Read Online Saving Gracie by Terry Lee - Free Book Online Page B

“Well, you see my mother recently died, and I’d love to help, but this really isn’t a good time. My kids will be home all summer.” Lie. “And I’m sure—”
    “I see,” Ice-woman interrupted. “Should I remove your name from our list?”
    “No!” Grace iron-gripped the phone. “Any other time I’d be more than willing to help,” she explained, hoping for a sympathy vote.
    “Thank you for your time, Mrs. Brookfield,” Emily Lyons responded. “Please keep in mind the department is always looking for those truly interested in assisting our auditory-impaired children. Perhaps you would prefer giving us a call when you’re available.” No sympathy vote, and another cheap shot.
    “Yes, I’ll do that.”
    “My number is 281-555-4636, extension 2424.”
    Grace scribbled the number on a napkin.
    “Good-bye, Mrs. Brookfield.” Click.
    “Bitch.” Guilt and anger wrestled in Grace’s insides for first place.
    “You tell her, bad girl,” #2 said.
    “Mmph,” Grace growled, ignoring the smart-ass in her head. She slammed the phone on the counter and glanced at the clock. Ten to five.
    It’s five o’clock somewhere , Jimmy Buffett sang in her head. What’s up with songs today?
    “Bitch,” she repeated, unable to decide who deserved the insult more, the Lyons woman or #2. She wadded the napkin, tossed it into the trash and reached for a stemmed glass. Wine, pizza and heartburn—another day in paradise. Damn.
    ~~~
    Later that evening after Hannah and Josh relocated to the family room, Grace and Adam sat at the kitchen table, now covered with pizza crust, cheese bread, and Buffalo wings.
    “You won’t believe the call I got.” Grace launched into the crazy Ellen Lyons conversation. When finished, she waited expectantly for Adam’s two cents on the insane idea.
    Adam chewed on his last slice of pizza. Silence.
    “Well? It’s ridiculous, right?”
    Adam took a sip of red wine and shrugged. “What’s so crazy about it?”
    “You’re kidding.”
    “Gracie, you’ve got to start somewhere.”
    She raised her eyes to meet his. Her mother called her Gracie, not Adam.
    “I know it’ll be hard,” he continued, “but at least it’s something. Maybe it’d be good to start out volunteering.” Adam used a napkin to wipe his mouth. “You’ve always wanted to do something with Deaf Ed. Maybe this is your opportunity.”
    Typical Adam, planting the seed. She knew he’d wait to see if she’d add the water. If she ever cursed Adam, she’d do it now. “So…you think I should?”
    “I think it’d do you good to get out of the house.”
    Okay, Grace wondered, who squealed about my super-secret-under-the-covers lifestyle? Janie or #2? #2, she decided.
    “It’ll probably make you feel better,” he said. “Might even help you sleep.”
    Straight for the kill. Ouch. Grace hesitated, her eyes narrowing. “Okay…I’ll try it.” Her hands half curled into fists and then straightened out. “But if this doesn’t work, I’m totally blaming you,” she teased. Seriously, she would.
    “Fair enough.”
    “I probably won’t be any good, but I guess I’ll try,” Grace whined, wondering why she found pleasure in playing Eeyore. Pathetic.
    ~~~
    The next morning, Grace dug through Pizza Hut remains in the kitchen trashcan, trying to find the woman’s phone number.
    “It’s got to be in here somewhere,” Grace panted, finally surfacing with the wadded napkin. She dialed the number, relieved to speak with Ms. Lyons’s secretary. Grace relayed her email address and was informed an orientation would be held at the school a week from Saturday.
    She hung up the phone, “Well, that’s done,” she said, already dreading the orientation. Her bed would miss her terribly. Damn Adam for being right…again. Her mom would surely have sided with him on this one. She needed to start somewhere . But I might not like it? And then, feeling like a pimple-faced teen, or what if the kids don’t like me?
    “Oh