- Dallas Public Library
- The library is a rather large building that extends two levels. Security gates at the entrance lead past a long rectangular circulation desk where patrons may check out or return books. Across from the circulation desk is large, archaic looking card catalogue beside which is a computer that is set up to locate books. Following the typical Dewey Decimal Classification System, the rows of shelves are laid out systematically, with large signs overhead so that patrons can find precisely what they are looking for. Study carols and tables line the walls, and one corner of the library is set aside for two separate lecture rooms that can booked for meetings.
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Monday afternoon at the public library, while summer is still underway, is a quiet time. With the exception of the daily story-hour that has been going on all summer for the young children.
Today's books were all by Robert Munsch, and the on-duty librarian was nice enough to read the "The Paper Bag Princess" with voices, as well as giving each child/parent set a paper bag to color into a "dress".
This is why Prudence is coming out of the children's area of the library, her hand dressed up in a paper bag as she makes little puppet motions for her daughter. Grace, still a bit too young to understand the story, loved coloring on the bag with bright purple and green crayons. So the brown paper bag on Pru's hand is splotched, and scribbled, and very colorful.
~
Computers aren't beyond him, they really aren't. They're merely difficult and a waste of time when certain old fashioned ways are just as good, if not better. This is why Zane is found at the old fashioned card catalog, choosing to locate his desired selections the old fashioned way. He prefers a much more hands on approach as it is and is quite happy not to run to a computer for everything.
Fresh from a meeting he hasn't had time to change so is wearing a pair of dress slacks and a nice button down shirt. The tie around his neck has been loosened and his suit jacket placed somewhere out of the way. A pencil has been placed behind his ear and for a split second Mister Wright nearly appears to be lost, or overwhelmed.
Finally he turns with a card in hand, the information needed already scribbled upon it. It's only then that he realizes that Grace and Pru are even in the library, and he only notices as the paper bag puppet catches his eye. After clearing his throat he approaches the duo in attempt to engage in conversation. "Miss Foster."
~
The hand-puppet princess asks, "Do you want to go get some ice cream, Gracie? I bet you love chocolate!" Then it scoots in to tickle the little girl under the arm. This causes peals of laughter, as the child squirms and plays and tries to get out of her mother's grasp.
Looking slightly embarrassed by the outburst, but still smiling, Prudence lifts her eyes to catch sight of the mayoral candidate.
"Mr. Wright. I hope we're not being too loud. Someone is just a bit playful after story time." She could be talking about Grace, or herself.
~
Loud laughter is the immediate response to the playful actions. Immediately he looks sheepish and hushes himself. "Oh, no. You certainly weren't loud at all. At least, not compared to me." The dirty look he receives from a librarian tells him as much but at least it fades quickly since he scolded himself.
"I've been meaning to get you that list of babysitters. It's been a little busy lately so I apologize that I haven't actually given it to you yet. I have it with me if you'd like it now." It's somewhere, in his briefcase. Which is where his suit jacket is. Wherever that is. "Although I'd hate to keep you from ice cream. What kind of person would I be if I did?"
~
"A savior," Prudence replies. There's only two weeks until she'll need to find a temporary sitter or a daycare service. "I understand a busy life though, Mr. Wright, so really there's no need to apologize." Shifting Gracie a little, she brings the puppet-princess' hands down to tickle a bit at the child's nose.
This brings about more giggles and a grab for the bag.
"Oh no," Pru says in a cutesy-fake little voice, "You're wrinkling my dress!"
Looking over at Zane, she winks. "We can probably go without the ice cream for a few minutes."
~
His eyes fall down to the adorable child not too far away from him. Every time he sees her he can't help but smile, the sensitive subject of his daughter on the forefront of his mind. "Well, let me just now where is that?" Zane rubs the back of his neck as he looks around for his belongings before he eventually spots them. "If you'll excuse me I'll return in just a moment."
When he does return the suit jacket will be slung over the arm that's carrying the briefcase. In his other hand is a file folder with the contact information. Each sitter is rated; comments from others are listed as well as known rates and availability. He honestly did the research he intended to. The folder is offered to the woman who has a puppet bag on her hand before he reconsiders. "Is there someplace that you'd like me to put this for you?"
~
Twisting to the side to show off her sporty looking camo diaper bag/purse, Prudence smiles. "Somewhere in one of those pouches would be fine."
