Page 52 of Hot Puck
The coil of tension holding me hostage all morning unspools so quickly I need to grip the counter to stay upright.
My relief is so great I can’t form words—can’t move. Not that the girls take any notice of me. They’re single-minded in their search for something to eat and bickering about what to have while standing in the open fridge door.
It isn’t until Chase stops beside me, a grin on his face, that I’m finally about to speak.
“Things went well.” It’s not a question, although the inflection on the end of my last word suggests otherwise.
“Oh yeah.” His grin grows. “They were very aware of the situation. Apparently, a number of parents who witnessed the incident in the parking lot yesterday questioned their children when they got home and then made complaints. A lot of complaints.”
“She’s fired?” It’s the least I want but this isn’t about me. It’s about Cassidy and Crystal.
“Yes. And they’re refunding the full cost of the girls’ fees, including the food portion which is usually non-refundable.”
“What about an apology? Not that I want them to have to face that woman?—”
He holds up a hand. “The board had a written one from her; although I’m not sure I believe she’s the one who wrote it, her signature is on the bottom. And they offered the refund and more restitution in the form of free camps in the future.”
“They’re not going back,” I say, my spine snapping straight with my words.
“No. And I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of the kids don’t go back the rest of this summer. If they can’t turn things around, they’ll find it hard to fill spots next year too.”
I have to hold in my response. I want to say good. But that seems unfair when the situation was instigated by one person and now all those children and families are without a summer camp.
Instead, I ask, “Are you happy with the outcome?”
“Yes.”
“And the girls?”
“I think so. They haven’t said much but they held their own when questioned about the last few weeks.”
“What about the other people working for the camp?” I don’t like the idea of others having their reputations tarnished by one woman’s actions. Although they did go along with her directives.
“They were all there. So were a lot of the other parents. The only person not in attendance was Mrs. Bertram. Camp was cancelled for the rest of the week and the board is deciding what to do for the rest of summer.”
“As long as you and the girls are happy with the way things turned out.”
“I am.” He tips his chin in the twins’ direction. “And I think they are. It might have been different if they didn’t have each other. They’re their own ready-built support system.”
“I’m glad they have each other, that they have you.”
“And now that camp has been dealt with, let’s talk logistics of moving in with you.”
“Oh. I... Um...” I glance at the girls. “You don’t want to wait a bit before talking about it? Maybe we could take a quick trip to Baton Rouge so they can see the place first.”
“No. We talked in the car. We’re ready to make the move.” His gaze bores into mine. “Unless you’ve changed your mind?—”
“No. No. Of course not. I’m more than happy to help you with the girls. My house is too big for just me and I was already thinking of selling it. I’m looking forward to seeing it full of life.”
“Hopefully you won’t regret letting us move in.”
“I doubt it. It’s not like we’ll be stuck on top of each other, the house is too big for that. Plus we’ll all be busy with the start of the season, the new school year.”
“Another reason to get things moving. As the Rogues GM, you’ll want me settled and ready to play. As our Gem, you’ll want us to feel comfortable before the chaos of school and the season begins.”
“Gem?”
“GM. Gem.”
