Catching Fireflies(82)
“Well, believe me, the situation would still be out of control if it weren’t for her willingness to get involved,” Laura said, exchanging a pointed look with Helen, who nodded her own confirmation.
“Why don’t you see what you can find out from Paula tomorrow, Laura?” Helen suggested. “Tell her about our thinking and see what she thinks the odds are that Frances can help, then give me a call. We need to get right on this. Sarah, how quickly could we schedule something that you could get on the air?”
“We could do it immediately,” Sarah said. “But I’d like at least a few days’ notice so we can spread the word. We want that square packed with people who totally get that bullying is unacceptable.”
Helen nodded. “How about a tentative date for a week from Saturday? If all the pieces fall into place, would that work?”
“It would for Travis and me,” Sarah said at once. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“And we’d have time to rally teachers and parents,” Raylene said. “I’ll put Adelia Hernandez on that. She seems to snap her fingers and the parents at school fall into line to do whatever she needs.”
Helen gave a nod of satisfaction. “Then we have a plan. Laura, are you okay with it?”
“If we can stick to the plan, absolutely,” she said. “And if you’re looking for speakers who have strong feelings, ask J.C. I think he’d be a powerful advocate for the cause.”
“Or for you,” Annie teased. “Isn’t that right?”
Laura blushed furiously. “Do not go there.”
“Then that wasn’t him I saw pacing around outside your place last night when I was driving home from work?” Raylene inquired innocently. “Or his car I saw still there this morning? I’m fairly certain he has the only dark green Jaguar in town, but of course I wouldn’t want to jump to any conclusions.”
Laura sighed at the realization that with such strong support came a complete breakdown of boundaries. Apparently her entire life was fair game.
“Of course you wouldn’t jump to conclusions,” she said to Raylene, resigned to having such a personal tidbit shared with everyone. “Just please tell me you didn’t mention this sighting to Grace.”
“Heavens, no!” Raylene said indignantly. “It’s only between us girls.”
“But Sweet Magnolias have an obligation to be on top of all the hottest gossip in town,” Helen declared. “And once in a while it is very satisfying to know things that Grace doesn’t know.”
“Power to the Sweet Magnolias!” said Dana Sue, lifting her glass.
The faintly slurred comment drew a sharp look from Maddie. “You’re cut off. You know one margarita is your limit.”
“I know,” Dana Sue said sadly. “You know the pitiful truth? I’ve only had three sips of this one, and I can’t even handle that, apparently. It is a sad, sad day.”
Annie bit back a chuckle and stood up. “Come on, Mom. I’ll walk you home.”
Dana Sue’s gaze narrowed suspiciously. “Isn’t it raining out there? Didn’t a cold front move in?”
Annie nodded, her expression determinedly cheerful. “Isn’t that great? A brisk walk ought to fix you right up before Dad sees you looped.”
Dana Sue looked around unhappily. “What’s that line about a thankless child? Something about it being sharper than a serpent’s tooth to have a thankless child. It’s from King Lear, I think.”
Laura grinned at her. “Oh, sweet heaven! Not only are you right, but you’ve just given me hope that the Shakespeare lessons in my class might actually pay off years later. The kids rarely remember a thing beyond final exams now.”
Annie rolled her eyes. “I think Mom memorized that one on the day I was born. I’ve heard it often enough over the years. Good night, all. I’ll get the weakling among us safely home.”
The gathering broke up after that. Laura was the last to leave. Turning to Helen, she said, “I really don’t know how to thank you for everything you’re doing for Misty and for me.”
Helen smiled. “It’s my pleasure. There’s nothing I like more than seeing the law used to achieve good for the people who deserve it.”
“Very noble,” Laura said.
“Okay, maybe I get a kick out of retaliating against the bad guys, too,” Helen admitted, a twinkle in her eyes. “Sue me.”
“Not a chance. I’d never be foolish enough to go up against you in court.”
“I’ll talk to you tomorrow then. Let me know as soon as you hear back from Paula.”