No Ordinary Romance Read Free Page B

determine the effects
of perceived negative influences shall bring to the community and
neighboring schools.” Thomas could see the storm brewing in
Constantina’s eyes. He didn’t know what he expected, but he was
unprepared for the backlash his hasty words would uproot.
    “Oh I understand Councilman Galvin. The
affluent residents of this community are fearful that teen
pregnancy and drug use will run rampant if this seedy group home is
erected. The business owners are concerned that patronage will
cease.
    I get it! The council likes the work the
Cabbage Patch Foundation does as long as we keep our group homes
east of 72nd Street. Dare we venture past this invisible barrier
I'm sure the council will vote to keep us out of these
communities?”
    “Enough Ms. Jacobs, we try
to do what’s best for Omaha. We do not cater to any particular
group, and I resent the implication. We recognize the importance
your group offers to the Omaha Community, and we hope it never
stops. We will , of course will vote right
now as to whether or not to approve the Holting Estates property
for rezoning.”
    Connie held her breath as the vote took
place. The city council voted 6-2 against rezoning the lots to
build a group home. “Thank you for your time.”
    Thomas could tell by her stance that
Constantina Jacobs would be back in front of the council before
long with a new project. “You’re welcome Ms. Jacobs; we wish you
the best in all your endeavors with the Cabbage Patch
Foundation.”
    Connie left the chamber without a backward
glance. Thomas hoped that her stubbornness didn’t get in the way of
a proposal that would be beneficial to her and the foundation she
loved so dearly. Well it wasn’t something he could dwell on right
now. “What’s next on the agenda?”
    ***
    It was later in the day as Thomas sat in his
office day dreaming about Constantina Jacobs. She looked so
defeated when she left the chamber today. His feelings for her were
complicated, he never felt the urge to strangle and kiss a woman at
the same time.
    He wanted to help her move forward with her
project for the youth home, but he had to do his job as chairperson
of the city council using his vote for the good of the community.
He wanted to discuss a proposal with Constantina. The deal would
provide enough land for her current project and room to expand.
    Thomas called Constantina’s office, her
assistant Beth was so gracious each time she told him that
Constantina wasn't available that he almost believed her. He
decided to drive over to her office instead; she certainly couldn't
avoid him if he showed up in person. The drive to Council Bluffs
would take about ten minutes, not enough time to collect his
thoughts for the battle royal that was likely to ensue. Constantina
was a tough nut to crack, and he’d been trying to establish a
foothold into her enter circle.
    From what he could tell she had darned few
friends, she did not socialize unless it involved one of her
charities, she owned an accounting firm and The Purple Feather, a
sex toy store. For some reason, she has taken a dislike to him.
Maybe it was his position as chairman of the city council or it
something she heard about the scandal involving his ex-wife.
    Constantina’s office was just off the main
street of Broadway; he didn’t have any trouble finding a parking
space near the door. He walked into her small office and addressed
the little pixy behind the desk. "Hi I'm here to see Constantina
Jacobs."
    Beth couldn't believe that Thomas Galvin was
standing in front of her. He was the dreamiest man she'd ever seen
next to Chad, and he seemed a little put out. "Do you have an
appointment sir?"
    "No I don't, but she's going to listen to
what I have to say." Thomas walked to the back offices determined
to see Constantina. He could hear the pitter patter of Beth's feet
as she ran behind him.
    "You really can't go back there sir, Miss
Jacobs is in a meeting."
    There were two offices in back, a small