AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And it didn’t go well?”
“It did not.”
She sighed and Beau looked over. She looked sad.
“Did he tell you about the meeting? Or did he not want to talk about it?”
“Well, both. He tried to put me off. He said it didn’t concern me and that it was over and done and why did we have to keep discussing it? But finally I pushed hard enough and he told me that they discussed it all for only about fifteen minutes. The Superintendent brought up the fact that Mr. Shadwick had clearly intended his money to be used for the arts programs. But the board felt that the storm tearing up the field was a special emergency, one-time situation and that if Mr. Shadwick was around he’d understand.”
Beau wasn’t so sure about that. Mr. Shadwick would have been sympathetic, certainly, but he would never have chosen a sports program—with lots of parental and community support—over the other, often overlooked, and underappreciated programs like choir, band, and the speech team.
“We all know that’s crap,” Becca said. “Those board members know it too.”
Beau nodded. “Yeah.”
“There was only one board member who seemed uncomfortable with it. Mrs. Robbins. She wanted to at least talk to the Shadwick family about it first, and wanted them to name the field after him or something in exchange, but they said there was no requirement to involve the family—which legally is true—and they voted down the motion to name it after him too.”
Becca was scowling when he glanced at her again.
“Because they didn’t want to have to explain to everyonewhythey were naming a football field after a guy whose only involvement with that field was the marching band and why they’re doing it three years later.”
She nodded.
Beau blew out a breath. “Sorry, babe.” Then he winced. He really shouldn’t call her babe. “What did your dad say about all of it?”
“That’s the problem. Sounds like he didn’t say much of anything in the meeting.”
“Really?” Beau frowned. “I don’t see your dad thinking football is more important than the arts programs.”
“Yeah. I know. I don’t think he does, but it sounds like he just kind of let them do whatever they wanted. He said his job is to listen to all sides. That he answers to the school board, which is made up of parents and community members. He has to keep their issues and concerns in mind.”
Beau couldn’t help it. He reached across the seat and took her hand, lacing their fingers together.
“But it’s really crappy that the board discussed this without letting the music and art kids’ parents even know it was up for discussion sotheycould participate or protest or whatever,” she went on. “Then I asked him for ideas about how to make the musical happen. He said they’d have to make due with what they have—which just isn’t enough. I mean, they can fake the instruments and I suppose get creative with costumes, but the set? I mean, how do you do that without supplies?” She paused. “And worst of all, he seemed unwilling to even try to come up with anything. He just kind of threw up his hands.”
“So you’re disappointed in the school board,andyour dad.”
“I’mpissedat the school board. I’m disappointed in my dad. And I let Toby and the other teachers down. I didn’t get anywhere with him.”
“Toby can’t expect you to constantly be the mediator with your dad.”
“It’s not Toby. It’s me. I mean I should have some sway, shouldn’t I? Ishouldbe able to talk to him in a different way. I’m hisdaughter. Shouldn’t he care more what I think than what Emmaline Morris thinks?”
“He does, Bec. You know that. I know it’s tough working for your dad, but it’s tough on him too. He can’t treat you differently than the other teachers and he does have to listen to the school board.”
She shook her head. “I know. I just hate how tense things are at home.”
Beau squeezed her fingers. “I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.”
They pulled up in front of Bad Habit. The parking lot was nearly full, as usual. The coffee shop was incredibly popular.
“Thanks for trying to cheer me up,” she said, looking over at him with a smile.
“I’ll always be there for you.”
“I know.”