Paper bag dress on the free hand, child in the other. It makes it difficult for her to do it herself unless she puts Grace down, which she's not going to do until she can collect the stroller over by the front door.
"Though if you don't mind walking with us toward the door, I can put this little munchkin down and take care of it myself." The puppet bag reaches out to gently shift one of Grace's curls out of her eyes, and the child starts to suck on her thumb.
~
"Nice bag. I'll admit it's not one of the ones I ever got." He's attempting to be friendly, after all, and has also been in the armed forces. "It's okay. As long as you don't mind me touching your bag, I'd love to help." That he does, too. Unless there are any objections Zane will place the file neatly inside one of the pouches.
"Not that I mind escorting you lovely ladies to the door." He'll do just that, too. It very likely is another unknown photo-op waiting to happen. "Although if you ever need help with anything, even if just with Gracie there, I don't mind helping out while I'm around." He's not like that creepy man that you'd never allow your child to be near.
~
"Reminds me of home," Prudence says, glancing at the bag. "Reminds me of Afghanistan…" For the first time today, she frowns a little. Worrying about the on-going war efforts, and Doyle.
When Grace lifts up her hands and taps her mother on the nose, Pru wrinkles it, then smiles. "I don't mind you putting the folder into the bag, really. Unless you find diapers and bottles scintillating, I'm not too concerned about what you'll see in there." Typical diaper bag items for the most part. Diapers, bottles, a change or two of clothing, her purse, a few toys…
"Believe me, Mr. Wright. We both appreciate the help, don't we Grace?" The curly-haired little girl spins in her mothers arms and reaches out to bop Zane on the nose too.
~
Even though she's frowning he can't help but nod. It's a grim image, being overseas. It's one that he's familiar with. "I know right where I'd be at the moment had I not elected to stay home with well, to stay home." That's about all that needs to be said on that.
"I can't really say that's the case. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I try to avoid them at all costs." Anymore. "Although I'm sure that I can brave them just this one time." Many things are known to make Zane nervous yet dealing with children never seems to be one of them.
He's about to say something more when he's oh so playfully bopped on the nose. At this he wrinkles it before touching it with a finger. "I'm going to take that as a yes," he says with a grin. "Thank you, Gracie. A man's day isn't quite complete without a bop on the nose."
~
"I'd still be there if it wasn't for Grace." Becoming pregnant with her, that is. Prudence eyes her child in a quiet, speculative manner while she's distracted with trying to bop Zane on the nose again.
"Share!" Grace flails her little hand, and suddenly Pru is snapped out of her thoughts. Waggling one puppet bag finger at the little girl she tsks and glances over at the man. "I promise, nothing in there will bite you." No live snakes or scorpions in her bag. Though he will likely find some of that Silver Spray the FotS has been selling if he reaches down deep enough.
"We should treat Mr. Wright to some ice cream to say thank you," she says to her daughter.
~
He would have looked to the woman just then had Grace not been busy bopping him in the nose. Once the distraction is past, though, he does look at her with the same quiet, speculative eyes that she just laid on her daughter. "Well, then perhaps I should be the one thanking her." With that said, he reaches in to try and tap Grace lightly on her nose.
The mention of nothing biting him causes him to laugh. "Of that I trust you. Still, there are items quiet odd to me in there. Sometimes I think that becoming a mother gives women super powers to pack more in less space and literally be prepared for anything." He at least managed to get the folder in without seeing too much of what is in there. As for the silver spray, he still has the one given to him by Hope in his suit jacket. It follows him around everywhere he goes.
"You know," he mentions as he looks to Grace before considering Pru again. "It's always such a delight to be in your company. Maybe it should be me who should do the treating."
~
"Nonose!" Grace wrinkles her nose up, reaching upward with both hands to rub at the recently lightly tapped nose. "Ouse cweam!"
Folder in the bag, the paper puppet hand reaches down to zip it back up. A chuckle for both the outburst from her little girl, and what Zane says about the contents of the bag. "I've always had a knack for fitting quite a bit into a small bag. You never know when you're going to need something." Diaper cream, baby wipes, a camera. Such is the life of being the mother of a very rambunctious two year old.
"That would defeat the purpose of it being a thank you, Mr. Wright," Prudence says, trying to brush past the earlier compliment. The invitation stands, and she begins to haul diaper bag, baby, and puppet toward the stroller at the front. "It will be a bit far to walk, but the day is nice enough if you don't mind."
