She swallowed her mouthful. “Daddy, I’m glad you picked up tacos on your way home. I was starved all day cuz I didn’t eat lunch.”
“Why not?”
“Well…” Cammy took a deep breath.
Vance sat back on the kitchen chair. He had a feeling a long, involved explanation was on its way.
“Miss Jorgenson let me go to the lunchroom ahead of the class, but the elevator didn’t come when I pushed the button. So then Mr. Gerler, the janitor, was walking down the hall and he used his key. The elevator came and when I finally got to the lunchroom, my class was already there and that’s when I heard Miss Jorgenson and Mr. Baldwin talking. He asked her to go to dinner and show him how to ‘similate.’”
“Similate? What does that mean?”
“I guess it means how to teach school,” Cammy said with a shrug of her slender shoulders.
Vance hoped to God the pair weren’t discussing anything immoral in the grade school hallway. No, Meg wouldn’t do that.
But that gym teacher just might.
“Anyway, Miss Jorgenson told him no right on the spot.”
“Told him no?”
“For the date.”
“Ah.” Vance felt oddly appeased, but he still felt the need to address the situation.
“Cammy Ann Bayer,” he began, arching a brow. “Were you eavesdropping?”
She lowered her gaze.
“Well?”
“I…well…” At long last, she nodded.
“That’s a naughty thing for a little girl to do.”
“I only wondered if Miss Jorgenson and Mr. Baldwin are going to be boyfriend and girlfriend.”
“That’s none of your business.” He kneaded the back of his neck, wondering why he felt so tense. “But when they were done talking, why didn’t you go into the cafeteria, get some food, and find your friends?”
“Because then they’d know I listened on purpose and I didn’t want Miss Jorgenson not to like me. You won’t tell her, will you?”
“I can’t make a promise like that, Cammy.”
“Oh, Daddy—” Her face contorted with dismay.
“But rest assured that if I do speak to Miss Jorgenson, I’ll be very nice about it. And I think she’s the forgiving sort.”
“Really?” Cammy looked hopeful again. “You’re forgiving, too, aren’t you, Daddy?”
“Forgiving, yes, but I’m still the disciplinarian around here, and you, missy, are going straight to your room after supper. I don’t like this sneaky business. Some conversations are not meant for your ears—or anyone else’s, for that matter.”
Cammy pouted, but she didn’t complain.
They ate in silence for a few strained minutes. Vance felt himself growing more irritated by the fact that the new gym teacher had the nerve to pursue a woman right in the school hallway. His irritation had nothing to do with the fact that it was Meg Kent Baldwin was after.
Or, maybe it did—a little.
The admission took him by surprise. Why should he care?
He didn’t think he really did. He was just overtired, most likely.
In any event, he had to figure out the best way to handle this situation. Should he talk to Meg about it, or should he go directly to Baldwin and tell him to cool his jets on the job?
Vance took a bite of his burrito, mulling it over. Maybe it wasn’t really that big a deal.
“Daddy, maybe you should ask Miss Jorgenson to dinner. She could come here and I’ll make macaroni and cheese.”
“Eat your supper.” He nodded at the taco on her paper plate. “It’s getting late, and we still have to get you out of that wheelchair, do your exercises, and get you washed up.” Vance stood and discarded the rest of his supper in the trash. The evening wasn’t even half done. “Is your homework finished?”
“Most of it. I just have to start on my essay about what I did this summer. It’s due on Friday. Miss Jorgenson said that we’ll have time during school to write it but that we oughta start it at home. I can’t wait. I love to write stories. I just have to remember all the names of my camp counselors. Let’s see, there’s—”
“Cammy, eat.”
She replied with one of her sweetest smiles. “Yes, Daddy.”
Chapter Eleven
At Kelly’s persistent request, Meg agreed to go shopping tonight. She ate a quick dinner and then drove over to Dad’s place. His home sat on sprawling acreage with horses, pastures, and a large stable. As she pulled into the long, winding driveway, she recalled how Mom used to say they had to scrimp and scrounge for their next meal because Dad saved all his money for his “country ranch.” Certainly her dad’s horse ranch was modest, but Meg couldn’t help wondering how much of her mother’s remarks were true.
