Scandal (Dirty Laundry Book 2)

by Jackie Paxson

  Mr. Funk rolled his eyes dismissing Chrissy’s outburst.

  A mantra floated through her head. Must Not Throat Punch Principal. Must. Not. Throat. Punch. Principal. Her hands tingled from opening and closing her fists. Breathing became difficult.

  “I spoke to the little boy. He said nothing happened and that Mariah has been bullying him.”

  Mariah’s head snapped up. “I have not,” she shouted.

  “Mariah Benson, stop your lying.” Mr. Funk slapped his desk.

  Chrissy’s vision turned red. “Don’t talk to her like that again.”

  She didn’t recognize her own voice.

  “Excuse me but—”

  “You don’t get to say anything else to me or my child. If you dare to put this on her permanent record and fail to address this with that little boy, I will be hiring an attorney and suing the shit out of you and this podunk piece of shit school.”

  Chrissy stood to leave. Mr. Funk sputtered incoherently. She turned back to him and said, “If that boy lays one finger on my child again, I will call the cops and press charges. I don’t want another phone call about this from you or I will be having a chat with your wife regarding your late nights here with Ms. Baker, the librarian.” She looked at Mariah. “Let’s go, Mariah.”

  Without another word, Chrissy walked out of the principal’s office. The clacking of the typewriter set her teeth on edge. Losing what little sanity she had she yelled at the elderly secretary, “Use the damn computer!”

  “YEAH!” Mariah joined in the yell.

  After they left the office with a stunned secretary, Chrissy turned to Mariah who was smiling triumphantly. Chrissy’s hands shook with the left over anger. Kneeling down in front of her daughter, she said, “Don’t yell like that in school. Also, you keep defending yourself. You don’t have to let a boy do anything especially something like kissing you.”

  “Ok, mama. But, what if I wanted Bobby to kiss me? I just didn’t right then because he had stinky breath from the pizza he ate for lunch.”

  Chrissy closed her eyes. “Let’s hold off from kissing.”

  Mariah opened her mouth to protest.

  “At least until third grade, ok?”

  Mariah nodded and hugged her mom. “Thanks, Mama. Mr. Funk really is a pencil dick with stinky spunk.”

  “Where did you hear that?” Chrissy looked around noticing the Barbies were only a few feet away and looking at them with derision.

  “You said that in the office. It’s bad because it says stinky, right, mama?”

  Chrissy pursed her lips. “Maybe one day I will tell you what that means but right now you need to go to your classroom. I love you. Have a great day.”

  Pushing Mariah toward her classroom, she watched her little firebrand skip down the hallway.

  “You shouldn’t encourage her, Chrissy.”

  “Oh, bite my ass, Barbie.” She walked past the plastic trio.

  She looked shocked. “Who’s Barbie?” Barbie #2 asked.

  Whoops! She hadn’t meant for her nickname to slip out. Chrissy hurried out before any more questions could be asked. It was already a shitty day, and it was only 9 a.m.

  Chapter 2

  PTO Meeting from Hell

  “Tell me again what the hell that a-hole said,” Jeremiah snapped.

  Chrissy called Talia as soon as she’d left the school. She needed someone to calm her down. When she couldn’t reach her, she contacted the next best person, Jeremiah. However, she started to think he wasn’t really helping to calm her down but amping her up.

  “I just told you twice what happened.”

  “Yes, but I was hoping a third time would finally make sense. You need to get out of there, Chrissy.”

  “How? I can’t just get up and leave my parents to work the bed-and-breakfast by themselves. Where would I go if I left? What would I do?” Chrissy was pacing in front of her car parked in front of the B & B.

  “Ok. First, yes you could. I bet your parents are perfectly fine handling the small B & B. Second, you would come out here. I no longer have a roommate and have plenty of room for you and Mariah. Third, you would finish up that degree with a paid internship with the production company I work for.”

  Halting midstep she almost tripped over a loose piece of gravel. “This sounds like you have been planning this.”

  “Talia and I may have had a few conversations about it.”

