Judging Joey (16 page)

Joey came close to her and placed his hands on her arms in a near embrace. “Go on,” he coaxed. He ran his hands up and down, and the warmth would have soothed her if he hadn’t just asked her to prove her innocence.

The chill traveled deep and couldn’t be forgotten no matter how much he comforted her. She slipped out of his grasp.

Her body began to tremble and the tears started to spill over. “Dad couldn’t keep up and she started to steal money and whatever she could to get her fix. She would disappear for days and he would have to search for her. Sometimes she crashed at drug dens, sometimes she was at another addict’s pad, and sometimes he’d find her roaming the streets to score. Needless to say, they both forgot they had a kid. I would go days without a bath. No one made sure I brushed my teeth or had clean clothes. Forget about a meal. I hadn’t had a hot meal in years except when it would suddenly dawn on Dad that I was too young to turn on the stove. Then Dad got sick.”

Joey reached for her again and wiped her tears with his thumbs. She couldn’t stop speaking now. She had to tell him more so he’d believe her over Vanessa. Her job and her future depended on it. Uncle Mark depended on her.

“I knew something was up because Dad started teaching me how to do things around the house. When Mom did come around, she mostly slept in her room. I started to cook simple meals and I went food shopping at the local grocery store. I cleaned the house, did the laundry. It went on this way for two or three years. No one noticed. No one cared. Dad’s cancer spread and we knew it was only a matter of time. When he went from the hospital to hospice, one of my observant teachers began to notice my parents’ lack of involvement.”

Joey stroked her hair and wiped away more of her tears as she continued to say, “She called Children’s Services after realizing my lunches consisted of a couple of saltines and a lollipop. They found out what was happening and got my uncle involved. When Dad died, Uncle Mark and Aunt Patty were right there by my side.”

She reached for his hands and squeezed and gazed in his eyes through her tears. “Allison knew my mom was a thief. She knew she cared more about drugs than her own daughter. She decided it was easier to think I was like my mom and believe rumors than put on her big girl pants and confront those football and cheerleader jerks. She broke my heart, Joey.”

Joey pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair. “You have a safe haven here now. People love you and care about you. You still have your Uncle Mark and you have Sabrina.” He whispered in her ear, “And you have me. I won’t let anyone hurt you like that again. I promise.”

She lifted her face and saw the sincerity in his dark eyes. For the first time in a long time, she felt the weight of the burden from that awful night slip a bit away. It would mean the world to her if Joey was really in her corner.

“Yes, I do have wonderful people in my life. And Sabrina’s right about one thing. I thought you were the most horrible person on earth. You were friends with that cruel Scott. She made me see you differently. Maybe you need to see George through someone else’s eyes. Alex is not exactly neutral.”

“Nice transition.” He hugged her close and then brushed a strand of hair away from her face and tipped up her chin, his gaze never leaving hers. “Knowing your background, it’s amazing you still want to believe the best in people. But trust me. Some people are pure evil. George is one of them. You have to talk some sense into Sabrina before he crushes her. Alex is a strong woman, but he devastated her. Sabrina’s your best friend. You don’t want that happening to her, do you?”

“Of course not.” She clasped her hand around his and held it against her face. A light scent of his pine cologne wafted up. “It probably won’t last anyway. Sabrina goes through boyfriends like some women color their hair. Every six weeks or so.”

“Let’s be safe. Promise you’ll talk to her.”

She sighed. “Okay, I promise.” She leaned into him, thankful they had a moment alone together. Things seemed to be going right between the two of them. She wasn’t sure where their relationship was headed, but she had to admit she liked its direction despite the fact that his nephew was in her class.

She had talked to Sabrina about a relationship with Joey being a conflict of interest, and Sabrina assured her it happened all the time in their intimate town.

Sabrina seemed to be right about Joey. He wasn’t the selfish boy Madeline believed him to be in high school. Madeline pressed her lips against his hand. Maybe Sabrina was right about George too. Someone popped into the lounge, but before she could see who it was they turned back around. She withdrew from his embrace. No need to give gossipmongers more to talk about.

