Laughter erupted around the room. I wasn’t sure what part of skinning a deer was funny, but I kept that to myself.
She went on for a few more minutes about how they hadn’t been able to have children, but that it had turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it fueled Thom’s desire to devote his life to the children of Logan Bend. “In the early days of our marriage, he found his calling as a coach and teacher at the local high school. That was the beginning of a life of service.”
More clapping from the crowd.
“All right, that’s enough from his wife and biggest fan.” She gave her best dazzling smile, making sure to look around the room before fixing her gaze back on her husband. “May I introduce you to Thom Richards, the next governor of Idaho.”
Richards got up from the front table and loped up to the lectern. He and his wife exchanged a kiss that went a second too long. They wanted to make sure we all knew what a healthy and wholesome marriage they had. I hated politicians.
He stood before the microphone. His once-brown hair was now more salt than pepper, but his face had aged remarkably well. Thom Richards was a man who had been born with it all: money, looks, intelligence. No wonder he wanted to be in politics. It was either this or Hollywood. Except in politics you could buy your way in. Hollywood didn’t care about where you came from, only what you looked like in front of the camera.
“Well, shoot, if I’m not a lucky man, I don’t what I am,” Richards said. “Thank you to my beautiful wife for that introduction. But listen, folks, don’t be fooled. That woman right there is the reason I’m the man I am today. She brought out the best in me from the first day I met her, and I’ve been learning from her ever since.” He paused for a moment as he tilted his head. “I’d also like to acknowledge my mother and thank her for all her work on my behalf. Mother, stand please.”
A tall woman with silver hair stood and waved at the room. Although she was in her eighties now, she was still straight-backed with wide, muscular shoulders. Always a strong ox of a woman, she hadn’t been pretty, exactly, but handsome. Fierce, arrogant, and never one to keep her opinions to herself, she’d frightened my mother the few times they’d exchanged words at one of our games. What had Mrs. Webster said about her the other day? Shelley Lancaster had held the keys to everything back in the day. She must be thrilled her son was about to become governor. Would she urge him on to the presidency next? I had the feeling the women in Thom Richards’s life had a lot to do with where he was now.
“All right, my friends, let’s talk policy,” Richards said from the lectern. “That’s why we’re really here. This isn’t about me or you. This is about the kids. Just as it’s been. Let me lay out to you what I plan to do if I’m blessed enough to be your governor. I’m a simple guy with a simple plan. Everything we do should be about the kids. Education, health care, and making sure every child has the proper nutrition to succeed. The future of our state and our country is our youth. We must do right by them.”
He then yammered on about some of the specifics. I only half listened. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t really muster up any passion for politics, and especially politicians. This was just another example of a rich guy running for office. Why was Loretta so taken in by him?
Finally, he finished his speech. The entirety of the room rose to their feet and clapped for him. I did the same, not wanting to stand out. I glanced over at Carlie. She watched Richards with squinted eyes, as if she wanted to see inside his brain.
When we all sat back down, dessert had been cleared. We made small talk with the Cassis couple. I stifled several yawns.
“Come on,” Carlie said. “I promised my mom I’d get a photo with him.”
We waited as the people before us posed for pictures and promised their campaign dollars. After a few minutes, it was our turn. One of Richards’s well-groomed eyebrows raised as he looked from one of us to the other. “You’re both looking nice tonight.”
Carlie stuck out her hand and introduced herself as they shook. “My mom sends her best. She wasn’t feeling well and asked if we’d come in her place.”
“Your mother’s been a godsend,” Richards said. “What a gem.”
“Thanks. She truly believes in you.”
He turned to me next. “Thanks for being here tonight. Sure makes me swell with pride seeing how great you kids turned out.”
There was no arguing this man was as charismatic as they came. He’d devoted his life to service of others even though his family was filthy rich. I supposed that said something about the guy. Still, I didn’t completely trust him. I hadn’t back in high school either. He always struck me as disingenuous. The question was, why? What was I picking up on? Or was it simply that I loathed politicians?
A memory came to me. One day after football practice my brothers and I had limped across the parking lot to Luke’s old truck. “Don’t you wish Coach Richards could be our dad?” Luke had sounded so wistful and sad that it made me mad.
Drew had rolled his eyes. “No way. He’s too pretty to be related to us.”
Me? What had I thought? What had I said about him?
“He’s a phony.” I’d said it