She parked and climbed out of the car, squinting into the evening sun as she walked toward the door. Donna’s voice met her in the back hall.
“Come on in. Kelly’s almost ready to go.”
Meg made her way into the kitchen, where Donna was cleaning up supper dishes.
“How’s the teaching coming along?”
“Just fine, thanks.” Meg sat on one of the stools at the breakfast counter and watched her stepmother load plates into the dishwasher. “Can I help you with those?”
“Naw, I’m almost done. Thanks, though, hon.”
Dad sauntered in. “Well, Meggie.” He gave her a fatherly once-over. “I can’t see any bald patches from you pullin’ your hair out.”
She smiled. “I can handle the kids here in Stanford.”
“Not all of’em are as nice as you might assume. Some are downright troublemakers.”
“I know. I’ve got a few of those in my class.”
Dad sat down on the stool beside her. “Sure you’ll know how to handle ’em?” he teased. “You never got into any kind of trouble in school when you were little.”
Meg felt herself tense. How would he know what she was like as a student? Why was he suddenly pretending that he had ever been more to her than a biological father she was forced to visit two weeks out of every year?
“Ryan and Kelly are good kids, too.”
Meg didn’t reply.
“But they’re both still kids, Kelly especially. She’s just sixteen, you know, and you’re twenty-six. She looks up to you. You know that, right?”
“Are you insinuating that I’m a bad influence on her?”
“No, no.” Dad set a hand on her forearm. “Don’t get your dander up. I’m just informing you that, well, Kelly was raised different from you.”
Meg glanced at Donna before looking back at her father. “Obviously.”
Donna turned off the water and dried her hands on a dishtowel as she moved to the counter. “I believe what your dad’s saying in his roundabout way is that Kel has school tomorrow, so we don’t want her staying out too late.”
Meg turned to her dad once more. “Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Why didn’t you just say so?”
“I don’t know. Didn’t want to offend you.”
Meg sent a glance soaring upward and shook her head. She’d always preferred the direct approach, and this instance was no exception. “I have school tomorrow, too, so we definitely won’t be out too late.”
“I think the mall in Lexington closes at nine o’clock.”
“Can we have until ten thirty so I don’t have to speed all the way back to Miracle?” Meg had trouble keeping the sarcasm out of her voice.
Before Dad could answer, Kelly rushed into the room. “Sorry I kept you waiting, Meg. I was sending an e-mail to my friend.” She turned to Dad. “Emily Miles.”
“Of course. Emily. Nice girl.” Dad stood.
Meg did the same. She had that old feeling of being an “outsider” again. Along with it came the feeling that, in her father’s eyes, she’d never measure up to Kelly, or even to Emily Miles, whoever Emily Miles was. Meg couldn’t recall a time when Dad had ever dubbed her a “nice g
irl.” She couldn’t even remember if he had ever openly praised any of her accomplishments.
But maybe that was just because he hadn’t known about them. Who would’ve told him? Mom didn’t ever speak to him. And Meg herself had never been much of a bragger.
She tried to walk the proverbial mile in his shoes, to understand his position. Besides, it seemed that Dad was putting forth some sort of effort to get to know her—now.
Kelly raised herself up on tiptoes and kissed Dad’s check. “Bye.”
“Behave yourselves, you two.”
“Oh, Daddy.”
Meg grinned at her half sister’s exasperation and followed her out of the house.
“And it’s a ten thirty curfew,” Dad called from the back door. “Remember that: ten thirty.”
“Okay, Daddy. We’ll remember.” Then, after climbing into the car, Kelly muttered, “Whatever.”
Meg couldn’t help laughing as she started up her car’s engine. But her smile soon faded. “I don’t think he trusts me to take you shopping.” She made a Y-turn and headed down the driveway.