She moved behind the refrigerator in front of the half wall, and confident it blocked the view of prying eyes, he continued to stroke her hair, twisting a red strand around his finger. “I know it’s two weeks away, but what are you doing for Halloween?”

“Taking turns answering the door with Uncle Mark. And trying to keep Rusty calm every time the bell rings.”

“Why don’t you come with us? I promised Christopher I’d join him and his friends on that Saturday after my shift. I get off at four.”

Madeline bit her lip, unsure if it was ethical. She didn’t want to show any favoritism among her students. “Gee, I don’t think it would look right if I went along.”

“I think nearly your whole class is going together. They start off about three in the afternoon. We can meet them midway. Afterward, my parents have an open house and lots of people come for dinner, including some of your students. It’s always a blast. Come with me. We’ll have fun.”

The look on his face convinced her that was sure to happen.

“What about Vanessa and Derrick? I won’t feel comfortable socializing with them.”

“No worries. I said
nearly
everyone will be coming. Vanessa always throws her own Halloween party for her rich friends. If Derrick’s lucky, he’ll get to ring a few bells on his block, before she forces him to return home and wait for their fancy guests. I hear Roger’s going and she invited the whole Board of Education, the Superintendent. Even the mayor’s going. I even got an invite, but Vanessa knows I would never attend. Alex is going though.”

Madeline’s eyes opened wide. Joey and Alex on Vanessa’s exclusive guest list? Interesting. Even more interesting was that Alex agreed to go.

“I know what you’re thinking. First, how did we get an invitation? And why would Alex agree to go? Well, Vanessa invited a lot of us from the station. It would reflect badly upon her if she excluded me and I guess Alex wanted to hang with a different crowd. She keeps running into George since we share the same friends.”

She watched the play of emotions on his handsome face and sympathized with his concern. “Advise Alex to lock her valuables up in her car. And tell her not to check her coat. Not with ‘Sticky Fingers’ around. All joking aside, I think Vanessa knows I ratted on her.”

Joey nodded. “I’m inclined to agree. She got a phone call when she was in your classroom. Caitlin confirmed she stepped out for a few minutes. I’m willing to bet Mrs. Gallo gave her a heads up on our
confidential
conversation with Roger. I’ll stake my badge on it that Vanessa used that time to return the Safety Bags. It’s all too much of a coincidence to be anything but.”

“So you really believe me? About Vanessa?” A comforting glow of hope flowed through her.

He cupped her chin with his large hand and brushed his thumb across her lips. “Absolutely. I think you’re right on target.” With that, he leaned over and he kissed the very spot where his thumb had traced its mark.

He enticed her closer as he deepened the kiss, and despite the dampness of his shirt, his embrace filled her with warmth. “Yes,” he whispered. “Right on target.”

The next week went by in a blur. The students were more rambunctious than usual because Halloween was fast approaching. Madeline tried to talk to Sabrina at school, but she was always busy. She’d left Sabrina several messages on her cell phone, which her friend had yet to return. Madeline could only assume it was because George had kept her so busy after school.

The next Thursday afternoon at dismissal time, Madeline had gladly left Vanessa and Caitlin to duke it out over decorating the classroom for the next day’s party. Madeline wanted no part of that drama.

Friday morning flew in, and due to the fact that the afternoon would be filled with the Halloween parade and class parties, the children had a special assembly and the classroom teachers had their prep. It was the first time in days that Madeline would have a chance to talk to Sabrina.

As soon as the classes were called down to the auditorium, Madeline searched for her, but didn’t see her. If Madeline didn’t know better, she might believe Sabrina was avoiding her.

Madeline trekked down the hallway, the heels of her black boots clacking against the floor, her black slacks sashaying against her calves. She reached Sabrina’s classroom and knocked twice before whisking open the door. Sabrina sat at her desk correcting papers. Her eyes widened as she spotted Madeline.

“Hey, are you hiding in here or something? We’re supposed to help each other with our witches’ makeup.” When Sabrina didn’t respond, Madeline felt a twang in her gut. Something was wrong. “Sabrina, what gives? You haven’t returned my calls. I haven’t talked to you in two days! Is this about George? Are you mad at what Joey said?”

