Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Five million dollars?
“I must say, I’m impressed with the man. That he donated more than half of his recent inheritance to various child service agencies across the country is commendable, but giving such a substantial amount to this center? It’s unbelievably generous.”
“I can’t believe he did this,” I murmur. Then I realize something. “But…Gloria, Ben’s donation means that the reporters won’t be going away for a while.”
Her face softens, remorse reflecting in her gaze. “Maggie, I may have overreacted during our last meeting. My biggest concern at the time was what the attention would do to the center, not to mention how the parents would feel.” She shakes her head in amusement. “Turns out most of them are thrilled by the free publicity.”
“They are?”
Gloria nods whole-heartedly. “Many of them feel this will be good for the community, maybe spur the city counselors to take notice of what’s happening outside their offices. And now, thanks to Mr. Barrett’s generosity, we’ll be able to bring about a lot of changes.” She leans forward on her elbows, her expression growing excited. “This money will allow us to completely renovate the center. We’re planning on building a new playground and an on-site tutoring center for kids with learning problems.”
“What about the women who come here to escape abusive situations? How will they feel about the attention?”
“That’s the best part. We’re going to use a portion of the money to build a women’s shelter, in a separate location. More space, more counselors, it’ll be wonderful.”
I’m speechless. Considering my last meeting with Gloria, I hadn’t expected her to be so pleased about the turn of events. “So you’re okay with the media hanging around?” I ask warily.
“I don’t have much of a choice,” she replies with a dry smile. “With a donation this size, it’s expected. Besides, it really is good publicity, which is something I failed to consider when we spoke last time.”
I sigh softly. “Well, I’m glad something good came out of all this.”
“Something terrific, you mean,” Gloria corrects. “And I forgot to mention—we’re going to offer after-school workshops for the kids. Drama, music, art. In fact, we just hired someone. He’ll be working with the kids all summer.”
“That’s wonderful.”
She rises from her chair. “I’d like you to meet him.”
“You would?”
Catching my mystified expression, she offers a slight smile. “Humor me, will you?”
“Sure.” I stand up and follow Gloria out of the small office toward the main corridor. Most of the rooms in the Broger Center are miniscule, but we do have a large indoor gymnasium the kids use during the winter and on rainy days. Gloria leads me in the direction of the gym, and we pause in front of the splintered double doors.
“Also, I’d like to speak to you afterward about that permanent position,” she says casually.
My heart soars. “Really?”
She smiles. “You’re going to be a fantastic addition and a huge asset to these kids, Maggie.”
I expect Gloria to enter the gym first, but the woman simply opens the door and gestures for me to go in. “You’re not coming?” I say in surprise.
“Nah.” Gloria gives a quick shrug. “I already got his autograph.”
His autograph?
“Wait—who exactly am I meeting?” I ask.
“The new drama teacher,” she chirps before strolling away.
Baffled, I walk into the gym—and stop in my tracks when I lay eyes on Ben.
“Hey, Red,” he calls, his deep voice bouncing off the gymnasium walls.
I gulp. God, he looks good. He’s clad in a pair of faded blue jeans, a snug black T-shirt, and combat boots. He’s shaved since the last time I saw him, but his chiseled face still possesses its usual bad-boy sexiness, and his perfectly shaped lips look so damn kissable I shiver.
“What are you doing here?” I squeak.
He crosses the waxed floor with lazy strides, and each step he takes quickens my pulse. When he’s finally standing in front of me, my heart is thudding against my ribs and pounding in my ears.
“I’m going to be teaching a free acting workshop here for the summer,” he replies with a charming smile.
I stare at him. “Why?”
He shrugs. “Because I have the summer off. I figured it would be fun.”
“I mean, why here?” I stammer. “I’m sure thousands of people would pay big bucks for an acting class with you.”
“Haven’t you learned by now that I don’t care about money?”
I don’t even know how to respond. A hundred questions bite at my tongue, but I force myself not to ask them. Quizzing Ben about his donation or his presence here doesn’t matter right now. Not when we have more important things to say. Not when I have something important to say.
“I’m sorry I asked you to leave,” I blurt out.
“You had every right to.” He reaches out and strokes my cheek with the pad of his thumb.
I hold my breath, waiting for him to pull me toward him, anticipating his kiss. But it doesn’t come. Instead, his features crease with remorse and his hand drops to his side.