The former council president released a deep sigh. Her pale blue gaze strayed across the cream-and-mahogany dining room, then back to Doreen. “I’m not ready to leave the council altogether. But I’m burned out. It’s exhausting dealing with the posturing and obstruction. Sometimes I feel like the only responsible adult in the room.”
“Is that really something you should be saying to me the day before the election?” Doreen’s question wasn’t totally tongue in cheek.
CeCe’s eyes twinkled with humor. “Perhaps not, but that’s how I feel. I need to step back from the daily oversight of the council.”
“For how long?” Doreen sipped her tea. The pearl gray clock mounted to the warm cream wall behind CeCe read almost six o’clock in the evening. Alonzo would be here soon. What would he think of CeCe’s news?
“The rest of my term.” CeCe stared into her cup of tea as though viewing her past. “This isn’t what I’d planned on when I ran for council president. I want to serve the community, not negotiate with adults as though they were spoiled prepubescents.”
“You need to do what’s best for you.” Doreen empathized with the former council president. She’d dealt with similar attitudes while serving on volunteer committees.
“The other council members were supportive.” With her right hand, CeCe swept her shoulder-length auburn hair away from her oval face.
“You were a good council president. One of the best the town has ever had. You’ll be hard to replace.”
“Thank you, Doreen.” A faint blush warmed CeCe’s alabaster features.
“When will the council vote on your replacement?” Which of the members would want to take CeCe’s place? As the soon-to-be-former council president had implied, it was a tough and thankless job.
“We’ve already voted.” CeCe tucked her bone-straight hair behind an ear. “Nessa is the new council president.”
“Nessa?” Unease snaked through Doreen, twisting the muscles in her stomach. “Was the council’s vote unanimous?”
CeCe gave her a strange look. “Yes. Actually, Nessa was the only council member who wanted to be president.”
After two and a half terms as a council member, why would Nessa choose to become council president now, in the middle of her third term?
Doreen forced a casual tone. “Had Nessa ever indicated before that she wanted to be council president?”
“I don’t think so.” CeCe shrugged. “At least, she’s never mentioned it to me.”
Doreen’s unease increased. “Whose idea was it for you to step down?”
CeCe’s thin auburn eyebrows knitted. “Mine. I told the council I needed a break.”
“In the middle of your third term?”
“I couldn’t wait another two years, Doreen. I’m just burned out.”
Doreen nodded, though she didn’t understand. If CeCe was so disillusioned with the president’s position, why had she run for reelection two years ago?
“Did you approach the council with your decision or did one of the members approach you first?”
CeCe frowned. “Why are you asking all of these questions?”
“I’m just curious.” Doreen attempted a nonchalant shrug, but her grip was tight on her teacup. The pale blue porcelain was warm in her palm.
“Well, I wanted you to know I’d stepped down before you took office.” CeCe sipped her tea.
“And that Nessa was now council president. I appreciate the warning.” Doreen’s tone was dry.
CeCe frowned again. “It’s not a warning. I’m just letting you know.”
“I’ll be honest with you, CeCe.” Doreen sat back on her chair. She set her feet in their fluffy, cool pink socks, flat on the hardwood flooring. “I think Nessa convinced you to step down so she could take your place as president.”
“Why would she do that?” CeCe looked confused.
“Nessa doesn’t want me to be mayor.” Doreen recalled Nessa’s attack during Books & Bakery’s Halloween celebration.