Sabrina put down her pen, her gaze resting on Madeline. Something—confusion, anger?—flickered in her eyes. “George is wonderful. Joey’s so off-base.”

Madeline towed over a student’s chair and sat down. “George really hurt Alex. Maybe you should listen to Joey.” She touched Sabrina’s arm, but she wrenched away as if scorched.

Stunned by her friend’s coldness, Madeline trudged on, determined to somehow get through to Sabrina. “Look, you know I’m only thinking of you. And maybe Joey’s all wrong about George, but you can’t deny that he broke Alex’s heart, and with your track record . . .”

Sabrina pushed back her chair and stood up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I only meant . . . Sabrina, you yourself say how you don’t always make the right choices. Your boyfriends turn out to be losers.”

Sabrina gasped. Her skin paled causing her freckles to surface and darken. “How dare you?” She drew in a breath as if to calm herself. “I think it’s best we don’t talk to each other for a while. In fact, we should take a break.”

“Huh? You can’t mean that.” Madeline felt a gigantic knot form in her stomach.

“I do.”

“But we’ve been friends for years. You’re like my sister. My family.”

“Family shouldn’t stab each other in the back.” Tears welled up in Sabrina’s eyes.

“You’re this upset over George? Fine, date him. I’ll accept your decision. And I’ll be there for you if he does break your heart.”

That seemed to resonate with Sabrina and her tone softened. “It’s not just George. It’s this whole Vanessa thing, too. You really opened up a can of worms. I wish I never heard a thing about it.”

“But you’re my mentor. I had to tell someone I could trust.”

“About that. Principal Denby called me at home last night. He asked questions about your past that I didn’t feel comfortable answering. And as your friend and mentor, I told him so.” She sighed. “I can’t be objective anymore. He’s calling a meeting during this morning’s assembly. They have other teachers covering our classes.”

The classroom phone rang suddenly. “Ah, that’s probably him.” Sabrina reached for the phone. “Yes, she’s here. We’ll be right there.” She hung up. Disappointment danced across her face. “They’re waiting for us.”

Madeline hopped up and followed Sabrina down the hallway. What did her principal want to know of her past? And why did Sabrina feel she couldn’t be objective? Even with her long legs, she had to increase her pace to keep up with Sabrina who, in spite of what she said, would always be her friend. And no way would she “take a break.” They would work this out. They had to. “Wait up!”

Sabrina ignored her. Madeline didn’t know what felt worse, the uncertainty of her boss’s impromptu meeting, or her best friend’s sudden hostility.

Either way, a solid lump formed in her throat and her palms grew sweaty. Halloween was always one of her favorite holidays and she so looked forward to the parade with her students. Now she wished she could fast forward to Thanksgiving.

Sabrina knocked and pushed opened the door. Madeline followed, trying to swallow the enormous and persistent lump lodged in her throat. No such luck.

She heard her principal’s voice before she saw him. “Ladies, please join us and have a seat.”

No words could get past the omnipresent lump, so Madeline just nodded and tried to plant a smile on her face for the people present in the room. Besides her principal, Vanessa, Mrs. Gallo, the school nurse, and Joey were squeezed around a conference table. Now she wished she could hide and disappear like she did as a child and would go unnoticed by her parents. Not here. She was the main attraction about to face what she was sure was a firing squad.

Her principal pointed to two empty folding chairs. “Please.”

They did as requested, and Madeline folded her hands together, trying to stop them from trembling. Realizing she probably looked like one of her students, she placed them under the table and wiped her clammy hands against her slacks.

“It has come to my attention that school supplies are being stolen, teachers’ belongings are disappearing, and now I’m sad to say a teacher’s wallet has been taken and the nurse’s office has been rifled and medicine stolen.” He looked around the room. “Up until this point, we have not made an official report with the police, but now we have. Each of you in this room, with the exception of Officer O’Neill, is involved in some way, and I feel it only fair to let you know why.”