by Wendy Vella
He spoke from the heart, and she felt it. He had everyone right there with him. He spoke of budgets lastly, and his vision for what the center would look like and be used for. “It would,” Joe said, “benefit everyone.”
“Excellent, Joe.” The mayor got to his feet again as everyone clapped after Joe’s speech. “Now, we will open it to the floor.”
There were plenty of people for Joe’s proposal, yet there were plenty against it too, starting with Mary Howard.
“It’s a waste of money, and I for one have no wish for these kinds of adolescents to have a place to congregate and plan what mayhem they will wreak on the innocent tourists and residents of Ryker Falls.”
Bitch , Bailey thought.
“She seems a pleasant sort,” Clark whispered in her ear. “There’s always one in every town who would fight change even if it was for the better.”
“She hates Joe.”
“Ah, well that makes more sense then. She’s doubly committed to making sure he fails.”
She was. She had plenty of supporters too, and there was no doubting she had whipped them up.
“I run a business, I don’t want those delinquents causing trouble!” She couldn’t see the face of the man who spoke. But the murmurs following his words told her he had support.
“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.
“Good evening,” Bailey said, walking around her and off down the main street.
“If you don’t want that woman, then I’ll take her.”
Joe was still trying to process what Bailey had just said to Mary Howard, right here on the main street of Ryker. The verbal battles he’d had with the woman had always been conducted in private. People knew, but he rarely let anyone else get involved—but now Bailey had laid it all out there. He should be pissed, but what he felt was a steady build of heat in his chest.
“What?” He looked at Fin.
“Are you going to just stand there like an idiot, or go thank her for defending your honor?”
Joe looked down the road to where Bailey was fast disappearing. He started running. Dodging around people, some of whom called out to him. Ignoring them, he caught her at the end of the street. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her into a shop doorway.
“Bailey.” Her name was a sigh. “God, Bailey.” He touched her chin, lifting her eyes to meet his. He then kissed her until he couldn’t breathe. When they came up for air, Joe’s hands were in her hair, his body pressed into hers. Their breath mingled as both tried to inhale.
“J-Joe.” She looked and sounded a bit dazed.
“Thank you.”
“Sh-she’s a horrible woman.”
“No arguing here,” he whispered against her lips, before leaning in for another kiss. This one was gentle, a soft brush and nip of her bottom lip.
“I know how hard that was for you to do... both of those speeches, Bailey. The one in the hall, and the o
ne outside it. That you did so in support of me makes me feel like I could scale the tallest mountain—twice, about now.”
“I’m not sure how that happened. I mean, the hall thing that had to be said. Those people are wrong, Joe, in thinking only those children who have nothing or come from abusive families need a rec center.”
“I know, baby.”
“I had to speak up then. Someone had to say it.”
“You did, and we got the vote, and to my mind part of that is down to what you said.”
“I’m glad.” Her smile was sweet. “Glad that those kids will have a place to go instead of a cave in the side of a hill.”
He snorted. “I liked our cave.”
“Me too.”
Joe pushed hair from her cheek, then slid his hand around the back of her neck and hauled her closer. She rested her cheek on his chest. It felt so right, it should have scared him.
“While I don’t like the idea of Mary Howard having you in her sights, it felt surprisingly awesome to hear you tell her she needs to have whatever is lodged up her ass surgically removed.”
“I can’t believe I said that.” Bailey pressed her forehead into him, moaning. “I don’t lose control, Joe, but I just did, and people saw.”
“You did, and it was a nice touch. It’s fair to say no one will mess with you now—or me, for that matter.”
“I’m glad you find it funny.” She looked up at him again.
“Not funny, baby. It felt amazing, wonderful, and several other words I can’t think of right now, but I’m sure they’ll come to me.”
“What’s the deal with that woman and you, Joe?”
Joe couldn’t seem to keep his hands from moving over Bailey. Stroking her hair, touching her cheek; he needed the contact, but only with her.
“Her son and I used to run together as children. He broke into a store one night, and stole money and supplies, and she blamed me, even though I wasn’t there. Jay was then sent away to military school and has never returned. My guess is she blames me for all of it.”
“What a foolish woman.”
“So, you think I’m a wonderful man?”
“Don’t let it go to your head.”
He buried his face in her hair and then placed a hot kiss on her neck. She shuddered. He’d held her eyes as she spoke in the hall, looked at her standing there uncertain, and yet determined, looking so fucking sweet in that lilac dress, and thought, Christ, I am so gone .
“Come home with me.”
“A-aren’t you working?”
“Shit!” He’d forgotten he was to take over from Em tonight. “Come with me, and then we’ll go home.”
“I’m tired, Joe.”
“I’ll give you a sugary drink, it’ll pick you up.”
Joe kissed her again, and this time he slid his hand up her thigh under the hem of her dress. She shivered.
“All right, but I know it’s just your way of making me work for you for free.”
“No, it’s my way of not letting you out of my sight.” He kissed her again.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
A.S . was busy, and most people wanted to congratulate Joe on getting the rec center passed.
“Well, if it isn’t little Miss Feisty.”
“Ha,” Bailey said as Luke, Jack, and Fin approached.
“Nice work there, Miss Jones.” Luke kissed her cheek. “I’ve never seen Mary Howard speechless. It’s a moment I’m not likely to forget anytime soon.”
“Thanks, sweet cheeks, for having Joe’s back.” Jack kissed her next. “Don’t tell him I said this, but he’s special to us, and he’s never let us get into it with Mary Howard, but you... well, you just did it right there in the street.”