~
The adorable words and actions of little Grace of course cause him to smile. He'll attempt to ruffle her curls again before nodding. "Yes, ice cream. I heard that you like chocolate? That's the best, you know."
"Well, some people are born with it, and it's something you learn while in the service, too. It could mean your life, so you take what you can." He's been through the drill a few times on that end. "Still, I don't foresee me ever needing quite as much, or the things that you have. Not unless I drop out of this race and actually take the whole thing seriously." Dating, that is. He's been avoiding it ever since the death of his wife.
As she begins to step towards the stroller he remains in stride. There's no backing down when ice cream is on the line. "Very well. But if I choose to do something to thank you for the ice cream you can't turn it down." What exactly he'll plan he has no idea but Zane knows himself well enough that he knows he'll do something. "Walking is more than fine by me. I should probably leave my case in my car, though. I'd feel a bit silly carrying it around."
~
"Chockit!" Grace squeals again, earning them all a stern look from the librarian at the circulation desk. Prudence turns to her and gives the woman a 'what can you do' type of look. It's not as though children come with volume control.
After buckling Grace into the stroller, she slides the diaper bag down into the basket below the seat. "If it's easier for you, Mr. Wright, we could always just meet you there?" Though it really is a great distance from the library, so he would get there far sooner than they would. Even if Prudence were to walk her swiftest.
"You realize if you do that, then we'll be in a cyclic thing. I would have to do something to thank you for the thank you."
~
The librarian is given a full on smile. "Gotta love children, right?" This of course is said just barely loud enough for her to hear it. He'll be the last to scold any child and tell them to keep their voices down. Youth only happens for so long and it may as well be enjoyed.
"No, I'd much rather walk, if you don't mind the company. I parked right outside so it'll only be a brief trip to my car before I'm ready." He'll also roll up his sleeves and leave his jacket behind as well. It truly is a beautiful day and not exactly one he wants to pass up. "I'm sure that Grace here will keep me entertained." Or fall asleep. Children really are funny creatures.
Zane pauses though to consider it. "Well, you do have a point there. So if I happen to do something for you it will just be a gesture of friendship and not out of thanks." The woman is an only child so of course he feels the need to do something.
~
"Fair enough," Prudence says as she begins to wheel the stroller toward the large doors. Once she gets through, she continues on down the wheelchair ramp instead of subjecting Grace to the bumpy ride of bouncing down the steps.
"We don't mind the company. I was more thinking about the impact it might have on your campaign." Replacing his dead wife and child with a single mother and her baby. "I would hate for a friendship to spoil something that important for you." She would also hate for her full story to get out in the public media. It would make her job here with the church that much more dangerous, and would place Grace right in the middle of path to trouble.
"A gesture of friendship I can accept. I have few friends, and those that I've managed to make here in the city are either church biddies who enjoy coddling Grace, or coworkers who just want to hit the bars every Friday." The latter of which she will never do.
~
It makes sense to take the ramp with a stroller. Zane opts for the stairs, his eyes on the ladies the entire time. He is far from creepy but rather is just keeping a casual eye on the situation to make sure it remains calm. Besides, one is adorable and the other isn't exactly hard on the eyes.
What she says is a very valid point, but one he doesn't comment on until his belongings are locked in his car. He rolls his sleeves up to his elbows and nods solemnly. "The media is the one thing that I have no control over. Personally? I'm not afraid of what they have to say about me. I know how I am living my life and I'm pretty sure most of those around here do, too." In the off chance that he does ever date again he realizes it will be rough but he's also not a man to hide such things. "Yet if it makes you nervous I can understand. No one really likes to be the center of such attention. I have to deal with it but you don't."
Zane's hand find his pockets as his attention certainly falls more to Pru than it does Grace. "Just because you're a mother doesn't mean that you can't go out and have fun. Although I don't personally find those types of environments to be fun. I certainly appreciate some time out and would help watch Grace in the event that something did come up. But sometimes take-out, a horrible made for tv movie and good company does wonders."
~
Prudence's biggest concern is that she'll be found. She didn't go through the whole rigamarole of changing her identity. She just traveled to the furthest point her money would carry her.
Reaching out to pull the sun canopy of the "sport utility" stroller out so that Grace doesn't go blind from the sun beating down right into her little eyes, Pru is silent. She double checks the safety belts and harnesses. Drifting down to get a bottle of juice out of the diaper bag, she checks to see that it's still cool.
