Page 83 of You'll Love it Here

“That’s really great, Mon!” Olivia’s forced smile issofake. How did I never see it? “We’re glad to have you back.”

The other two nod in agreement like NPCs.

“Although it’s going to be a rough return.” I look down at my hands, frowning. “In fact, I spoke to Carolyne just this morning about the state of some of my files. It wasn’t a great conversation, as you can imagine.”

I wince and glance up from beneath my lashes. Honestly, the smirk Olivia is holding back is more authentic than any of the smiles she’s ever given me.

I nod toward my new friends who are gathering on the lawn outside the building. “It’s handy being friends with IT. I had Norm over there look into the errors on my files that were recently discovered. It looks like many of them trace back to your computer, Olivia.”

Olivia’s mouth falls open. “Mona, I—”

I cut her off. “Better keep your phone handy. I’m sure Carolyne will be following up with you any minute now.”

Olivia is frozen. Her expression flickers—first horror, then sharp, simmering anger. I used to think she and I were the most alike in the office, both of us clawing our way up from humble beginnings, driven by the same relentless hunger. Maybe she regrets letting it come to this. Maybe she doesn’t. Either way, I realize, I don’t care anymore.

“Well, I need to catch up with my friends over there,” I say. “We have a very important meeting. Looking forward to seeing you guys next week—although I’ll probably have to miss Tuesday drinks.”

Before any of them can answer, I turn on my heel and stomp back up the block, making each step loud and deliberate, like I’m gliding just above the pavement. I imagine them watching me walk away, speechless. It’s only after I cross the street and round the corner that I allow myself a glance back. They’re still standing outside the café, staring after me like Bambi caught in headlights.

Jane and Sami catch site of me returning. Carmen yells, “There’s our leader! Mona, come on, it’s time.”

I take my spot at the head of the procession and march up the steps, head held high—ready to take on city hall (aka a couple ofpublic officials, since this meeting isn’t quite big enough to be held at city headquarters).

Two hours later, we spill out into the lobby of the community center like deflated tires, sagging under the weight of defeat, silently gathering to lick our wounds. The vibe of the meeting was polite, but it was made very clear we were wasting our time. Every single one of us was given time at the mic to voice our concerns. Then we were thanked for our feedback by unmoved councillors who kept glancing at their watches.

The coup de grâce came when a representative for Northern Property Management went up to the mic to defend their development permits. Sami was right: They are a Goliath, and they had prepared counterpoints for almost all concerns at the ready.

“I’ll just say it. That was a real shitty thing.” Carmen stomps his boots on the glossy floor, followed by the rest of our group, who all murmur their agreement at his astute observation.

“It’s not over, guys,” I mutter. “Maybe it went better than we think.”

Sami nods encouragingly, his gaze softening as his eyes meet mine. “Mona’s right. There were enough of us in there that maybe Northern Property Management will decide it’s not worth their time.”

“Did you see that one wanker-type guy with the ugly suit?” Divorced Dad adds.

Jane nods. “All those Northern Property Management fucks were wankers.”

We all laugh—not because it’s funny, but because it’s the only thing left to do. At least we’re in this together.

I look around the group, their weary and defeated faces. I know that no matter what happens, I have to make sure these people willbe okay. I want to keep them in my life, even though I don’t deserve it.

“Hey,” I start. “You guys were amazing. Everything you said was so well put.”

“All thanks to your index cards.” Carmen winks. It’s not as violating now that I know the guy.

“Yeah, Mona. Thanks for fighting so hard for us.” Sami’s grin curls into his whole face. He turns to face the group. “I say we have another emergency town hall at the diner to discuss what to do with all the leftover pie.”

Everyone cheers at that. Jane rests a comforting hand on my arm, and I lean into her without hesitation. Carmen nudges Norm, who startles but quickly grins. Lorna nods warmly at Uniform Family.

I’m so caught up in the quiet beauty of this unlikely community that I don’t notice the doors opening behind me.

“Mona? I thought that was you.”

My shoulders squeeze up to my chin at the sound of Lana’s voice. I turn slowly to face her. She’s wearing a beige suit, her red hair in an elegant twist.

My heart drops.

“Hi,” I mutter. “Good to see you.” I give her a small, cordial wave and then turn halfway back to Jane, hoping that I can somehow escape any conversation without being flat-out rude.