Free Rooster by Don Trembath Page B

desperate for peace and quiet but knew he was not going to find it anytime soon.
    â€œWell, well,” Mrs. Helmsley said as he walked in.
    â€œMorning,” he said, shielding his eyes. Behind her was an entire wall of wide-open windows, through which the glorious morning sun was shining brightly.
    â€œWhat’s the matter with you?”
    â€œI have a headache.”
    â€œFrom what?”
    â€œI stayed up late planning a pizza party for my new friends.”
    â€œVery funny. Have a seat. I got all the goods from Pam Yuler last night. She was not impressed with your behavior at the interview. She said you swore. You were late. You asked for at least two cigarette breaks.”
    â€œI got the job, didn’t I? Isn’t that what I went there for?”
    â€œYou got the job because those people are driving everyone else at Common House crazy.”
    â€œNo way.”
    â€œBut Mrs. Yuler’s not very confident in your ability to do anything good with them. The word she used to describe you was ‘underwhelming.’ Do you know what that means?”
    â€œIs that even a word?”
    â€œIt’s the opposite of overwhelming. It means that rather than leaving her in awe of your abilities, you left her wondering what she’d just gotten herself into, and whether or not it’s going to lead to a bigger mess than the one she’s already anticipating.”
    â€œI can fix that in a second if that’s her biggest problem.”
    â€œYou cannot,” said Mrs. Helmsley, pointing a rigid finger at him. “And you will not. You have less say on this project than anyone.”
    â€œYeah, why is that anyway?”
    Mrs. Helmsley ignored the question. “I’ve arranged to give you some support. She’ll be here any minute.”
    â€œSupport?”
    â€œYes. Someone to help you get started and lead you along until you figure out what you’re supposed to be doing.”
    â€œI don’t need support. Last night Mrs. Nixon told me I’m the only one in the school who could do the job.”
    â€œShe did, did she?”
    â€œYes, she did. And she was serious.”
    â€œWell, that’s not the impression you left with Mrs. Yuler.”
    â€œSo Mrs. Nixon’s out and Mrs. Yuler’s in?”
    â€œMrs. Yuler asked if there was someone available who could help you. I said I’d have a look around. Lo and behold, I found someone. You are not going to be allowed to slough this off, Rooster. The proud name of our school has been attached to this project. I’m sure the local newspaper will be involved at some point.”
    Rooster shook his aching head. “Did you say ‘She,’ at least?”
    â€œYes. It’s a she.”
    â€œDo I know her?”
    â€œYou most certainly do.”
    Rooster smiled. “Is she cute?”
    â€œI’ve always thought so.”
    Rooster began to think about who it might be. Logic said Jolene would be the best choice since she was someone he obviously got along with, but she still did not know anything about the project. Was it possible that Mrs. Helmsley had called her in first thing this morning to discuss it with her?
    â€œIs it Jolene?” he said, hopefully.
    â€œNot on your life. I’m amazed her parents still let you go out with that girl.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œYou’re a bad influence, that’s why.”
    â€œHer marks have gotten better since we started going out.”
    â€œNo thanks to you. It’s a credit to her they’ve gotten better. If she were my daughter, I’d have grabbed you by the scruff of the neck and thrown you out months ago.”
    â€œWell, that’s something you’ll never have to worry about.”
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œWould you tell me who it is, please? I hate surprises.”
    â€œNo. She’ll be here in a minute.”
    Rooster slumped back in his chair and briefly covered his eyes.