When Grace is finally fully situated, she shifts her gaze toward Zane. "I grew up on a military base. I'm used to having quite a bit of attention on me." There are things she's just not ready to discuss as of yet, but that should be answer enough.
"Mr. Wright, in today's world… I try to limit the amount of time I leave Grace with a sitter at night. Though with the lists that you've given me, I'm sure I can find someone I trust a great deal if I ever need to head out at night." Which she will, when the Newlin's finish implementing this new program.
~
He's not about to ask for more detail on her life just yet. His life is an open book so he has nothing to hide; though if he could hide some things he would. Where he has no options he'll leave her all the options that she'd like. "Very well. I promise I won't do or say anything that will may any possible situation any worse. Or at least intentionally." The media these days will use the smallest little gesture against others.
"I also can understand your desire not to go out at night. I wouldn't leave her alone if I had a choice." Which 'her' he's referring to may be difficult to tell. "We'll make a difference eventually. Our streets will be safe again someday. I personally would love to stay indoors every night but I can't. Besides, I refuse to let them win." If there's anything he'll be passionate about it is the vampire subject. "Still, that shouldn't rule out the bad movie bit. I find them to be quite entertaining." This much is said with a smile, at the very least.
~
"I'm honestly not at all concerned with your actions, Mr. Wright. You're a good, upstanding member of the church, and I doubt you'd do anything to jeopardize your campaign." Not intentionally anyhow. Prudence puts the stroller into motion again, and begins toward the sidewalk which will eventually lead them to the ice cream parlor.
"I don't fear the night, so much as I fear some unsuspecting babysitter will allow a vampire into my home when I'm not there." Especially one claiming to be the baby's grandmother. "So I worry about her." Prudence would likely die if something ever happened to Grace. Subconsciously, her hand drifts toward the stroller to ensure Grace is still secured inside.
"You're right though. It doesn't preclude bad movies and takeout."
~
That didn't exactly come out as he had intended. Zane shakes his head as he falls into step as close to beside Pru as he can be. His hands are still very much inside of his pockets. "That's not exactly what I meant to say. I care about the campaign but it alone isn't going to stop me from acting as I normally would in any given situation. My biggest concern is always what might happen to anyone else near me." What with how his relationship with Hope was characterized.
Another nod is given when she speaks of a babysitter. "Well, that's a good point. I'm not sure why anyone would single out Gracie here but they don't exactly have a rhyme or reason to their actions." His wife is an excellent example of that. "I really do long for a day where we don't have to worry as much for our children. I know it will happen, it just isn't happening soon enough." A side glance is given to Pru before he looks back out before them. "Well, if you ever find yourself bored or looking for company, I make a mean phone call for take-out."
~
"Nor should it. The campaign, I mean, stopping you from acting like a human being. It'd be a real travesty if it did." Part of why Prudence finds him so personable is that he's not putting so much importance on the campaign that he can't take a few minutes out to be himself and enjoy a good scoop of ice cream with them.
There falls a very long silence as they walk along, the woman uncertain as to whether she should mention it or not. A few blocks from the library she suddenly stops the stroller and turns to look sideways at him.
"I should warn you before we continue any sort of friendship…" A peek in the stroller tells her that Grace is asleep and therefore won't be disturbed by the conversation. "My mother is one of them. A vampire. If you don't want to associate with us because of that, it's fine. Just thought it'd be fair for you to know before you go making offers of putting yourself in a dangerous situation."
Then without further warning, she starts off toward the ice cream parlor again. The rest of the walk will be mainly silent.
- The Ice Cream Shoppe
- Walking into the Ice Cream Shoppe is like walking into another era. Designed to have a small garage-mechanic theme, the shiny chrome and metallic red leather seats look like they've been remodeled based on the backseats of hotrods from the 50s and 60s. Each corner is taken up by a booth large enough to seat at least eight people comfortably. More booths line the walls, and several tables are in the center of the room. Black and white checkerboard linoleum covers the floor, accented by white walls sporting a checkerboard trim. The decorations on the walls ranges from old traffic lights and signs, to a three-dimensional hull of a bright-red 1957 Chevy Bel-Air that juts out from the back wall. With a Wurlitzer jukebox in one corner playing 'American oldies', and smaller radio controlled boxes at the booths, this is definitely a place for the younger crowd. Though famous for its milkshakes and ice cream floats, the Shoppe also has a long counter with a glass shield around it to keep patrons from contaminating the wares. Ice cream in every color and flavor imaginable can be found from one end to the other, interspersed with the occasional yogurt or sorbet.
