Page 31 of Besties
“You say the right things, Mr. Henry….”
“Max, please. May I call you Amelia?”
She sighed. “It’s better than what the last guy called us.”
I had to know. “What did he call you?”
“Degenerate trash. He said our students were, and I quote, nothing more than a bunch of fags and dykes. He got so loud, I had to have security escort him off property, and then I spent two days with the kids, telling them that he was wrong and that each and every one of them had worth.”
Oh my God. Richie would have a fit if he found out what was said. “Amelia, just so you know, I’m gay, and I am appalled that someone who works here could be so cruel. I’ll be speaking with Mr. Ryland to let him know what happened, but right now I hope you’ll accept my apologies.”
“Well….” She hedged. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to talk with you. Can we meet Monday?”
I pulled in a breath. We had a chance at this contract after all.
“Absolutely. What time?”
“Let’s say ten. Will that work for you?”
“I’ll be there no matter what time you set. Like I said, we’re committed to earning your trust.”
A few more words were exchanged, and then we hung up. I sat back and rubbed a hand over my head.
“Sounds like you did good.”
I spun in the chair and there stood Richie, leaning against the doorjamb, his hands stuffed in his pockets. The sadness he exuded nearly broke me, especially knowing I was the cause.
“She wants to meet on Monday. Seems that their last person called them some very unflattering names.”
Richie scowled. “Like what?”
“It doesn’t matter. All that—”
Fire blazed in Richie’s eyes as he clenched his hands into big, meaty fists. “What the hell did he say?”
“She said he called them fags and dykes.”
Snarling, Richie pulled his phone from his pocket and punched a few buttons. “This is Richie. I want Kramer’s last check held until he speaks with HR. Please let them know that we intend to pursue legal actions against him.” He waited a moment. “Yes, that’s right. Thank you, Allyssa.” He squeezed his phone, then slid it back into his pocket. Once he did, he returned his attention to me. “I didn’t think you were going to come in.”
“Of course I was. I made a promise to you, and I always follow through on what I say. Isn’t that why you wanted me for the job?” Then a thought struck me. “Youdostill want me, right?”
“Yes. This job is yours, no matter what else. After seeing how you handled that call, I know I made the right decision. Thank you for talking with her. When you go to see her on Monday, please tell her that we’re giving them a year of service, even if they choose not to sign up for more. And please, let her know how sorry I am. No, you know what, never mind.”
He took his phone out again, and when he jabbed the screen several times with his finger, I could almost hear it screaming in protest.
“Hey, it’s me again. Do me a favor and send flowers and chocolates to Newbury Middle School. Make it enough for a hundred people. Ensure you get all the names of the children, teachers, principals, hell, even the custodians. I don’t want anyone who works there not to receive something. Sign the card with ‘Everyone has worth’ and my name.” He glanced over at me, the anger from earlier not in evidence. “And make sure to add Max’s name too, please.”
This time when he put the phone away, he bowed his head slightly.
“I’m sorry for this morning. I had no right to talk to you like that.”
An apology wasn’t going to fix this. “Why did you get so angry?”
“Can we just forget it?”
“You know what? No, we can’t forget it. You were pissed, and I think I deserve to know why. What did I do?”
He gave a wan smile. “You didn’t do anything. This is all on me.”
