Page 90 of Fighting

“You have done no such thing,tisoy, so pause and recall what you’ve already learned. Who votes?”

“One member of each clan: Kelly, Morgan, and Hendrix.”

She arches a brow. “Which members?”

“Generally, Gran, Glenn because he doesn’t trust Grant’s judgment, and either Elizabeth or River.”

“Which of those people do you think will be swayed by the fancy things Jim highlighted?”

Arms on the table, she angles forward, mischief dancing in her eyes.

“What things would make the community better,tisoy?” Mom asks, taking a pen and paper from the kitchen table. She writesThe Cathleen Kelly Community Centeracross the top, then makes a checklist.

Item number one: a pool.

I start to call out items, and she writes them down for me: childcare, senior care, healthcare, prevention, cooking classes, a fitness center, mental health programs.

With a hum, she jots down my ideas, then looks up at me, her face soft.

Sneaking in to grab more breakfast, Stef looks at the paper over Mom’s shoulder.

“You know, Matty, one thing they focus on in education is the types of learners. There are at least four of them. Some people say eight.” Stef pauses. “The point is, you are really good with seeing people, really seeing people. Tomorrow is the final conversation with the committee. I’ll get her there. You got this.”

“Looks like you better get to work, then,” Mom says and drops the pen.

forty

Mateo

New Group text: Loch Ness Hunt

[Mateo Santos-Manolo, Stef Carter, Lee Carter, Christian Cleary, Delia Shane, Liam Kelly]

Mateo:

I’m recruiting you all to help me pull off something big for Nessa, can I count on you?

Delia:

WTAF is this group name?

Delia changed the group to: Matty Has it Baddy

Stef:

Liam:

I’m in, whatever you need. Christian too.

Mateo:

Thanks guys.

Delia:

You gotta include Lily.

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