"You know," Alan said. "Just now, I said that I too did not know that I was coming here and only decided on my way."
"Yes," Carol responded, urging him to continue.
"Well," he continued. "Even when I first arrived in the city and just now when I was randomly driving through the town, I crossed Wickery Bridge, and I must point out that it is not in a good condition."
"Yeah," Carol said, as she realized what Alan was trying to say. "It is very old. Almost around a century and it is a long time. And with time, it has gotten dilapidated, especially its woodwork. The woods are almost rotten."
"Actually we have had plans to renovate it," Carol said. "But the budget always became a problem."
"For now, we have put the renovation plan on hold for a couple of years. Even after that, we have to see if the city can actually spare that expense. Otherwise, we might have to consider a fundraiser."
"Yes," Alan responded. "About that fundraiser, can you announce it at the Founder's Day party itself?"
A confused expression formed on Carol's face, but Alan continued before she could say anything.
"Carol, look," he said. She was a bit surprised by Alan suddenly addressing her on a first-name basis, but she did not really mind. "I know this may come out of the blue, but I want you to announce the fundraiser at the party."
"While I have arrived and settled in the town," he continued, "it may take some time for me to be integrated into its society, and I think this is the perfect opportunity."
"I alone will bear fifty percent of the total expenditure required to renovate Wickery Bridge," he said, almost shocking Carol. "It will let the people know me, make them aware of who I am, and help them see me with respect. And simultaneously, I will be doing a good deed too."
"Half of the total expenditure?" she questioned, disbelief still evident in her tone. "Are you sure? That would be a lot of money. A huge amount."
"I am one hundred percent sure, Carol," Alan responded. "It is just that I would want you and Richard to lead and oversee the initiative. I would just be the donor."
By now, Carol had recovered from the surprise and her mind had started to work rapidly. All her brilliance and political acumen made one thing clear. This was a great opportunity, almost God-sent, for her and Richard to solidify their standing before the next elections.
It was true that Alan would be the one making the biggest contribution. But as he said, he would not be the one taking the initiative. He would not be the one in the limelight. As the mayor of the city and as a close friend of Alan, it would be their responsibility.
Renovation and repair of Wickery Bridge had been a major issue in the Town Council, but a lack of funds had constantly forced them to delay it. If she pulled this off successfully, it would be a massive win for them. A very great advantage for them before the elections and this alone could make sure that they would win it.
"Alan!" she said, her voice now filled with excitement. "If you can actually bear half the expense, it would be a great thing. I think we can easily raise the other half through a fundraiser."
"The founding families have always done great deeds for this town," she continued. "And with you bearing half the expense, the rest of the founding families will surely come forward as well. Mine included."
"It is settled then," Alan smiled brilliantly. "Great, in fact."
"It is great indeed," Carol responded. "The town would finally be able to deal with one of its biggest issues that had been bothering it for some time now."
"I will have someone conduct a survey and prepare a report about the expected expense for the renovation of the bridge," she added. "Once the expected amount becomes clear, you can give the final green light."
"As you see fit," Alan shrugged. "But I would still prefer it if we could make this announcement at the Founder's Day party. That occasion would be most suited and you can even carry out my introductions."
"Oh!" Carol replied. "Do not worry about that. It would not take much longer. We have conducted a detailed survey in the past. It would just need some adjustments and we would be good to go."
"Great!" Alan said.
"But," he continued, "I think this warrants a celebration, and coffee simply will not do."
Carol smiled as she got up from her seat.
"Say no more!" She said as she walked toward the bar. "I have been saving a vintage for a special occasion. And I think this is that special occasion."
She was pleased and happy, and this did indeed warrant a hearty celebration.
.
.
.
"How could she just ditch us?" Caroline stated, her tone annoyed.
"Come on, Caroline," Bonnie sighed, exasperated. "It is no big deal."
"And," she said teasingly. "Do not tell me that if it had been Alan coming for you, you would not have ditched us?"
"No!" Caroline immediately responded. "And this is why, as per the plans we have made, he is supposed to meet us at the Mystic Grill after I have spent some time with my friends, and not kidnap me before that."
"Come on!" Bonnie almost chuckled. "Stefan did not kidnap Elena."
"I did not mean literally," Caroline gave a fake, wide smile as she stretched her lips.
Bonnie could only shake her head.
As per their plan, the trio, Caroline, Bonnie, and Elena, had attended two classes at their school. After that, they had gone to see Vicki, and as per the plan, they were to spend some time enjoying themselves at the Grill. But much to Caroline's annoyance, Stefan had appeared just outside the Grill, and Elena had immediately ditched them and went with her new 'friend.' And this had irritated and frustrated Caroline.
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