"I don't know what you mean," Dana says, nose tipping into the air. "We're only thinking of the children."
"You might be a preacher's wife now, but don't forget thatI know you.Didn't you get caught with Tommy Briggs in the back of his Camaro at the homecoming game? In the parking lot? Where there werechildren?"
Dana's face goes red.
Cass turns to Brenda. "And Brenda--I seem to recall something about you and half the football team behind the Dairy Queen. Very public. Very…sticky."
Brenda sputters.
"And then there's Tammy. Seventeen, in the church parking lot. On Easter Sunday.With the youth pastor."
Dead silence.
"Now, I don't give a good goddamnwhoyou sleep with or where or how many of them there were, nor do I care how sticky it was. The stickier the better, if you ask me. But don't youdarecome for her, you vultures. Not one of you has the right." Silence. "Now if y'all are through harassing my friend over something that didn't even happen, I believe dismissal's starting. Don't you have some kids to pick up?"
Dana flips her hair as they retreat. "You are such trash, Cassidy Winfield."
"That'sDavenportto you--I married that Dodger's pitcher you tried to sleep with all senior year, remember?"
"Trash," she sneers, then scurries off after her friends.
"God, some things never change," Cass says to me, though she's still tracking them. When I let out a shaky breath, she turns to me, concerned. "You okay?"
I try to laugh but it comes out watered down. "I am now. Jesus, Cass."
"Those women have been terrorizing this town for twenty years. They earned that."
I sink into my chair, still shaking. "Has it been like this all day for you too?"
"People have been asking me questions, digging for dirt, but I've only either defended you or played dumb. Which, frankly, is insulting. I've never been dumb a day in my life."
This time, my laugh is real.
"Seriously, though," Cass says, softer. "Are you okay?"
I take a long breath and let it out. "I've been so happy here, and I…I've tried to build something here, a life. And they just…" I can't finish. There aren't words.
Cass squeezes my shoulder. 'Hey--fuck them. Youarebuilding something. Don't let those bitter ex-hoes take that from you. We only listen to practicing hoes."
I want to laugh, but I'm too hurt. All I have for her is a nod.
Cass's smile twists like the Grinch headed for Whoville with an empty sack. "Say the word and I'll get my matches. I know where Dana lives."
I snort as the bell rings and the halls fill with kids. "Funny, since your husband is the fire captain."
"Exactly, see? I know my stuff."
I feel Grey before I see him, the gravity shifting in his direction like it so often does. He looks like he's had a day too, tense and tired and squared up. But when he sees me, he is all concern, threaded with quiet fury. He hesitates when he reaches me, kneels down. Takes my hand.
"And that's my cue," Cass says. "Try not to do anything I wouldn't do." A pause. "Actually, scratch that. Do the opposite of what I'd do. I'm a menace." When all we have for her are heavy smiles, she softens. "Good luck. Let me know how it goes."
"Thanks, Cass," I call after her.
With a wave, she's gone.
He searches my face. "That bad?"
I exhale. "Some room moms just cornered me. Told me I should find someone my own age, think about if this job is a good fit. Among other things."
