Sara paused for a moment, studying the other girls in her group, before saying, “I have a kid. My daughter will be a year old soon and her father isn’t in our lives anymore. I’m lucky enough to have a supportive family who watches her when I’m at school and work. So I know what responsibility is. I juggle school, a part-time job, and parenting, and know that being Miss Teen Shady Palms is more than a title and shiny tiara.”
She straightened up, ignoring the whispers of two of the fellow contestants in her group. “But I want to go to college. I want to show my little girl that I have what it takes to be a success, and that being a teen mom doesn’t ruin your life. People always say they don’t have time, but they just mean they won’t make the time. I know how to make time for what’s really important. And I know being Miss Teen Shady Palms is an important platform, both for me and my community. I would never waste this chance.”
I wanted to stand and applaud, and I could see the warmth and approval radiating off Sana as well. Beth, however, was unmoved until the girl added, “On top of that, I’m super organized. If I could show you my phone, you’d see that my calendar is color-coded and has alarms and notifications and stuff so I don’t forget anything.”
Beth grinned, this concrete piece of information finally winning her over. “You should also invest in a physical planner. I love my online calendar and scheduling system, but if something went wrong or the Internet was down, then where would I be? Technology is fickle. Always have backup plans. Also,” her eyes cut to the two girls who’d been whispering about Sara, “don’t waste time worrying about what others think or say about you. You’re clearly intelligent and driven. Haters are insignificant and whether you win here or make your own way, your success will show them how little they matter.”
Sara’s eyes widened before she let out a joyful laugh. “Thank you, Mrs. Thompson. I’ll make sure to write that down as my inspirational quote once I get a planner.”
When it was time to question the gossipy girls, Beth was ruthless and their answers proved to be as thoughtless as they were. The rest of the interviews ebbed and flowed, some just as fascinating as Sara’s, others as inane as Beth said they’d be. I swelled with pride when it was Joy’s group’s turn and she managed to hold her own against Beth.
Beth lobbed what should’ve been a softball question to the group—What do you want to study in college and why?—until I realized how many of them just didn’t know. They’d obviously prepared for the question, but weren’t able to explain why they’d chosen those majors other than “It sounds like fun!” and “I don’t know, it makes a lot of money.” When Beth pressed them to elaborate, one of them actually burst into tears.
Joy, however, looked as if she’d been waiting her whole life for someone to ask her that. “I want to study civil engineering in Chicago. People don’t realize this, but designing and building a city’s infrastructure is so important for the safety and quality of life of its citizens. Chicago is an amazing city with some of the best architecture, but there’s so much work that needs to be done on a systematic level. Or is it systemic? Anyway. You know what I mean, right?”
That sincerity. That passion. That belief that she could actually make a difference. I’d forgotten how strongly I had felt everything as a teenager, but Joy was bringing it back in full force.
Beth leaned forward. “So you plan on moving to Chicago? Then how would your winning the scholarship benefit the people of Shady Palms?”
Joy started chewing on her lower lip, but a raised eyebrow from Beth made her stop. “Civil engineers go where their work is needed. Chicago is my goal because it’s the biggest challenge, and could really use this kind of change. But Shady Palms isn’t perfect. I mean, it was here that I noticed which areas get the benefits of the town’s services. Working in Chicago is my dream, but Shady Palms is my home. I want to make Shady Palms the safest and most equal place possible.”
“By overseeing construction projects?” Beth didn’t bother to keep the mocking tone out of her voice, which made the other girls in the group snicker, but it didn’t seem to affect Joy.
Her earnestness shone through as she said, “You work for the Thompsons and are a member of their family. You know that construction projects are political—both in who gets them and which areas benefit from them.”
Beth reared back, but rather than look offended, her eyes gleamed in satisfaction at Joy’s response. Her only comment was, “So you’re not as naive as you seem. Sana, time for the next question.”
Just over two and a half hours later, the final group was gone and Beth, Sana, and I were done.
“Lord, I need a drink,” Beth said as she stood and stretched, the perfectly tailored blazer she wore over her dress rising and falling back into place with her movements.
I checked the time on my phone. “Why don’t we grab some food at my aunt’s restaurant and drinks at the Brew-ha Cafe? It’s not on the menu yet, but we do have a liquor license and a limited selection.”
“The Brew-ha Cafe? Now, why does that sound familiar?” Beth tapped her chin a few times, apparently forgetting she’d enjoyed our food and drinks so much a few hours ago that she’d offered to help us with marketing. Guess I knew where I stood as a priority. “Oh, it’s right by Jae’s clinic, isn’t it?”
“You know Jae?” When Jae mentioned her earlier, I’d gotten the feeling there was more to their friendship than he was letting on. Her response confirmed my suspicion.
“Oh, I know him very well. I have another appointment, so I’ll have to take a rain check for drinks at your place, but only if you invite him, too.” Beth draped a silk scarf over her hair and wrapped the ends around her neck before picking up her large Birkin bag and heading toward the door.
She paused at the doorway, hand trailing down the wooden trim. “Oh, by the way. Next time you see him, let him know he left his tie at my place.”
A tiny smile quirked at the edge of her lips and she walked away, knowing full well the impact of her words on me.
Chapter Eleven
I have to say, Lila, when you invited me over for dinner, this isn’t quite what I had in mind.”
Jae stood in the doorway, clutching a bunch of my beloved lilacs as he eyed all the action going on behind me. He’d taken care with his appearance, dressed in a baby blue Henley and fitted shorts, with his medium-length dark brown hair tousled just so to take advantage of the messy texture. The light, clean scent of his aftershave mingled pleasantly with the lilacs as I leaned forward to give him a hug and accept the bouquet.
I glanced over my shoulder at the Calendar Crew peeling and cutting up fruit at the dining room table with Detective Park and Amir while Bernadette and Joy set out the plates and utensils. My aunt and grandmother wandered in and out from the kitchen, laying out dish after dish as if they were feeding a crowd of thirty instead of ten.