  With a heavy sigh, she said, “It’s a nice thought but I just can’t. I’ve never wanted to live out in Hollywood. That was never my dream.”

  “Was living in your hometown running your parents B & B your dream?” he shot back.

  “No, but they have been here for me and Mariah. Not to mention my dad’s health hasn’t been that great. They want to move to Florida to retire. I can’t take that away from them when they have helped me so much.”

  Jeremiah exhaled into the phone. “Alright, sweetie. I need you to know that you have options. You are not stuck.”

  “I appreciate it, Jeremiah. I don’t think you want a single mom with a six-year-old cramping your bachelor lifestyle.” Chrissy smiled.

  “It would never hamper my lifestyle. Plus, I’m dying to have Mariah here so I can corrupt her even more than I’ve had the chance.”

  Chrissy laughed. “Alright. I gotta go. Talk to you later.”

  “Remember, you got this. Love you. Call me later.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Pressing the end button, Chrissy walked to her parents’ B & B. The Winkin, Blinkin and Nod was their pride and joy. They’d purchased it a little over six years ago. When they’d heard about Chrissy’s unexpected pregnancy, they wanted to do something that would ensure a future for both their daughter and granddaughter.

  Her father was a former carpenter, so he turned those skills toward the former plantation making it into a stunning salute to the old south with all the amenities for a great B & B. Chrissy’s mother managed it until Chrissy was able to. Since she took over both of her parents took a backseat and let her run the business how she saw fit. Her accomplishments were wrapped up in that former plantation. It wasn’t her dream, though. It was just her life.

  “Chrissy, are you ok?” Her mama stepped onto the porch.

  “I’m fine.” Chrissy felt her mother scrutinizing her.

  “Come and sit with me for a minute.” She walked to one of the rockers on the porch.

  Sitting next to her mama, the weight she’d been feeling finally crashed down upon her. Tears pooled in her eyes. She put her head in her hands and cried. Her mama rubbed her back letting her get it all out.

  “Alright now, tell me what is going on,” her mother finally said after a few minutes.

  Chrissy poured her heart out. Confusion and self-doubt filled her words. All of her worries were laid bare. When she was finished, she felt hollowed out like a pumpkin on Halloween.

  “Well, I think you know what you want to do.”

  “Did you listen to me?” Chrissy looked at her mom. She was staring out over the expansive lawn.

  “I did. This is not where you need to be, sweetheart. You need to find your place in the world. Your father and I have found ours here. We can handle everything.”

  “Are you kicking us out?” Panic overcame Chrissy.

  “Absolutely not. All I’m saying is if you need to go then I want you to go.” Her mom stood then walked back into the B & B leaving Chrissy alone with her confused thoughts.

  “Everyone please take your seats,” Cynthia Mack spoke loudly.

  Chrissy sat in the back. PTO meetings were the worst. Most of the other mothers looked down their noses at her. She was a working mom who was both mother and father to her rambunctious daughter. Unfortunately, the dads didn’t have the same opinion. They thought she was open to anything since she was a single mom.

  “Hey, there.” A deep voice got her attention.

  “Rex? What the hell are you doing at the elementary school PTO meeting?”

  �
��My department head asked me to come for her. They are doing some district wide initiative to promote more of the social sciences throughout all of the schools. Apparently, they are bringing it up tonight.”

  “Shhh!” One of the Barbies looked at her. “Oh! Hi, Rex.” She batted her eyes at him then glared at her.

  Rex ignored the Barbie. “What was that all about?”

  “They hate me here.” Chrissy shrugged.

  “Why? You’re great.”

  A snort escaped her. She tried to cover it up with a laugh but eyes focused on her, anyway.

  “Do you have something to share, Chrissy?” Cynthia called attention to her.

  “No, Cynthia.”

  “Could you please control yourself? Try to show some decorum. We all know your daughter could use a better example.” If looks could kill, Chrissy would have fallen over dead.

  Snickers and whispers had her grinding her teeth. Who were these people to judge her? With a deep breath she calmed and refocused on the meeting.

  “Sorry, Cynthia.” Chrissy mumbled.

