For All She Knows (Potomac Point #3) - Jamie Beck Page 0,13
other kids a hard time all week.
Nothing physical—more along the lines of insults disguised as jokes in front of girls and such. Antagonism—a trait I’d never understood. Who gets joy from making others squirm? A joke wasn’t funny if everyone couldn’t laugh. And Carter’s particular sensitivity meant these antics hit him twice as hard. I didn’t relish hashing this out with Mimi, given the way she’d taken offense when I’d referenced it after the hearing, but it’d help if Rowan could get his crew to knock it off.
My son’s suffering for my actions mirrored how I’d felt whenever Margot’s smart mouth enraged our dad. I closed my eyes, ashamed of how often I’d resented her when her behavior had backfired. My regrets changed nothing, then or now. And like all things past, the school debate had come and gone, so we’d all have to live with the fallout.
Two tables over, Trudy Miller and Anne Sullivan waved to me. I’d bought a beautiful painting from Trudy’s gallery a few years ago, but didn’t know her well. Anne, who was newer to town, was a local artist and an ally in the budget fight, although her daughter, Katy—currently a senior—was both an athlete and a scholar. Anne and I regularly took yoga classes at Give Me Strength and occasionally chatted afterward over a smoothie. Divorced, she now dated Dan Foley, a talented builder in town. I liked her, but with younger kids at home, I didn’t quite share her freedom; thus, our friendship had plateaued at a superficial level.
“Any word?” Anne asked.
I shook my head.
“Your statistics were persuasive. I have a good feeling.” She smiled, unaware of my bittersweet feelings about my involvement.
“Let’s hope you’ve got ESP,” I teased, although winning could make things worse for my son, and between Mimi and me. She was pinning her hopes for Rowan’s future on his NFL dreams. With all my heart I hoped he achieved that long-held wish. Sam and I cheered him on at every game. But that didn’t mean that Carter’s goals weren’t as important, or that Kim’s education should take a back seat.
“Come join us.” Trudy pulled out an empty chair at their table.
“Oh, thanks, but I’m waiting for Mimi Gillette.”
Trudy nodded with a grin but didn’t offer for us both to join them. Any other day the subtle slight would’ve upset me on Mimi’s behalf. But I wanted to speak to Mimi privately, and she’d implied she also had something to discuss, so I didn’t push for a broader invitation.
I’d been so focused on Carter during breakfast I hadn’t given much thought to what Mimi wanted to share. It could be anything: news about the decision, seeking advice about dealing with Dirk, or even fun gossip she’d overheard at her shop this week.
Hannah stopped at my table on her way out of the restroom. She and Mimi were kindred spirits, with their colorful hair and bold fashion choices. “Good morning, Grace. Can I bring you some Earl Grey?”
Many people know me well in our small community, which could be a blessing and a curse. Hannah had a talent for making her customers feel like close friends, but in truth she played her own cards very close to the vest. The school debate had opened a divide in town, yet I had no idea which side Hannah took. Either way, the split should knit back together once the losing side accepted defeat—provided the kids didn’t make it worse by doing something stupid.
“That’d be lovely. Cream too. And what muffins do you have today?” I asked.
“Banana chocolate chip, blueberry, pistachio, and cranberry orange.” She folded her arms beneath her ample bosom.
“Can you bring a pistachio with two plates? And Mimi loves your macchiato.”
“You got it.” She sashayed away, carrying herself quite regally.
The bell above the shop door rang as Mimi bumbled inside, having tripped over the tiny lip at the entrance.
“Oh!” she yelped, calling more attention to herself. I, too, would’ve lost my balance if I’d been wearing those boots—gray snakeskin ones with at least a three-inch heel. They looked painful, but Mimi swore heels put her at the right level for reducing neck and shoulder strain while styling hair. She limped her first two steps toward me. “Sorry I’m late!”
When she noticed Trudy and Anne, she flashed a smile and waved at them, too. They offered polite nods.
I stood to give her a quick hug. “No problem. I’m not the one who has to be at work soon.”