Page 95 of What You Wish For

“Nothing is ever easy with Duncan,” I said.

“Now it’s time for me to share a little secret,” Babette said.

“Okay,” Alice and I said, leaning in.

“After Max died,” Babette said, “the board asked me to take over.”

Alice and I looked at each other.

Babette went on, “But I refused.”

“I knew it,” I whispered.

“Actually,” Babette said. “They didn’t just ask. ‘Begged’ would be a better word.”

“But you were too overwhelmed by grief to take it on?” Alice asked.

Babette nodded.

“So you let them hire Duncan,” I said, nodding.

“Honestly, right then, I was too numb to care who they hired.”

“I get it,” I said.

Babette pulled her reading glasses down her nose. “But that doesn’t change who I am. Max and I built this school. And nothing happens here without my say-so.”

“Are you saying things aren’t as bleak as they seem?”

Babette gave me a smile.

“Are you saying Kent Buckley is not the final word on everything?”

Her smile got bigger.

I smacked my hand on the table. “I knew Max wouldn’t have left us with that dude in charge,” I said.

“Here’s what I need you to know,” Babette said. “I could have both of them fired tomorrow.”

“You could?” Alice asked.

“But I’m not going to.”

“You’re not?” I asked.

Babette shook her head.

“Why not?” Alice asked.

Babette glanced up at the heavens. “Because Kent Buckley is married to my daughter, and so that could make things awkward. And because you like Duncan. And I like Duncan, actually. And I think he’s got potential. And he needs our help.”

“So if there’s a way to fix things amicably, that’s what you prefer?” Alice asked.

“Exactly,” Babette said.

I nodded. I got it.

“And frankly,” Babette added, “I wouldn’t mind a project. Something to redeem this whole, inexcusable year.”

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