  Cynthia grimaced then continued talking about an upcoming bake sale. Chrissy’s phone vibrated in her pocket. Retrieving it she saw the message and blushed.

  Unknown: When are you coming to Cali?

  Chrissy: Who is this?

  Smirking she put her phone away.

  Rex leaned toward her, whispering, “Who put that smirk on your face?”

  “No one,” she whispered back.

  “Come on.” Rex nudged her with his shoulder.

  Chrissy made a zipping motion with fingers across her lips. Rex crossed his arms leaning back in his seat. Her pocket vibrated three different times. The final vibration was heard by one of the parents behind her and they cleared their throat. She glimpsed up to see a school administrator lecturing about the benefits of each child bringing their own tissues for flu season. Pulling out the phone she swiped quickly.

  Unknown: You know who this is, baby.

  Unknown: I’m the one that you keep feeling in your dreams.

  A blush burned her face. She hid the screen and looked around before looking at the last message.

  Unknown: I’m that man that promises when you come to Califo,rnia I will have my head between your legs making you scream my name. Oh, Max! Yes, Max! You’re a God, Max!

  “Max?!” Rex said loudly enough to draw attention their way again.

  “Shh!!!” Chrissy said, shoving the phone back into her pocket. Unfortunately, she missed her pocket, and it crashed onto the floor. Any eyes that weren’t already on her were there now. When Chrissy attempted to retrieve the phone, she fell out of the chair causing an even bigger scene. Keeping her eyes on the floor she crawled back up on the seat.

  Rex was shaking beside her.

  “Shut it, Rex.” Chrissy said through gritted teeth.

  “Ms. Benson!” Cynthia was standing next to her chair.

  Taking a deep breath, Chrissy looked up at Cynthia. “Yes?”

  “Are you finished causing a scene? Some of us actually care about our child’s education. Not all of us had the luxury to drop out of school and laze about while our parents took care of us.”

  Chrissy looked at her fisted hands in her lap. Opening her mouth to retort she was cut off.

  “You know, maybe if you took things more seriously, you would be able to keep a man and your little hellion would have a father. She wouldn’t be running around with no rules or manners. What kind of example are you being? If you’re lucky, she will find a wealthy man to marry.”

  What the ever-loving hell was going on? Chrissy was holding onto her temper by a string. Who the fuck did she think she was?

  “Cynthia, I would quit while you’re ahead,” Chrissy said in a low menacing voice.

  Cynthia leaned into her personal space and said, “What are you going to do?”

  “Oh, shit.” Rex said under his breath.

  Nodding her head, Chrissy stood making sure that if she was going to make a scene, it was going to be a showstopper. “Ok, Cynthia. You want to sit there and judge people. Bully and pick on those who are different from you. Have you ever heard of people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones?”

  Crossing her arms, Cynthia took on a haughty look. Before she could open her mouth, Chrissy continued. “I guess that means you haven’t. Well, your little secret pill addiction is no real secret. We all know that you are raiding your mother’s medicine cabinet every Sunday. While you are doing that your husband is busy diddling the babysitter. If my intel is correct, and it always is, she is expecting in about six months. Congratulations by the way! What kind of mother are you letting your kids see, you fucked up on pills while they are calling the nanny mommy?”

  During Chrissy’s rant, Cynthia turned pale. The sound of gasps echoed through the quiet room. Turning to leave, Chrissy stopped then took one step into Cynthia’s personal space talking softly. “If you ever disparage my daughter again, I may just have to drop an anonymous letter to Kaitlyn Johnson regarding her son’s time as your pool boy.”

  A sputtering Cynthia backed away as if hit. Chrissy’s lips quirked up into an evil grin. Turning on her heel she left the cafeteria. As she moved further away from the PTO meeting a weight she’d been carrying floated away with each stride. Outside of the building, Chrissy looked up at the bright moon. It was then she realized the one question that had been floating through her head finally had an answer. What was keeping her in Grandin? The answer was as clear as the moon was bright.

  Nothing.

  Chapter 3

  Happiness Means Having Fresh Batteries

  “How was your stay, Mr. Sutter?” Chrissy asked as he signed his name on the invoice.