Part of the reason that he was asked to run for office in the first place is that he is just a regular man. He has friends and a community that he supports and that supports him in return. Zane has never pretended to be anything other than the man he's always been, other than hiding the sadness that he feels. There's no way that he'd turn down ice cream just because there's an election coming up.
The random stop brings him to pause as well as he considers Pru. He can tell that there's clearly something bothering her but he doesn't force it from her. Then she speaks and is walking again so quickly that he can barely respond. It would be very easy for him to turn around and walk the other way. It would be easy were he any other person. Instead Zane begins walking again, just quickly enough to catch up to the stroller pushing woman. A hand will be placed on her shoulder if she'll allow it but that's all the more that he'll do to respond. He's not a fan of when people pry too deeply into his wounds so he is not about to do the same to anyone else.
Besides, such conversations may be best for a time when Grace isn't around.
~
Reaching the ice cream parlor, Prudence turns around and enters the shop backward so that she can drag the stroller up the steps more easily. There may only be one, but it's still difficult to go up them pushing a stroller forward.
By the time she's inside the Ice Cream Shoppe there is once more a smile upon her face. "Are we doing chocolate all around then?" Grace appears to still be sleeping. If she doesn't awaken before they're ready to leave, a small carton will be brought home.
Kneeling down on one knee, she reaches into the diaper bag to pull out her purse. Money will be needed to place their orders.
~
He's about to reach for the stroller to assist her with it when she proves just how much she's used to using it. So instead of helping her up the stair Zane holds the door open for Pru. It's the very least that he can do and yet leaves him with the desire to do more. Allowing her to pay also goes against all of his better principles. Still, she will insist and he'd rather her pay for an ice cream cone than anything else that is possibly more expensive.
"I'll have to take Miss Gracie's word for it that chocolate is the best. It sounds heavenly." The man is careful to speak relatively quietly considering the sleeping toddler in the stroller before him. Sure, she'll wake if and when she's ready but he'd much rather not be the cause of it all. "Thank you. It really will be perfect after the nice walk."
~
Prudence is a woman who's used to doing things on her own. It comes from both the military experience, and being a single mother.
"Chocolate it is then." She looks down at her sleeping daughter, then up at Zane. "Would you mind bringing her over to one of the tables while I get this? I'd bring her into the line, but chances are someone will wake her up." Like one of the other kids in line that just look ready to poke and prod at something they know they shouldn't.
Waiting just long enough for his response, Prudence turns to stand in the line. When she does, she recognizes one of the biddies from the church and she inwardly groans. "Mrs. Harshaw. What a lovely surprise! Are you here getting ice cream for the grandchildren?"
Mrs. Harshaw, a tiny woman with white waved hair smiles at Prudence, and then glances over at Zane, brows raising. "Oh, yes, dear. They'll be staying with me this week, and we plum ran out last night."
~
"Not at all. Why not let her sleep for as long as she can?" This said he moves the stroller over to the most available seat that happens to be the most out of the way of the majority of people. It isn't that the man is attempting to hide but rather he's trying to get her the best seat in the house when it comes to sleeping girls.
Once he's sure that Grace is nice and settled, Zane removes the cell phone from his pocket. He sets it to vibrate mode to give her even less of an opportunity to wake. The object is then re-pocketed before he looks to check in on how Pru is doing. Just in case she didn't see where he went he wants to make sure that he catches her attention eventually.
It's then that he notices that she is speaking with one of the elderly women from church. He just smiles, realizing that he literally can't go anywhere without being recognized. Hopefully it isn't too bad for Pru. Instead of jumping to the rescue he remains by the sleeping Grace.
~
"You'll let me know if you need some help handling them, right? Your grandsons can be a rowdy bunch…" Prudence has had the opportunity to meet them at the church the few times Mrs. Harshaw brought them with her.
"I will, dear. You make sure to bring that little girl of yours by. The youngest of them, Billy, likes to play building blocks."
The conversation continues along that particular vein until the playdate is set up for Thursday afternoon with the promise that they'll be there. That's when Mrs. Harshaw moves forward in the line, and eyes Zane and the stroller again. "I think it's sweet you both found someone, dear."
