27

"I'm glad!" Maxie gives you a satisfied smile. "How's that for a first night in town?"

Zoe, meanwhile, only sighs.

"Personally, I wasn't bowled over. I wish I could say I'd expected more, but…" Zoe shrugs. "I guess I know Dina too well. At least she's trying."

"I did like what she had to say," Maxie replies, more optimistic. "That business fella, on the other hand…"

"Well, sure, Dina said a lot of stuff," Zoe says. "But we've both lived here long enough to be a little skeptical, hon."

They share a look, which tells you everything you need to know about how each of them feels.

You're not sure what to say, so you take a quick look around the room. You notice that while most of the townspeople are heading to the doors, the various members of the Town Council, including Dina, are just now coming back into the hall—this time at ground level along with everyone else.

Turning your head, you also spot a group of strangers laughing and getting drinks at the catering table. Whatever they're talking about, they seem to be having a good time; and it occurs to you that that seems like a good way to end a rather stressful meeting.

Since it's getting late, you decide that you will probably only have time for one more conversation here tonight. But that's only if you still feel like being sociable; otherwise, you don't see anything wrong with just heading for the door along with most of the others.

What will you do?