Blue-Collar Daddy || Bang Chan

Chapter 4: Booking It

"Are you threatening me, Marjorie?"

      Bang Chan's fists ball up, but he doesn't make a move toward Marjorie.

      Though I'd love to see her get punched...

      "Also, remember that my brother works for the local bank. Christopher, you're applying for a loan to expand your contracting business, aren't you?"

      She's threatening to reveal his family secrets AND to deny his loan?!

      "Hey, that's illegal. Blackmail and extortion are unbecoming of a woman who yells about wholesome values all the time."

      "You're reading too much into things, Director (YLN)."

      "I sure hope so. If that was a real threat, I'd have to report you to the cops."

      Bang Chan's stunned into silence at my outburst as the crowd's chanting gets louder. I start to lay into Marjorie some more when the Mayor strides forward.

      "Director (YLN), I came to see how you were faring at the new position, but things seem to have taken a turn. Marjorie, it's lovely to see you."

      "You as well, Mayor Klanderman."

      Is this what Bang Chan meant by Marjorie having friends in high places?

      "Mayor Klanderman, Marjorie and I were just having an insightful discussion about library materials."

      "Yes...it looks very insightful. Director (YLN), a word."

      I nod as the mayor leads me inside.

      "(Y/N), I'm concerned about your workload. I know you're also trying to build a B&B."

      "That's right."

      "I'm concerned about your ability to juggle it all, especially give how out of control things seem to be here..."

      "This is a minor setback. Everything is under control, I promise."

      "I do hope so. Are you sure you can keep a B&B under control, too?"

      I love my library job, but to afford the taxes on my parents' historic home, I also need extra income from a B&B... Plus, it's always been a dream of mine to run a B&B, like my parents did when they lived here.

      "I know I can."

      "Confidence is key. I just hope you can back it up."

      "I will. Part of the reason you hired me was because of how organized I am."

      "You're correct. Keep focusing on that trait."

      With another pat on my shoulder, the mayor takes his leave. I walk up to a quiet Bang Chan, staring dejectedly at the crowd of protestors.

      "No one's going to come into the library with a crowd like this is front."

      "You're on the city council?"

      He stares at me, slightly guilty.

      "I should have said something sooner."

      "It's fine."

      "Even so, with everything going on I shouldn't have left that fact out. To be honest? I didn't want you to think I was friends with the enemy. But now that you know, I have some insider info to share: These protestors don't have a permit."