Page 79 of Falling Back to You

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

“It means ain’t nobody going to bow down at the feet of the Birch family.”

“No one’s asking you to.”

“I’m just so sick of hearing about the founding families.” Kacey spoke that last part with fake reverence.

“If that’s the case, maybe don’t sign up for a committee whose sole purpose is to pull together an event centering on the founders of Hume.”

“I’ll concede that residents are over this boring parade. Let’s just focus on great food, fun activities, and having a good time,” Kacey suggested.

“And the founders… seeing how that’s the entire purpose of the event,” I said. “Why is everyone so ready to brush aside the past? The past is a compass for the future. I’m proud of the families who decided to make Hume a safe place for people who looked like us.”

“Two things can be true. We need to spotlight the families that made Hume possible, and we also want to come together and celebrate community, family, and fun,” Ozzie said.

“I’m just tired of listening to the Birch family telling us what to do,” Kacey huffed.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, releasing a long sigh. “The election was almost three years ago, and your daddy lost fair and square. I think it’s time we all move on.”

The mayoral race had been hotly contested. Leadership in this town was reserved for a select few. When Cyrus informed the family he was running for mayor, I’d thought it was a waste of time because no one in Hume was going to elect someone still in their twenties. But Kacey, his family, and I were all wrong. Small towns, while big on community, were also good at harboring grudges. My family was well respected, giving back to the town whenever possible, but there would always be individuals who were sick of seeing us win. Shit, if I wasn’t a member of the Birch family, I’d probably be sick of us too.

“How can I move on when your idiot brother is ruining our town?” Kacey said.

Ozzie set his half-eaten muffin and cup on a nearby table. “Kacey, you need to do two things for me. Watch your tone and mind your fucking manners.” Ozzie’s reputation preceded him, and everyone in that room knew that if Kacey pushed, this conversation could very well devolve into fists being thrown. Kacey was five foot seven and no more than one hundred and fifty pounds soaking wet. Oz was a hundred and fifty pounds heavier and practically a foot taller. This was not a fight he wanted to take on.

“Oz, ain’t no one scared of you. What are you even doing here? This is a private meeting.”

“It’s the Palmer name on the front of this building. Shit, my family has paid for half of the improvements in this damn town, like the library expansion and the new amphitheater. I’m not asking you to be scared, Kacey. But what you’re not going to do is talk to Dial any which way. That’s never gonna fly with me. When you talk to Dial Birch, make sure you talk nice or not at all.”

“Kacey, maybe you just leave this one alone,” Ms. Foreman said. Everyone knew Ozzie was all fun and games until he wasn’t. He was a big teddy bear in most instances, but when it came to family, he’d shoot you where you stood—and nine out of ten times, I’d be the one handing him the gun.

“I think we should let them fight,” Brenda, a mother of three with a pixie cut, said while sizing up the two men.

“No one is going to fight. We’re all here because we volunteered, and we need to be unified,” Morris said, trying to regain control of the meeting.

“Not Oz,” Kacey spat. “He shouldn’t be a part of this.”

“I’m just a concerned fucking citizen,” Ozzie said. “Who doesn’t want another stiff-ass parade marching down Main. The whole purpose of these meetings is to speak for the people.”

“He’s got a point,” I interjected. “The parade is for the people of Hume, so we should listen when one is voicing their concerns in the middle of our meeting.” I pointed to Oz.

Kacey pinned his arms over his chest. “It’s always Ozzie and Dial starting shit.”

“Ozzie and Dial didn’t start shit, but Ozzie and Dial will damn sure finish it,” Oz snarled. “You’re the one killing the vibe, Kacey. I just wanted to enjoy my muffin and sip on my boba tea.” He reclaimed his cup, giving it a shake.

“And while we appreciate you, Ozzie, Kacey’s right—this meeting is members only.” Morris’s tone was cautious.

Ozzie pointed at Kacey. “Don’t make me have to come back in here and whoop your ass.”

“Now, Oswald, I have a mind to call your momma and tell her you’re out here cussing and threatening people,” Ms. Foreman said, utilizing her teacher’s voice.

“No, ma’am, I do not want that. I apologize for the cussing.” Ozzie took a bite out of his muffin before asking me, “Are you good? ’Cause if you need me to take out the trash, I’m more than willing.”

“We’re all good, Oz, thank you. This group is no stranger to heated discussions, but it’s just because we love our town.”

Ozzie surveyed the room one final time, paying particular attention to Kasey, before heading for the door. “If y’all need anything, you know where to find me.”

Morris cleared his throat. “Well, that was exciting. Let’s reset and power through. Dial, I’m interested in your idea of Mayor Birch playing a bigger role this year. Can you tell us more about that?”