Prudence looks at the woman a little flabbergasted and shakes her head. "Oh, no, Mrs. Harshaw, it's not like that at all. He was just nice enough to get me a list of available babysitters from the church, so Grace and I are treating him to ice cream as a thank you."
The older woman nods her head and reaches out to pat Pru's hand. "If you say so, dear." Then she's called up to the counter to place her order.
Shortly afterward, Prudence gets to place her order as well. One large chocolate waffle cone, and a medium chocolate shake.
~
If he could choose to have any super power at the moment, he would love to have super enhanced hearing. The kind elderly woman doesn't speak all too loudly and it's difficult to read the lips well enough to know what all has been said. It likely is for the best that he was seated for the conversation else he might have to take a walk with Missus Harshaw to explain a few things to her.
As it stands, Zane is quite comfortable to maintain silent patrol over the resting toddler. He looks down now and then at her, trying his best not to wonder what his own daughter might look like at this point. A moment of sadness hits him before he quickly recovers, playing innocent to the fact that the conversation in line may be going in a direction that neither one of them may care for.
~
It takes a few minutes, but Prudence walks through the Ice Cream Shoppe with an ease attributed to motherhood. Balancing the cone in one hand, the shake in the other. Lifting it at the proper time for children to run under and shifting to the side when one of the counter clerks comes out to wipe down tables.
When she finally makes it to the back, she has a tight smile on her lips. "Good news. Fresh batch of chocolate ice cream was just put out," she says, holding the cone out to Zane. "Bad news. Mrs. Harshaw thinks we're here as a couple, and she's the worst gossip monger in the entire church."
~
It certainly is an ease that can be admired. He's never been an overly graceful man yet he's still managed to make do when the times call for it. Thankfully his interactions with children usually involve play which means that he can afford to be a bit dopy.
The cone is taken with a large smile and he immediately takes a bite of it. That bite doesn't go down overly smooth when he hears what Pru has to say. Zane does his best to refrain from coughing although it's quite obvious what happens. "Well then," he finally manages to say, his face slightly red and eyes watering. "I know what to expect come tomorrow."
Zane then laughs, again soft enough not to wake the child. "Although honestly? There are far worse rumors that could be out there."
~
"Thankfully," Prudence says, handing a napkin over to him, "Mrs. Harshaw is not one to make up stories beyond that which she sees with her own eyes and assumes." There will be no tales of Zane being Grace's father, or him trying to settle with someone to create his perfect family from beyond the grave. At least not from Mrs. Harshaw.
"I'm sorry. I really should've known that would happen. You're in the public eye. At least this was just someone from the church, who'll see that it's not really true." It'll mean Pru and Grace will be sitting in the back come next Sunday's services before the Newlins set up for that wedding.
~
"Well, it is what it is, right?" Now that the choking has subsided he really seems rather calm about it. He pauses though to ensure that he isn't wearing ice cream due to it melting. The benefit of this is that he gets a mouthful of the wonderful and fresh chocolate ice cream. "It could have been anyone, though I suppose I'm glad it was her. I can just talk to her about it. She's level headed enough." Even if she is an old gossip.
Zane immediately shakes his head at the apology. "I think we both knew that something like this could and would happen. I'm not upset about it at all, Miss Foster. If I'm going to be linked to someone I would much rather it be you than any of the alternatives." Miss Tyler being one of them. A random hooker being another. The media loves to talk. "As far as I'm concerned there's been no damage done, unless you feel that there has been. Then I will make sure it's corrected."
~
"Like I said before, I'm not worried. Two grown adults can certainly be friends without there being anything else going on." Prudence twists the stroller around with her foot to look in on little Grace. She sets the milkshake down on the table, removes the bottle from the stroller so her daughter doesn't wind up with bottle-face, and grabs a blanket from the diaper bag. Slipping this over the little girl, she recaps the bottle and places it back in the diaper bag.
"Mrs. Harshaw won't do anything to jeopardize your campaign either. She's got a kind heart, even if she does like talking about people." Some of the milkshake is sucked up through the straw and she exhales a sigh. "We won't do anything to hurt it either. I'm pretty sure that can be said of everyone at the church."
~
He attempts to nod as he eats the ice cream. Normally he'd be a bit more social than he is but the snack is good and he would hate for it to melt. "Exactly. That's why I'm never concerned. I'm aware enough of my actions to know that they can all be explained easily enough." Besides, he's pretty sure that most people know that he's just a friendly man. Those from the church especially would know.
