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“It won’t be just for those children who are without parental support or going through a rough patch,” Joe said calmly. “It will be for all children. We will run weekend events, like concerts.”
“Why would other children need or want a place like that, where they will come in contact with those types of kids? No way I want my children learning to hot wire a car!”
“It will be used for other things, Mr. Tailor. There will be a gymnasium, and we are hoping to get indoor swimming facilities eventually. There will be programs for school holidays—”
“Parents should care for their children, not strangers!”
“But there are many families who need a double income. Often, both mother and father have to work,” Joe said in that same steady tone. “This would allow those parents peace of mind that their child is being cared for in a stable, secure environment while they are working.”
“My children are well behaved and have no need of any rec center, as they amuse themselves,” a woman said. “It’s a waste of our money.”
Bailey watched Joe’s hand curl into a fist. He was getting riled, his patience nearly out. Getting to her feet, she raised her hand to speak.
“Go ahead.” He nodded to her, his eyes steady on her face.
“I-I was raised in this town, and while some of you will believe I have no reason to be involved in this discussion I believe differently.” She spoke to Joe, because if she was looking at him she wouldn’t give in to the panic clawing at her throat. “While I was here, I was often lonely and confused. I would have loved a place to go like the rec center. A place to feel part of something, and be with others my age. I would have loved to have things to do, and adults who showed interest in me. I did not go without the material things, but what I really craved was support and friendship.”
She sucked in a deep breath, and gripped Piper’s fingers tight, grateful for her new friend’s support.
“It’s not just children who are going down the wrong path, and failing at school who need this center. There are plenty of straight-A students, who would use it too. A place to play, a place to be a child. Add music to the mix, and I assure you it will be a place that attracts a great deal of interest for a diverse group of children. Thank you.”
Bailey sat, and let Piper wrap an arm around her shoulders and hug her. Clark patted her hand. She was shaking, but she felt good. She’d spoken what was in her heart and that was a rare thing for Bailey. Usually she swallowed those thoughts back down.
The mayor called the discussions to a halt ten minutes later, and a vote was called. Minutes later, it was confirmed that Joe would get his rec center. After saying goodbye to Piper, who had a date, she and Clark headed out of the hall, and into the cool night air. It felt good after the heat and tension inside.
“You were amazing, standing up there like that and speaking of your childhood. I never knew things were hard for you, Bailey. We never really talked about each other, did we?”
“No, but it’s okay, Clark. I think we’ll be better friends than husband and wife.”
His smile was wry. “I think you could be right. Will you let me buy you a drink?”
“Not tonight, but thanks. I worked today, and I’m tired.”
“I still can’t get over the great Bailey Jones working in a stable.”
“Neither can I. When are you leaving?”
“I’m not sure yet, but I’ll let you know when I decide.”
He walked off toward Apple Sours, and Bailey thought even his walk was different now. Looser, and that made no sense.It’s this place, she thought, following behind him slowly. She walked down the street, listening to the conversations taking place around her.
“You had no right to speak as you did in there!” Mary Howard caught her. Her face was tight with anger as she grabbed Bailey’s arm.
“I have every right to speak as I like, Mrs. Howard, just as you do. That’s the wonderful thing about democracy. Now please remove your fingers from my arm so I can leave.”
“Just because you’re some hoity-toity piano player doesn’t mean you’re special. And throwing your lot in with that piece of filth just confirms to me what type of woman you really are.”
“Oh hell no, you did not just call Joe a piece of filth!” Bailey felt the wonderful heat of rage.
“He’s filth!”
“Joe is a wonderful man, and I don’t want to hear you state otherwise in my presence again or you will be very sorry, Mrs. Howard.”
“He’s nobody and nothing,” the woman snarled, and that for Bailey was about the final straw. She battled the red haze that filled her eyes, and lost.
“Joe has made good on his life and come back to the town he loves to live with the people he loves. He runs a successful business and is highly respected. So whatever this crap is that’s crawled up your behind and lodged there, I suggest you get it surgically removed, because I can tell you now this is one argument you will not win when it comes to a popularity contest. Let the grudge go, Mrs. Howard, because it’s making you look a fool, right along with your silly friends!”
The woman’s mouth fell open.
