust Ryder. He’d been a rock. My parents too, although they didn’t know everything. Not like Ryder did.
“You too, Wyatt.” I got in the car and tried to smile.
“Once again, I think I owe you an apology.” He stood with one hand on the door, preventing me from closing it.
I swallowed and shook my head. “We were kids. Ten years is a long time.”
His expression fell and he looked down.
“I’ve got more families to visit,” I added, hoping he’d get a clue and let me go.
“Right. Sorry.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but I was about to come apart.
“Bye, Wyatt.” I pulled the door closed, started the car, and pulled away.