"I'm really not upset or worried at all. The campaign is what it is. I'm running a clean one and won't result to such tricks against the current office. I don't really know McNaab as well as I would like to but I'm fairly confident that he'll extend the same courtesy to me." Zane pauses, allowing the excuse of eating ice cream to take up some time. "Besides, even if he didn't? I don't mind. I'd never let you guys be used against me."
~
Checking in on Grace again when the little girl shifts a bit in her sleep, Prudence continues to drink the milkshake. It gets to the point of brain freeze, then she sets the cup back down on the table.
"I've known men like McNaab. In essence, he's not a bad man. He just likes being on top, so he'll curry whatever favor he can. If that means supporting vampires, he'll do it. If it meant disavowing the war, he'd do it." Neither of these things seem to make her very angry, but while there is still a smile upon her lips it's not really reaching her eyes.
"I really hope he gives you the courtesy of running a fair campaign in return. It's not like you're running for senate."
~
It's so easy to find this to be the perfect situation. This is because he has had yet to deal with Grace at a bad moment. Every child has them, he realizes, but for now he considers her to be the most perfect angel ever. Her mother is good looking, too.
He gets the ice cream cone to the point where the ice cream is all hidden in the cone before he speaks again. "That's a fair assessment. He seemed nice enough the few times I've spoken with him. We have yet to actually have bad words with each other. He's a people pleaser, I've heard, but I've also heard a lot of things. Some people say he'll fight dirty, others say he's already given up. So I'll just continue to float on as I always have. Everything will work out, even if I'm meant to lose."
Zane clearly believes that the right choice is destined. This doesn't mean that he'll stop working on his campaign at all. "All that matters is that I know that I have the support of wonderful people like you and the rest of the church. Even if I don't win? You've all made me feel extremely fortunate and that's something that I'll never be able to repay."
~
Like any child, Grace has her extremely hellish moments. So far they've been indoors at the apartment, but that doesn't mean the currently sleeping angel won't belt out a good scream if she has a mind to.
"I doubt that it's the mayor you would have to worry about, Mr. Wright. I'd be more worried about the people running his campaign. Chances are, he could be unaware if someone is running a smear campaign against you." Prudence doesn't really know a whole lot about politics, but she does know that trouble can always be found in those people lower than the top that want a promotion.
"You're pretty blase about the whole campaign thing. If you go in with the attitude that you might lose, you probably will." This is said in her stern nurse's voice. The one she used to use in the field. "You don't need to repay any of us for supporting you. I imagine that'd get right costly if you let it."
~
"Well, I know he has some sort of image consultant and things like that. There are many things he has that I don't that possibly could lead to such things. I like to have a more hands on approach with my staff. I've gotten to know the ones I didn't pick and I only brought on those that I know would do what is right. That's why I'm proud to have Miss Tyler on board." If he had to pick he would select Hope over Ivan any day.
"I don't mean for it to sound as if I'm not passionate about this; I am. I want our streets to be what they used to be. I want for Grace to grow up with the childhood that she deserves without fear or worry. We need to take our city back. The best way I can try to accomplish this is by being Mayor. If I lose I won't give up the fight." Even as he speaks Zane almost slips into another role, one of a man who is ready to step up and do what is right. It passes, though, and he edges back into a smile. "Costly I'm not worried about. But if being your Mayor and cleaning up is considered payment, then I'd be more than happy to do that. For all of you."
"I can definitely see why the church is backing you, Mr. Wright. That was some speech."
Many people have glanced over at the trio now, most in a speculative manner. When Prudence realizes this, she peers down into the shaded stroller once more to avoid the looks.
"I don't think you need an image consultant. Just talk the way you do when the mood strikes you, and you'll be fine." She furrows her brow, asking, "Miss Tyler? The one from the church, or the one that's dating the mayor's aide?"
~
She's not the only one looking at Grace, but that's only because he's focused on her after his little speech. The fact that people are looking doesn't seem to register with him, or if it does he does well not to let it show. If he lets on that he knows it may seem like he's doing this for publicity which is far from the intended goal.
"Oh, the one from the church. The other one I have yet to meet but I promised that I would. Apparently she was to wed the aide of the Mayor but it was called off." He has no idea why he's saying this. "I mean, I promised Hope that I would speak with her." Zane rubs at the back of his neck with a nervous smile before nearly finishing his cone. "I'm trying to make sure that I don't forget my personal life in all of this. While the end goal of becoming Mayor would be worth a sacrifice, but what kind of person would I be if I didn't maintain who I already am?"