“No, it’s not you. Dad’s just super overprotective. It really gets on my nerves.” Kelly rifled through her purse, dug out a piece of chewing gum, and popped it into her mouth. “You’re so lucky you didn’t have to put up with all his rules and restrictions when you were my age.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Meg turned onto the highway and pressed her foot on the gas pedal. “But if there’s one thing I am certain of, it’s that come rain, sleet, snow, or hail, I’ll still have you back home well before ten thirty, or my name isn’t Meghan Marie Jorgenson.”
The following day, Vance dropped Cammy off at school earlier than he had the previous day. After mulling over the hallway incident, he decided he needed to discuss it with Meg. His daughter wasn’t the only one in the community who liked to eavesdrop, and Meg ought to know about it.
A few raindrops began to fall from an overcast sky just as Vance wheeled Cammy into school. A minute or so later, they entered the classroom. Meg sat at her desk, writing something.
“Well, good morning,” she said with a sunny smile.
“Hi, Miss Jorgenson. I got a lot of my essay written last night. Wanna see it?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like a word with your teacher first, Cammy.”
She looked up at Vance with a pained expression.
He gave his daughter’s shoulder an assuring squeeze and then looked over at Meg. “Have a minute?”
“Sure.”
“Could we talk somewhere sort of—private?”
“How about the coatroom?” She stood, and Vance couldn’t help noticing how her brown slacks accentuated her slender hips, while her ruffled beige blouse only made her other curves more pronounced. Vance could understand Kent Baldwin’s eagerness to ask her out. He didn’t condone it, but he could understand it.
“It won’t be private for long. We’ll have to hurry.” Meg led the way into a narrow section of the classroom. Shiny stainless hooks lined the far wall, and wood benches had been placed below them. “What’s up?”
She turned to face him, and Vance’s insides suddenly felt like mush as he stared into her sky blue eyes.
“It’s Cammy.” He really disliked having to bring this up. “Well, she overheard something yesterday and, as a result, didn’t eat her lunch. I thought you’d better know.”
Meg grew paler with each word that came out of Vance’s mouth. “I talked to Cammy and warned her not to eavesdrop in the future.” He tilted his head. “Hey, are you okay? Maybe you should sit down.”
Meg shook her head, and strands of her honey-blond hair slipped out of its clip. “I’m fine.”
“Well, look, this probably isn’t a big deal, but I felt you should know.”
“I can’t believe Cammy missed lunch, that poor thing.”
“She survived.”
“Look, I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again. I promise.”
“I believe you.” Vance lowered his gaze, sensing he’d embarrassed her. He hadn’t meant to. “I figured this whole thing wasn’t your fault. Sounds like Mr. Baldwin oughta be the one apologizing. But I still thought I should give you a heads-up. People like to talk around here, you know?”
“I know.”
He stared at his steel-toed brown boots for several long seconds before he looked back at her. “Would it help if I said something to Kent Baldwin?”
“That’s your decision, but—” She pushed her shoulders back, standing a little straighter. “—I do intend to give him a few choice words of my own.”
Vance rubbed the side of his jaw to conceal his grin. He almost pitied the guy just then.
“I appreciate your bringing this matter to my attention. As I said, it won’t happen again.”
“It’s over and done with, as far as I’m concerned.”
Her features softened. “Thanks, Vance. This job means everything to me, and I want the parents here at Fairview Academy to respect me. I think some have their doubts about me because of things that happened in the past, things I had no control over.”
He sensed the indirect reference to her mother and the “things” she’d done. Everyone in town, thirty years old or older, had heard a tale or two about Tricia Lattice and the disgrace she had brought upon herself and her family. Her folks moved to Louisville after she left town, and most speculated it was because they couldn’t bear the shame. Vance heard they’d both passed in the last ten years.
But any fool could see that Meg was different from her mother. Took after the Jorgenson side. Why, Loretta clucked about her like a proud hen.
“I think most everyone finds you a delight. I know I do.” Vance realized what he had just said and wanted to swallow his tongue.
“Well, thanks, Vance. You just made my day.”
The smile that lit her face changed his mind about being so forthright. A response like that, and he’d have to do it more often.
