Page 87 of Taking the Pitch
I drive on auto pilot back to my apartment building. Realizing Judd’s just going to go straight to my apartment. I speed past my building and call Charlie.
The phone’s ring echoes through the car, setting me further on edge.
“Come on, pick up, pick up,” I mutter to myself as I turn my car toward Charlie’s.
“Hey, Millie. What’s up? Aren’t you supposed to be at the library?
“Charlie,” I croak, a sob following.
“Amelia, what’s wrong?”
“Judd, he, he.”
“He what? Oh my god, is he okay? Are you okay? Where are you, Millie?”
Sucking in a breath, I choke out another sob. “I’m, I’m c-c-coming o-o-over,” I manage to get out.
“Are you driving?”
“Y-yes, I’ll be a-at your p-p-place s-soon.”
“God, Millie. Be careful. I’m calling Hazel.”
I nod my head even though she can’t see me. The phone disconnects and I’m left with my racing thoughts in the silence of the car.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
judd
“FUCK!”I scream out as I watch Amelia’s car disappear down the street. This is not how I wanted Amelia to find out about my DUI. I grip the back of my hat and rip it off my head. Running my fingers through it and tugging at the ends. Rain beats down on me, soaking me instantly, but I can’t bring myself to care. A horn honks behind me and I realize I’m still standing in the middle of the road. “Fuck,” I mutter out again and jog back to the library.
When I walk back through the door, I notice a couple of the kids have arrived. Julie is talking to Irene while Gladys is getting the first few kids settled. Julie spots me and heads in my direction.
“Judd, I am so sorry. I didn’t know,” she starts, but I hold my hand up to stop her. I look around and motion for Julie to follow me to the office.
Once she’s through the door, I close it behind us. “What the fuck was all of that, Jules?” I hiss out. Grabbing an extra towel off the table, I start to rub it over my head and down my arms, trying to dry myself off a bit.
She shrinks back at the venom in my tone. “What do you mean? I was just asking the questions from my list.”
My fist curls around my hat that’s still in my hand, bending the brim. “My DUI has nothing to do with Amelia’s library program.”
Julie drops her eyes. “No, you’re right, it doesn’t.”
“Then why did you even bring it up?” I seethe.
“I, I guess after I saw how cozy and close you two were, I got jealous, and it just came out. But I swear I didn’t mean to hurt her. I thought she knew.”
I scrub a hand down my face. “Julie, we slept together once,yearsago. What you did out there was not only out of place, but it was also unprofessional.”
Julie swallows hard and nods. “I know, Judd. I’m sorry. So, so sorry. Please, what can I do to make this right?”
I shake my head. It’s not all Julie’s fault. I should have told Amelia about what happened, but I also didn’t know that’s what killed her parents. “Just go out there, interview some of the parents. Get all the information you need, pictures, whatever, and write the best damn article you’ve ever written.”
She nods. “Of course. Despite what you may think of me now, I do think this program is a benefit to the community and I’ll do everything I can to see it gets traction and funding to expand.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
She moves back to the door and pauses. “I truly am sorry, Judd. I hope I didn’t ruin things between you and Amelia. You really are a great guy and I wish you nothing but the best.”
