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Emmaline crossed her arms. “You can blame me all you want, but it’s not like I’m the only person in favor of it. And I’m not even on the board.”
“No, but your husband is and all your behind-the-scenes campaigning did this,” Landon said, glaring at her. “The worst part is you won’t eventryto understand the other side.”
Emmaline rolled her eyes dramatically. “You’re acting like it’s coming out of your salary.”
“Believe it or not,” Toby interjected. “We care about more than that.”
Emmaline looked at him. “You’re not even from here. You don’t understand how important the field is.”
Toby nodded. “You’re right on both counts. I donotunderstand how that field can bethatimportant.”
“Do you know what that’s about?” Beau whispered to Becca.
She sighed and leaned closer. “Remember how the football field got all torn up in the tropical storm in July?”
“Yeah.”
“And how they miraculously raised a bunch of money to repair—andupgradeit, and the bleachers and the scoreboard—really quickly so it would be ready to go in time for the season?”
“Sure.” Of course he did. Autre was a very small town. The high school football field getting torn up so close to football season was a big deal. Even if Autre hadn’t been predicted to have a huge season this year. Led by none other than Emmaline’s youngest brother, Mason, the Senior star quarterback. This was Louisiana…football was always a big deal here.
“Well, they used Mr. Shadwick’s money.”
Beau lifted a brow. Mr. Shadwick had been the long-time music and band teacher in Autre. He’d died three years ago and in his will he’d left a large chunk of money to the school. “I thought that money was supposed to be for music, and band, and the arts programs.”
Becca nodded. “Exactly. But it was neverlegallystipulated. I guess Mr. Shadwick let his family know his wishes and trusted that the school would honor them. So Emmaline, and a few of her friends, pressured the school board, and they voted to dip into that fund for the field when the school budget didn’t have enough and their fundraising efforts came up short. None of the teachers knew until earlier this week. The school is putting on the musicalThe Music Manand planned to involve the band and the music program, and, as always, have the shop class and art kids help make the sets. But they needed more supplies.”
“And there’s no money left?” Beau guessed.
“The way the fund is set up, there’s a limit to how much they can take out each year so that the bulk of it remains invested and earning,” Becca said. “They took out the max amount.”
Beau blew out a breath. “Wow, that sucks.”
Becca nodded, frowning. “It does. The fact that money from the arts programs went to a sports program instead. But also that the board and the administration kind of did it behind everyone’s backs.”
“Is there a process where they have to tell you all?” Beau asked.
She shrugged. “No. Not really. The superintendent makes up the budget. The board approves it. Parents and teachers can definitely weigh in, but it’s all pretty boring and I guess most of us assume that they know better than we do and will do the right thing forallthe kids and the school as a whole and that they won’t give preferential treatment to one group or program.”
She was chewing on her bottom lip and Beau wanted to reach over and smooth it with his thumb. He wanted to hug her. He wanted to say something that would make her feel better.
All of that was a very typical reaction to seeing Becca upset about something.
He’d always wanted to make things better for her. Even before he’d been into hugging and kissing her, even before he’d known constructive ways to make things better, he’d hated when she’d been upset.
Beau opened his mouth, not completely sure what to say—and aware that in the past when he’d tried to make things better for her his words hadn’t always come out perfectly—but Toby swept up to their table just then.
“Wow,sheis a piece of work.” He was clearly annoyed. He slapped his hand down on their tabletop, then leaned in, focusing on Becca. “Have you talked to your dad?”
Beau felt trepidation crawl up his spine. He watched Becca’s face.
She swallowed hard and shook her head. “I haven’t.”
It seemed this wasn’t the first time they’d discussed her talking to her dad about this.
“You need to, Bec,” Toby said. “This is bullshit.”
“It’s not like they canundothe field now,” she said. “The money is spent. I’m not sure what he can do.”