Meg walked alongside him back into the classroom. Vance approached Cammy and kissed the top of her head. “I’m leaving now. Behave yourself.”
“I will, Daddy.”
He sent a parting grin in Meg’s direction, and as he walked outside, he barely noticed the steady drizzle.
While the kids were out at recess time, Meg penned a quick note to Kent, saying she needed to speak with him. She folded it, slipped it into his mailbox, and left the main office to rejoin the children and other teachers on the playground.
After school let out, Meg slipped away and checked her mail slot. Kent had replied: We’ll talk over dinner. Pick you up at seven. No need for directions. I know where you live.
Meg stifled a groan as she made her way back to her classroom. Every muscle, joint, and fiber in her body tensed at the thought of having dinner with Kent. Well, she’d just have to turn him down at the doorway when he arrived at Grams’ house. And how did he know where she lived, anyway?
“What’s wrong, Miss Jorgenson?”
Meg looked up and spied the concerned expression on Cammy Bayer’s face. She forced a smile and crumpled the note from Kent, tossing it into the waste basket. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just thinking about something.”
Meg sat in her desk chair and tried not to dwell on her dilemma by correcting the spelling worksheets from this afternoon. She’d gotten through only two sheets when Cammy started asking questions.
“Did my Daddy tell you about—well, I did something I shouldn’t have done.”
“Yes, he told me.”
Cammy’s eyes grew misty and she looked as thought she might cry. Meg suddenly suspected that the child’s guilt and remorse had been brewing all day.
“You won’t eavesdrop again, will you?”
“No, ma’am.” Cammy shook her head.
“Good, then we’ll just forget all about it, okay?”
“Okay.”
Meg turned her attention to the worksheets once more.
“Do you have a boyfriend, Miss
Jorgenson?”
Looking up, Meg felt tempted to reproach Cammy for even asking, but she knew by now that this precocious girl didn’t mean any harm with her inquisitions. “No, I don’t have a boyfriend.” Teasingly, she grinned and arched a brow. “Do you have someone in mind?”
“We-ell,” Cammy drawled as she doodled with her pencil. “My daddy doesn’t have a girlfriend.”
“Oh, I see.” Meg had certainly walked right into that one. She decided it might be best not to remark any further on the subject. “So do you watch any TV shows at night? What’s your favorite?”
“Hannah Montana.” Cammy tipped her head. “How come you don’t have a boyfriend?”
After a moment’s deliberation, Meg chose to be vague with her reply, sensing it’d likely get relayed to Vance. “I don’t have time for a boyfriend right now. I’m concentrating on being a good teacher.”
“Oh, you’re a good teacher, Miss Jorgenson.”
“Thank you, Cammy.” Meg sent her a smile.
“I’m done with my essay. Wanna hear it?”
“Sure.” Meg folded her hands above the stack of worksheets.
Cammy opened her desk, pulled out her folder, and poised herself over her piece of wide-lined paper. “‘Last summer I spent lots of time over at my aunt Debbie’s house. I don’t like it so much over there because my cousin Tyler is the baddest boy in all of Lincoln County. My aunt has to yell at him and then he starts crying and Aunt Debbie turns up the TV so she can hear her soaps. That’s why I like it better at day camp. My favorite counselor is Ruthanne. She tells me about all her boyfriends. Earl Ray is her best boyfriend. He plays lots of baseball and Ruthanne likes to go watch him play.’”
A fuller picture of Cammy’s life formed in Meg’s mind.
“‘At camp I go canoeing or horseback riding in the morning. My favorite horse is Buckshot. I use a special saddle so I don’t fall off of him. Then we have lunch. The cook’s name is Gracie and she makes watery mashed potatoes, but they’re still good. Sometimes I help feed the other kids cuz they’re worser off than me. Some can’t even swallow without a special machine to help them and they can’t taste Gracie’s mashed potatoes. One girl named Abby has a feeding tube in her. No one talks to her because she can’t talk back. She makes noises, though, and I can understand her and I tell my counselor Ruthanne whenever Abby needs something.’”
Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky Page 10