When Holly returned from her visit with Sinclair, she still seemed a bit unsettled, but she didn’t push me away when I kissed her. So maybe she was coming around. Even so, I treaded lightly. I didn’t assume anything. She went to bed before me, and because I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to share with her now, I slept on the blow up mattress. I woke before her the next morning, and she didn’t mention anything about it when she came in for her coffee, so I just left it alone. For now.
We’d developed a new normal for the next few days. We were closer than we were before, but not as close as I’d like. Many times, I wanted to kiss her or tell her how much I thought of her, but held back in fear that it would spook her.
At school, we retained our professional, friendly relationship, so everything was normal there. On Tuesday evening was the Parent-Teacher Association meeting, which Holly was an active member of. I wasn’t surprised. She had her hands in a multitude of pots, all them related to improving the lives of children in Salvation. It was a shame she didn’t have children of her own, because she’d be a tremendous mother.
I sat with other teachers as Holly made her teacher’s report, following up on the success of the 4-H program and her efforts with the library, leaving out the part where she was pretending to be married to me to get a donation from Mrs. Reynolds.
She finished answering questions about the library, and then moved on to her next item. “With the mayoral election coming up, the PTA once again is offering the candidates the opportunity to present their platforms to us. We need to arrange a date with them. Normally we do them at the same time to make sure it is fair.”
They all voted to invite the candidates to the next meeting.
The meeting was about to wind down when a gentleman raised his hand and stood. “Before you move on, I’d like a chance to speak with the group.”
Holly’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Stark. You’re not on the agenda.”
“Surely you have a section for new business.”
Her jaw clenched. “What is this regarding?”
“I have some questions and ideas I think could help. I’d like to present them before the mayoral debate.”
“It’s not a debate, Mr. Stark.” She looked to the PTA president, who gave a curt nod. “But, of course, you can speak to the group.”
Holly left the podium and Stark, who I only knew by reputation, a bad one at that, took her place. He was slick looking, like he was from a big city, which made him look a bit out of place in rural Nebraska. He was young, mid-thirties maybe, and handsome albeit smarmy.
“Thank you, Madam President.” He acknowledged the PTA president but not Holly. Already I didn’t like him.
“I know I’m a newcomer to Salvation and I have no children, but I’ve paid attention to what’s going on and I have to say I have some concerns. For example, in a state known for agriculture, why isn’t the 4-H program more robust? Especially since the people of this town are entrenched in farming, and are resistant to progress in business and trade.”
There were murmurs in the room.
“What’s that about?” I whispered to Becky, sitting next to me.
“He tried to buy up land to build a prison but the farmers, led by the deputy mayor, were able to block him,” she said.
“Now, I’m sure Ms. St. James does a wonderful job with it, but she can’t do everything. She’s now building you a library. Why isn’t the city or state funding that? The people of Salvation want to rely on Ms. St. James and the pocketbooks of the few wealthy in the area, none of whom have children in the schools, to fund education that even the city and state don’t deem worthy.”
“Mr. Stark!” Holly jumped up. “Since you do not have children, you’re in no place to provide feedback. And if you have a question of funding, perhaps you should go to the school board.”
He gave a smile that was sickenly condescending. “It just seems to me that the PTA should consider how little the city and state have contributed, especially with the mayoral election coming. Mrs. Jones will provide you more of the same, but I for one, don’t want to have a bake sale or rely on a single dedicated teacher who can’t keep her own life together to insure the future of Salvation’s children.”
What the fuck!
“What are you talking about?” Holly said incensed.
“Well, it’s well known that your fiancé left you. If you can’t manage your home life, why should we trust you with school improvements?”
I started to stand, but Becky gripped my arm. “Don’t become a target.”
“You’ve made your point,” the PTA President stood and made her way to the podium.
Mr. Stark nodded. “I hope I have.” He didn’t return to the audience and instead left the building. Pissed beyond belief, I followed him out. I was an easy-going person. I’d never been in a fist fight. I can’t even remember wanting to punch someone o
nce I got out of elementary school. But I wanted to punch Stark in the throat.
I caught up with him on the steps of the school.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I demanded.