  “Wonderful as usual, Chrissy.” He bent to pick up his bags.

  “Let me get those for you.” Chrissy hurried around the counter picking up the elderly gentleman’s bags.

  “You are a sweetheart.” He patted her arm as they very slowly walked toward the doors. “I really wish you and my Joshua had ended up together.”

  “Joshua is a great guy, Mr. Sutter. However, I do think he is much better off with Aaron. They make a very handsome couple, not to mention their beautiful little boy.”

  “I know dear. I just want you to be happy.” They had finally made their way halfway to the door.

  Mr. Sutter was one of the monthly regulars at the Winkin, Blinkin and Nod. He had moved to Florida two years prior after losing his wife and son in a tragic car accident. They had been out getting groceries when a loose cow from one of the local farms found its way onto the road. When Donovan, Mr. Sutter’s son, swerved to miss the heifer their tire popped causing the car to crash into a tree. Mr. Sutter’s only family left was his grandson, Joshua, his husband Aaron and their little boy, Donovan, named for Joshua’s father.

  Ten minutes later, Chrissy was putting Mr. Sutter’s baggage into Joshua’s waiting car. Joshua attempted to help her but after she smacked him away the second time he laughed. With arms crossed, he leaned against the car watching her determinedly shove the bags into the trunk.

  “Is granddad still trying to fix us up?” Joshua asked.

  “Of course. It’s only because I’m one hell of a catch.” Chrissy winked closing the trunk.

  “Damn right you are!” Mr. Sutter said from the passenger side window. “If only I was twenty years younger and could afford those blue pills. I’d show you a thing or two.”

  Chrissy giggled.

  “Dear God!” Joshua said.

  “What? I would.”

  “I’m sure you would, Mr. Sutter. However, you should probably save those moves for all those ladies waiting for you to head back to Boca.”

  Running his hand through his thin, white hair he wiggled his eyebrows. “Those foxy ladies can’t get enough of me.”

  “On that note, we are leaving.” Joshua leaned over pecking her on the cheek. “Thanks for putting up with Casanova. He loves staying here, even if he has a room in our house.
”

  “Oh, pish! Come on, Joshua. I need to get back to my fan club.” Mr. Sutter’s smile fell away. “I wasn’t joking when I said I want to see you happy.”

  Chrissy squeezed his hand that rested on the rolled-down window. “Thank you, Mr. Sutter. Have a safe trip.” She looked at Joshua. “Bring that little Donovan over soon. I need some baby cuddles.”

  “Will do.” Joshua threw the car into drive then left a bit faster than was wise.

  Chrissy heard a “WooHoo” from the car as it picked up speed.

  “You told off Cynthia Mack?”

  Chrissy looked at Talia’s face on the phone. “Well, hello there, friend. I’m doing well. How are you?”

  “Blah, blah, blah. Spill! Rex told me all about TP meeting.”

  Heaving a giant sigh Chrissy sat on the end of her bed. “Rex has a big mouth. Also, we weren’t at a toilet paper meeting. It is called the PTO.”

  “Whatever!” Talia flicked her hair over her shoulder in her best valley girl impression. “Get to the gossip.”

  Chrissy laughed looking at her best friend’s face in her phone. Talia used to be a gossip writer for the magazine The Dirty Laundry. When she became the gossip, it threw her into a fake relationship with A-list star, Zee Jaxon, or how they knew him in high school as Zechariah Rogers. After a tumultuous start to their relationship, they were now happily engaged and living together in L.A. One of the best things that came out of their relationship was the rekindling of Chrissy and Talia’s friendship. She’d missed her since she’d gone to L.A.

  “I’m sure whatever Rex told you is pretty accurate.”

  A grimacing Talia tried to cross her arms while holding the phone but just pulled off showing Chrissy a close up of her boobs. Huffing she tried to prop the phone on something Chrissy couldn’t see but it just fell onto what appeared to be a table. “Dammit! These stupid phones and the seeing people while you talk. It sucks,” Talia exclaimed.