For All She Knows (Potomac Point #3) - Jamie Beck Page 0,16

so school budgets should be weighted toward academics, not sports. I’ve got Kim to think about, too.”

Mimi stared out the window before returning her gaze to me. “The deck is already stacked in favor of smart kids. Sports are some kids’ only shot.”

“Mimi, do you really believe Rowan has no other skills or talents? Because I know that’s not true. I’ve worked with him. So has Carter. When Rowan puts his mind to something, he succeeds, so is it possible you might be selling him a little short?”

Mimi’s posture stiffened. “I know you mean well, but kids like Rowan don’t learn the same way Carter does. His brain is different. ADHD makes organization a thousand times harder, too.” She dragged a hand through her hair, which she often did when frustrated.

This conversation had shoved me onto thin ice at the center of a deep pond.

“You’re right, I don’t know how hard that is to manage day after day.” I’d only meant to give her hope, not to make her feel responsible for Rowan’s struggles. “But even if he gets into college on a football scholarship, he’ll need decent grades to stay. Wouldn’t it be better in the long run if the high school allotted some of its budget to provide struggling athletes with free tutors and organizational support rather than buying a new scoreboard? It seems to me that, no matter how you look at it, academics matter most.”

She waved me off again. “Athletes get tons of support at the college level.”

“Exactly.” I turned my hands over with a shrug. “Why not start that early so the foundation of his education is stronger?”

Mimi pushed her mug away, frowning. “Sometimes it feels like people are jealous because athletes take spots at good schools away from their kids. Maybe some athletes don’t have the same grades and SATs, but they earn their way, too, giving up summers, breaks, and holidays to playing and practice. They’re committed, working as hard to excel in their sport as others do with grades. And sports bring in real money to those colleges that helps pay for all the other stuff.”

None of that was new ground, nor did it change my opinion. We would never see eye to eye, so it’d be better dropping it altogether.

“I promise, I’m not jealous and I’ll be thrilled to celebrate when Rowan leverages his talent that way. In the meantime, if Rowan wants help with math or English, Sam and I are happy to step in.” I picked a sugarcoated pistachio off my plate and ate it, concerned that my offer came out wrong. “I’m sorry you’re upset. I’m not sure what else to say. You asked me to be honest . . .”

“It’s okay.” She checked the time on her phone and blew stray hair from her face. “You’re entitled to your opinion. I’m just dealing with so much on my own, and now the one thing my son loves is being threatened.”

“Mimi, whatever happens with the vote, you don’t have to go it alone. I mean it. Lean on Sam and me.” That also might’ve sounded smug when I hadn’t meant it to. What we needed was something to look forward to, like the old camping trips and minivacations our families had taken when the kids were younger. “We both could use something fun to plan, so let’s organize one of our family-combo trips for Memorial Day weekend . . . or Fourth of July?”

“Maybe, although I’ve been pinching pennies saving up for when Rowan goes to college, so it’d have to be within driving distance, like Deep Creek.” She inhaled through her nose and released it in one quick huff. “What are you and Sam up to this weekend?”

“Kim’s party.”

“Oh, that’s right. I forgot.” She made a face. “When’s the last time you and Sam got out on your own?”

“Meh, you know us. We’re homebodies. A roaring fire, Netflix, and pizza suit us as well as any fancy restaurant.” I sipped my coffee and snagged a bit of the muffin.

“That’s nice. I want that—or at least I’d like that option.” That’s what I wanted for her, too, but before I said as much, Mimi’s expression shifted as she broke off a hunk of the muffin. “I haven’t gone on a date since the disaster that was Tony.”

Tony Brickmont, a personal trainer who specialized in football conditioning. After Dirk left, Mimi’d first had a brief affair with a guy named Boo McDonough from Chesapeake Beach, who’d turned out to

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