“Did many people hear?” Bailey looked around, hoping they hadn’t.
“Plenty.” Fin hugged her hard. “And that’s a good thing, Bailey, really. She needed it, and maybe it will have her backing off, but I doubt it. The woman’s full of anger.”
More people arrived, and she was soon talking with the Robbins sisters and Mr. Goldhirsh. After a while, she started moving through the bar collecting glasses and bottles, wanting to help Joe and the staff, as the place was busy. Looking around, Bailey realized she knew so many people in Ryker Falls now, and liked it. Liked that she could walk down the street and people would call out a greeting. Liked that she could talk with friends, real friends, like she’d never had before.
She found Joe behind the bar, his hands moving everywhere while he smiled and listened as people talked at him. As if sensing her, he looked up, their eyes caught and held, and she felt his smile right to her toes.
Deciding she’d take out some of the bottles to the recycle bin, Bailey headed out the back. She’d reached the door when Clark joined her with his hands full of bottles too.
“What are you doing?”
“Hell if I know?”
“Did you just say hell, Clark Munro?” Bailey looked at him, and noted a sparkle in his eye. “How many have you had to drink?”
“Not many, and don’t be a nag, Bays.”
“Bays?”
“The woman who stood up in front of all those people tonight, and again on the street, deserves a nickname.”
“Not you too. I’ve had people talking about that since I arrived.”
“I’m proud of you,” Clark said, then reached around her and opened the door.
A man was standing beside the recycle bin when Bailey reached it. He was doubled over, so she couldn’t see his face. She lowered her bottles inside as she said, “Can I help you?”
He straightened, his eyes running over her face. She thought he smiled, but it was hard to tell in this light.
“I don’t feel so good.”
“What’s wrong?” She moved closer as Clark dumped his bottles. Bailey wondered if the man had drunk too much. The knife appeared in his hands seconds later, and he swung it at her face. Bailey leapt back.
“What the hell!” Clark charged forward. “Don’t touch her!”
Bailey kicked out and knocked the knife from his hands. The man raced off into the shadows.
“What the hell was that about?” Clark said.
“I-I don’t know.”
“Come on, we need to tell someone there’s a madman out here.”
Shaken, Bailey found Fin, and told him. He called the police.
“Are you all right? Fin just told me what happened.” Joe arrived at her side minutes later, while she collected more glasses. He held her, hauling her close with everyone watching on. “What the hell were you thinking, kicking that knife from the lunatic’s hands?”
“I don’t know, it just happened.”
“Well don’t let it happen again. Jesus, you start finding yourself and then suddenly you’re doing crazy shit like speaking to a room full of people and taking on crazy knife-wielding men. It’s enough to make me gray.”
She laughed.
“Oh, so it’s funny, is it?” He cupped her cheeks.
“Laughing stops the panic.”
His eyes sobered. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, Bailey Jones. I want you to sit at the bar and not move. I need you to be safe.”
“I’m okay, Joe. It was scary, but it’s okay now. The man was obviously high or drunk.”
He was about to say something, but stopped, his gaze now focused over her shoulder.
“Officer Martin has just arrived, so you go on and take him to my office, and make your statement.”
“Okay, but Clark needs to come too.”
“Why?”
“We’re friends, Joe. Besides, he was there, and rushed in to stop the guy, so he needs to talk with the officer too.”
“Yeah?” His brows rose.
“He totally did.”
“He totally did,” he mimicked her. “You’re losing your prissy-girl edges, baby.” He kissed her softly. “Go. I’ll send a drink over when you come down.”
“Who is playing for sing-along night?”
“I’ll do it.” His relief made her laugh.
“You sure you’re up to it?”
“Yes, and playing helps me relax.”
“Strange, it makes me tense.” He kissed her again, right there in front of anyone watching. “Now go before I drag you into the nearest empty room.”
She spoke to the officer with Clark, telling him everything they knew, and then she went to the bathroom. Angie was in there.
“Hi.” Bailey gave the girl a smile, wondering what reception she’d get. Surely Angie had seen what had just happened between her and Joe.
“Hi, Bailey.”
Angie turned away from her.
“Good, thanks. Listen, Angie, about Joe—”
“It’s done, Bailey, I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Okay, sure,” Bailey said, feeling uncomfortable.
Angie brushed by Bailey and left. Seconds later, she followed and joined her friends.
“Hey there, Supergirl.”
“Hi, Piper.”
“What’s up? Don’t tell me you went at it with someone else tonight?”
Bailey shook her head. “No, I just saw Angie, and she wasn’t happy to run into me.”
“They were never serious, her and Joe. Plus, she was seeing someone else.
“Really?”
“Really, and I’m telling you the 100 percent truth, Bailey. Friends don’t lie to each other.”
Relief flooded through Bailey. “Thank you, Piper, I needed to hear that. I’m not sure what’s going on, or where this thing with Joe is heading, but I didn’t want that worry hanging over us.”
“Nothing to worry about there. And for what it’s worth, you and Joe were made for each other. I’ve never seen him with anyone like he is with you. You’re driving him crazy, it’s a wonderful thing to see.”
“Thanks... I think.” Bailey laughed. She then headed to the piano, and Joe joined her. Handing her a soda, he took over the microphone.
“So it’s sing-along night. Let’s have your requests, because Bailey has offered to play.”
This was greeted with a round of applause, and several whistles. Bailey laughed her way through several badly sung songs, and even sang herself. When Joe called it a night, she was exhausted, but happy... really happy, she realized.
