Crush Me

Twenty Four

Leanne

What is it with Jo-Jo? Why can't she give up? This is so stupid. I'm not going to give in to it and hide anymore. I'm better than that. I'm going to cut these bangs back or let them grow out. There's got to be some way to deal with them and keep them out of my face.

Leanne picked up her fork and dug into the salad in front of her. The Russian dressing had exactly the right tang to complement the crunch, and the bitter of the endive brought the sweetness of the tomatoes and carrots. She stabbed a piece of cheese, and discovered the smoky flavor of Gouda, followed by the creaminess of Havarti and the sharpness of aged cheddar.

"Turn around, Leanne. You need to watch this," Ms. Hollingsworth whispered.

"Welcome to Atlanta East High School. I've been hosting this senior trip for the last twenty years. I grew up in Atlanta, and went to your school, so I'm alumni. My older boys were all students. In fact, I believe you'll find my oldest, Jonathon Maddison, on one of the state championship football trophies in your display."

There was a polite smattering of applause, until Sam spoke up, "We almost did it this year, sir. We're hoping to be better next year."

For the first time, Leanne saw respect all over Sam.

"I know. Well done. But I'm particularly interested in Jo-Jo Ames."

Leanne giggled.

This is going to be fun. She looks exactly like him. It's obvious who her father is now. I wonder if she's ever seen him before.

She watched Jo-Jo turn slowly to face the man standing framed in the doorway. Her jaw sagged.

"I am Jason Maddison. Years ago, when I was grieving the love of my life, my first wife, I came home to Atlanta and found a much younger woman who," he paused as if trying to find the correct words. "Who seemed to be a very sympathetic girl. Unfortunately, girl was the operative word here, and to my undying surprise, she announced she was pregnant, and she was moving into my house and taking over half my business."

"You can't be him. She said you were dead." Jo-Jo screamed the words.

"You're my little girl. The daughter I always wished for. I'm going to say this now, because I know the scandal has been buried because I paid for it. But there are older people, Mrs. Eckleberry is one, who know the story and it will be repeated now that I've found you."

"What, that you beat her? That you were drunk all the time? That you were cheating on your wife. And it was all my fault because you got her pregnant with me." Jo-Jo's face twisted and reddened as she spoke.

Jason walked toward his daughter. "You poor baby." He squatted down beside her chair so he could speak to her as he stared at her face. "Your mother was a top notch business management graduate from Georgia U. But she was a greedy minx. I caught her embezzling funds after I agreed she could take a position in our hotel management firm. To save you from being motherless while she was imprisoned, I made a deal.

"No, no, she said you would lie if you were still alive. You're supposed to be dead," Jo-Jo stuttered a bit as she spoke.

"The house you live in, and all the expenses are paid for by me. I was there when you were born. She told me she never wanted to see me again. I know she's managing a high end boutique now but blaming you for her problems wasn't part of the deal. You're all grown up now. I'm offering you a chance now that your mother isn't here. Do you want to stay with me? Stay here in France, learn the business from the ground up?"