Page 56 of Leo
I nodded approvingly.“Good.Don’t let ‘em drive her out.”We both fell quiet for several minutes, listening to the kids on the porch, Bethany laughing over something Edward said or did.“She’s got you in her corner.That’s better than a lot of kids get.”
“That,” he said, opening one eye, “was the most fucking Hallmark Movie bullshit thing I’ve ever heard you say.”
“Sick around, I’ve got a ton of ‘em,” I muttered, pinching his heel and making him snicker.“But seriously, any help at all?”
“Well,” he drew out, opening his other eye, “the principal reminded the parents of the other kids that the school has a zero-tolerance policy with bullying and those pictures are strong evidence against them.And,” his smile was slow and sharp, “she recommended they be removed from their sport teams for the rest of the school year if they have another infraction.”
“Nice,” I murmured.“Do you think it’ll actually help?”
“I think it’ll give Bethany some breathing room.I doubt it’ll make the problem go away but it’s a start.”He sighed.“And Bethany… She needs something that’s not just all about school and the shit going on, you know?She’s signed up for some stuff at the art school in town.They’re having a collage making workshop using photos and she’s really wanting to make some copies of old family pictures to take there.And she asked about volunteering at the nature center.They have a junior ranger thing or something, where they let kids shadow the nature guides and learn the ropes of giving tours and how to run the customer service side of things.I think she’s secretly hoping they let her be in charge of the bug and insect programs.”He nudged me with his knee.“Apologies in advance if Edward starts asking to join her.I think the downward age limit is thirteen so prepare yourself for seven years of him asking.”
I groaned.“Oh god… Tell Bethany I will pay her actual folding money not to tell Edward about the volunteer program.”
Ambrose grinned, wiggling his toes against my thigh.“I could tell her that but what about my bribe?”
I answered his grin with one of my own, bending low to bite his ankle, making him yelp.“You don’t get bribes.You get persuasion.”
And we did our best to persuade one another as much as we could, given our limited time and the fact the kids were just feet away.Finally, Ambrose pulled away from the kiss to catch his breath.“I’m persuaded.”
We both settled back, smiling a little and breathing hard.I glanced up to see Edward doing some weird dance in the porchlight, Bethany cheering him on.“I’m glad you’re having better luck with Bethany’s school than I’m having with Edward’s.”
“Shit,” he groaned.“I’m so sorry!I totally spaced on your meeting with Tanner and Webb this week!How’d it go?Or, wait, let me guess—it didn’t.Am I going to need to start a fundraiser for bail money now?”
I snorted.“No.Nothing that drastic.It was clear there was no support for Edward in that classroom, and after talking with his therapist and the disability advocate and Edward himself, homeschooling is the way we’re going.”
Ambrose whistled.“How’s that gonna work out?”
“I have no freaking idea,” I admitted.“I’ve got a week to get my shit together, though.I have to register him as a homeschooler by next week, per the state guidelines.Naomi is helping with some of the stuff but…” Shaking my head, I stretched out my legs under his feet, lifting my arm when he shifted to scoot up next to me instead.“Right now, he’s coming to work with me and we’re using my office as a school room while I do admin stuff.If I have clients, he goes to the family room.It’s not ideal, but…”
“But it’s better for him,” Ambrose whispered against my shoulder.
“I hope so.There are some clubs and classes and stuff for homeschooled kids in the area that he might like.We’re going to look at the websites this weekend and maybe sign up for a few.I’m glad I brought Natalie on full time, though, and hired more office help.It’s going to beso muchbut… it’s for Edward.”
Ambrose nodded.“Be his soft place.”
I nodded, and we curled around one another until Ambrose’s phone alarm went off and it was time for him to gather Bethany and head home.“Baker’s hours.”He sighed.“See you tomorrow night?Dinner and games?”
“Andgames?” I asked.“It’s your morning off, day after.”
“We’ll see,” he teased, giving me a quick kiss while Bethany gagged at us.“Tomorrow.”
* * *
Stoppingby the grocery store after work, before heading to pick up Edward from Naomi’s where he’d spent the afternoon while I managed a service, I checked my phone to see a confirmation email from the RCC, accepting the withdrawal of my business from their ranks.I’d made the decision tonotrenew Morris Family Funeral Home and Crematorium membership in the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce.Between Dempsey’s perpetual whining about how I chose to run my business, and snide comments about myproclivities(swear to whatever god was listening, those damn cupcakes were going to haunt me for the rest of my life), it wasn’t worth the yearly dues, especially not if the chamber had become nothing more than an old boys’ club with a rainbow sticker slapped on it.Besides, I could use the wiggle room in the budget to put toward the new part timer’s salary and giving Natalie a bit of a raise.
It was as if allowing the thought of the damn RCC cross my mind summoned one of its minions.
“Mr.Morris.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake…” I turned toward the woman calling my name, already slipping into my polite professional mode even though I was in the grocery store.
“How’re you doing, Ms.Borden?”
“Please, it’s Cynthia.Ms.Borden reminds me of my days as a daycare teacher.”She smiled but it was almost a wince.“I can still hear The Wiggles singing if I close my eyes in a quiet room.They haunt me.”
I huffed a soft laugh.“We all have our crosses to bear, I suppose.Is there something in particular I can help you with or is this just a happy accident, meeting like this?”
“More of an opportunity I saw and seized.”Her teeth flashed bright in her smile, reminding me of a shark for a split second.“I know you’re aware of the board elections going on, andI’mwell aware of the current situation with you, Mr.Jennings, and the current board leadership.”
