Chapter 13: Percy

A few weeks passed, I started the inn renovations. Laura’s mood improved day by day.

“I’m planning to paint downstairs this week, so there’ll be plenty more flooring to keep us busy over the weekend,” I explained to Molly, keeping my voice casual. I saw the pride in Laura’s eyes as I talked.

Usually, Laura spent most of her time helping Molly with the inn, but she did some jobs for me like painting a new sign for the inn.

“Can I help you with anything?” Laura asked me one day.

“Of course you can.” I smiled at her.

The thought of working side by side with her made the job of renovating the inn suddenly seem a little less like labor and more like fun.

“Great, just show me what to do and I’ll help all I can,” Laura said, I was surprised by her eagerness. She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.

“I will.”

Then Aunt Molly said, “Percy, I hope you don’t mind but I was talking with the Mayor about you and the great work you are doing here at the inn. Simon, I mean the Mayor, is an old friend of mine, we went to high school together.”

Molly had the habit of fiddling with her hands when she was nervous. She was in her late forties, and she was lovely to behold. She had a slim waist that accentuated her generous curves. Her hair was a pale blonde, and she kept it short. The family resemblance with Laura was evident, especially in the eyes.

“Go on, Molly.”

“Well, when the Mayor asked me about you, I told him you were a contractor, he immediately expressed interest in you. You see, he wants to renovate the historic town square and the courthouse clock. It went up in flames after being struck by lightning some years ago.”

“Did he schedule an appointment for me?”

Molly laughed, “Just ask for him in the town hall. He’s expecting you.”

I had to go to the town center for supplies, so I decided to visit the Mayor. I needed several items in order to get all the floors, walls, and ceilings repaired and painted. Good thing I had brought the truck and some of my tools with me.

Mayor Simon Thompson was a man in his forties. He seemed pleased to meet me.

“Mr. Mayor,” I greeted him shaking the hand he extended.

“Please call me Simon, Percy,” he said with a smile.

He offered me a chair in front of him, put a check on his desk, and pushed it across with one long finger. I took the check, counted the zeros, and then looked back at the Mayor.

“I’ll go straight to the point, Percy. Middletown needs people like you. Molly vouched for you, and I’m sure you’re going to do a great job. She sent me some pictures of the work you are doing at the inn. That old building looks great. I think she explained to you we want to renovate the town’s square and repair the clock tower. I have big plans for our town. I plan to upgrade the schools, loan to new businesses, and assist some of the old ones. Most of the young people here want to move to the big city. I want to revitalize our rural community and give them some reason to stay. We need fresh blood, like you in our community.”