A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

twelve grades, his talent would take him far beyond the borders of Bethlehem Springs.
    With the minute hand on the mantel clock marking the hour, Owen slipped from the piano bench, then shoved his right hand into
     his pocket. “Almost forgot. Ma sent the money for my lessons, last week and this.” He dropped the coins into Gwen’s hand.
     “She said thanks for waitin’.”
    Many would not consider it a great deal of money, but Gwen knew it was a financial sacrifice for the Goldsmith family. “Tell
     your mother she’s welcome, and remember to thank Mrs. Evans for letting you practice on her piano.”
    “Yes’m.” He grabbed the sheet music. “See you next week.” He started for the door, then stopped and spun toward her again.
     “Miss Arlington? You still gonna give me lessons if you’re the mayor?”
    “Yes, Owen. I’m still going to give you lessons.”
    “That’s good, ’cause Ma said she wouldn’t vote for you if it meant you not teachin’ me no more.” With that, he dashed out
     the door.
    Gwen slid the bench under the keybed before putting the remaining sheet music into a wicker basket on the floor next to the
     piano. One day, Owen might play on a piano in a place like Carnegie Hall, but his grammar would need to improve before then.
     And that probably wouldn’t happen without changes in the Bethlehem Springs educational system. The town needed more teachers, more books, perhaps even a new building.
    As mayor, education for the children of Bethlehem Springs would be her top priority.
    A rap on the doorjamb drew her gaze to the front door. On the opposite side of the screen stood Morgan McKinley.
    “Good afternoon, Miss Arlington. Am I intruding? I saw that young fellow leave, and I was hoping I might have a moment of
     your time.”
    She moved toward the door. “Owen was my last student for the day.”
    “I heard him playing. Or was that you?”
    She opened the screen, but rather than inviting him in, she stepped onto the porch. “How is it I can help you?” She didn’t
     mean to sound unfriendly, but she was afraid she did.
    If it bothered him, he didn’t let it show. “I am in need of a secretary, and I was hoping you might be able to recommend someone.”
    And you couldn’t ask someone else?
It seemed a flimsy excuse for this visit.
    As if reading her thoughts, he said, “I asked Mrs. Cheevers, but she had no suggestions. So I went over to the church, but
     Reverend Barker is on a pastoral visit to someone who lives near the sawmill and he isn’t expected back until this evening.
     And then I thought of you. Since I was close by, I decided to stop and ask you.”
    “I might be able to come up with a few names. Give me a few days to think about it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Tell me, Mr.
     McKinley. Do you plan to remain in Bethlehem Springs after you lose the election?”
    “After?” Amusement lit his eyes. “Not
if
?”
    She smiled despite herself. “After, not if.”
    “I assure you, Miss Arlington” — he returned her smile — “I plan to spend plenty of time in Bethlehem Springs, no matter what
     happens in the election.”
    Gwen felt as if her stomach had done a somersault. Perhaps two or three.
Gracious. What an odd sensation.

    Morgan enjoyed watching the emotions that played across her face. He almost thought she might like him a little. Or at least
     didn’t dislike him as much as she’d seemed to in the past.
    Reluctant to leave just yet, he glanced toward the chairs at the far end of the porch and asked, “Do you mind if we sit down?”
    She surprised him by acquiescing with a nod, and he followed her as she walked to the porch swing. He settled onto one of
     the chairs. Briefly their gazes met before she turned to look at the flowers in her garden. A touch of pink colored her cheeks,
     and he realized that she was made uncomfortable by his staring.
    To break the lengthening silence, he cleared his throat and asked, “How was the party at Commissioner