~
"Oh, that poor girl. I can just imagine what she must be going through." Prudence adjusts the blanket on Grace and then glances up at Zane with a smile. "I've never met our poster girl, but I saw in the bulletin that she was to be married next weekend. I wasn't aware you knew her all that well." She's not all that involved with the church regulars. She has a special group that she normally speaks with.
"You would be a person who got sidetracked by everything that's been going on. No one would fault you for that, Mr. Wright." Lifting up the milkshake again, she sips at it thoughtfully. "At least until after the election. It's hard not to put your life on hold for things." Prudence knows this first hand. She's put her life on hold for the last two years, trying to get this group worked out with the Newlins, and taking care of Grace.
~
"Things happen. From what I hear it likely is for the best yet it is not for me to decide. All that can be done now is that her friends and family support her." This perhaps means even Zane as he promised he would do. "I've had the pleasure of running into Hope on more than a few occasions. I would dare consider us friends. She's a wonderful, charming young woman. The type that I would have wanted my daughter to be." The last words come out without much thought. "If you ever get a chance to meet her I'm sure you'll have yet another friend, as would Grace."
The rest of his cone is eaten as she speaks. He apparently is a man with an appetite. "Well, you're right there. I know some of the things I've been on hold before. It's always worth it at the time although in this case I refuse to let it happen." Zane leans back slightly in his seat as he considers Pru. "You really are a remarkable woman. Yet here I am talking so much about me and my life. I apologize for being so rude."
~
Wonderful. Charming. Young woman. All Prudence can think of is that her name is likely on the list of babysitters. Good for her, to be sure, if Zane is speaking so highly over her on a personal level.
"I'll make a point of saying hello in ch… well I suppose that will have to wait until the following weekend. I'm guessing she'll be far too busy come Sunday morning to worry about attending services."
There is a kind smile offered toward the man, and she starts to roll the stroller back and forth when Grace starts to move around more, wanting to join the conversation. "I appreciate the sentiment, Mr. Wright, but I'm not so remarkable. I'm just a woman, doing what's necessary to survive in the world as it is today." Torn asunder by terrorism and war, by vampires, by dealing with single parenthood…
"I don't mind you talking so much about yourself. It's refreshing to not have to worry about conversation topics."
That's when Grace lets out a small little wail. Not a full fledged cry. The wail of a still sleeping, wholly uncomfortable baby. "I suppose that's our cue to go though. I should get her home and out of the heat."
~
The list wouldn't be complete without it. "Well, yes. I actually suspect she'll be out of town for a little while. Well, no. I know she's scheduled to be since I've worked with the groom in order to plan their honeymoon. As a surprise for her." It could be easy to see why Zane and Hope were linked in the tabloids but people so often misunderstand things. "I know it's not fair that I take to her because of what could have been. But even I get lonely sometimes."
This said, Zane's able to move on to other conversation. "Say what you'd like but I believe my assessment is accurate. You've been a good shoulder for my thoughts so far and all we've done is exchange baby sitter information and have ice cream. The modesty suits you, though."
He's about to comment on her past but his eyes immediately move to Grace as she begins to fuss. "It was a rather long walk for her. If you need assistance getting home, let me know. I'm glad that we were able to meet up today. It's always a pleasure."
~
With the new knowledge, Prudence smiles. "Here you are, calling me a remarkable woman, but you're the man that's going out of his way to help a young couple with something they likely couldn't set up or afford on their own. I think you're rather remarkable, Mr. Wright." There is no comment as to whether it's fair for him to take to the young woman and her soon-to-be husband. Primarily because she's not sure what can be said that wouldn't seem strange.
"As much as I'd love to take a taxi back to the apartment, I think we can manage the bus. I'd hate to put her in a vehicle without her car seat but at least on the bus she'd still be somewhat safe in her stroller with me holding it tightly."
~
Now it is his turn to wave off what is said. "I've lived my life. They're just starting. The money is better off spent that way." It isn't as if he can romanticize life enough to say that he'll be married and have a new family. Even when he's ready he has to find that person. That will be hard to do while running for Mayor and having so much baggage.
"Let me at least walk you to the bus stop then?" Zane stands then, prepared to walk them out. "And keep in touch. I'd like to hear if any of the sitters on the list work for you." If for anything so he'll know if he needs to do more. "See you in church?"
