I’ve crossed paths with him a few times. He never speaks, and when he does, it’s more of a grunted yes or no response to someone’s question. That’s if a person works up the nerve to ask him one. Again, that only adds to the whole mysterious thing he’s got going on.

Not gonna lie, I have tried to get his attention before when I’ve crossed his path at the grocery store. I thought once I’d caught his eye, but the man stared right through me. I don’t know why it bugged me so much. Why do I care? The man is almost twice my age. I’d know because working for the mayor, I have access to all of the town records. Since he bought a house here on a giant piece of land, I had some information on him but not much.

“You okay?” Liza nudges me with her elbow. She’s stunning tonight.

I still can’t believe I talked her into that dress. She and Crane might be a thing, but another nudge and the two of them are going to be done for. This dress is that final kick in my little plan. Liza still has a small fear in the back of her mind that Crane is only all over her because she picked up a creepy stalker, but I know Crane is all over her because he wants to be. Stalker or not.

“Just ready for this to be done.” I let out a long breath.

Why does my dress suddenly feel tighter? Where Liza is shining in gold, I went with black because I always go with black. I might speak my mind and draw attention when I need it. That doesn’t mean I want the spotlight on me. Male attention is a bit new to me.

I was what many would call an ugly duckling growing up. I didn’t blossom and come out of my shell ‘till college. When boys started to pay attention to me, I only got annoyed because I knew it was because of my looks and nothing more. Even when I took a trip back to my hometown, the boys that once picked on me about my glasses and braces were all trying to get in my pants.

We’re standing up on the stage behind the curtain as the mayor speaks to the residents. The auction is about to start.

“This was your idea,” Liza mutters under her breath as the curtains part. The whole town stares toward the stage. The mayor doesn’t get another word out before Crane is storming the stage. He doesn’t say a word. We all watch in shock as he plucks Liza up and carries her right off with him.

The mayor opens and closes her mouth. Liza is her daughter, after all, but I know she’s all for the Crane and Liza relationship. She’s already been making some wedding plans. I’d know because I’m at her side most days. We even have a bet between us at how high Liza would go for tonight. I guess we’re both out on that count. I’ll still make sure Crane pays something. There are no freebies around here.