Breath of Scandal
them at school because of the incident at the Dairy Barn, had made them irritable and short-tempered with each other.

    They needed a distraction. Perhaps if the weather was warm this weekend, they could have a cookout on the beach, or go for a long drive, something that would relax them and put things back into perspective.

    She was still mulling it over when the bell over the entrance jangled. Jade looked up from her studies to see Donna Dee barreling through the door. Her cheeks were flushed and her chest was heaving as she gasped for air.

    30

    Sandra Brown

    Jade jumped to her feet, and her chemistry book fell to the floor with a loud thud. "What in the world is the matter?"

    Donna   Dee fanned her hands in front of her face and drew several deep breaths. "I just came from school. Mr. Patterson asked if I'd stay and do some filing for him." "And?"

    "You got it. Your scholarship."

    Jade's heart went straight to her throat. She didn't dare trust her ears, so she repeated, "I got it? A scholarship?" Donna Dee bobbed her head quickly. "To South Carolina State. "

    "How do you know? Are you sure?"

    "I saw the letter lying on Mr. Patterson's desk. It looked very official, you know, with gold seals and scrolls and stuff. I saw your name on it and kind of accidentally on purpose knocked it to the floor as I was reaching for a folder I was supposed to-"

    "Donna Dee!"

    "Okay. Anyway, I read the letter. The dean or someone was congratulating our principal on producing two such fine students at Palmetto High School."

    Jade's eyes widened. "Two?"

    Donna Dee spread her arms out to her sides and squealed, "Gary got one, too."

    They both started squealing then. Clasping arms, they hopped up and down until the glass jars of jelly beans on the counter began to rattle.

    "Oh, Lord. Oh, I can't      believe it! How much? Did it say how much?"

    "It said 'full scholastic scholarships.' Doesn't that mean everything?"

    "I don't know. I hope so. Oh, but I'm so grateful for whatever it is," Jade said breathlessly. "I've got to tell Gary. Was he still at school? Did you see him on the track?" The track team was preparing for its season by working out every day after school.

    "No. I told Mr. Patterson I felt sick and had to leave. I

    Breath of Scandai

    31

    ran to the stadium and looked for Gary. I was going to get him to come with me and tell you together."

    "Maybe he was in the locker room."

    Donna Dee shook her head. "I asked. Marvie Hibbs said he'd seen him leave."

    Jade consulted the pendulum clock mounted on the wall. It was surrounded by cuckoo clocks, all about to strike fivethirty. "Sometimes Mr. Jones comes back before six. I'm sure he'll let me leave a few minutes early today."

    "What for?"

    "To go tell Gary."

    :'Why don't you just call?"

    'I want to tell him in person. Will you drive me out to Gary's house? Please, Donna Dee?"

    "He might already know," Donna Dee said. "I'm sure the dean sent letters to you, too. You've probably got one waiting for you at home."

    "That's true. But the Parkers are on a rural postal route. Sometimes they get mail a day later. Besides, I've got to see him. Today. Now. Please, Donna Dee."

    "Okay. But what about your mom? What'll happen when she shows up here to pick you up?"

    "Mr. Jones will tell her where I went."

    "She'll be pissed if you talk to Gary before you tell her." "Then she'll just have to be pissed. He's got to be the first to know."

    The elderly Mr. Jones didn't know what to make of it when he entered his store a few minutes later and Jade Sperry came flying at him with arms outstretched. She hugged him tight and kissed his wrinkled cheek.

    "Mr. Jones, something very important has come up. I know it's early, but would you let me leave now? I'll make up the time another night. Please?" She spoke rapidly, the words running together.

    "Well, seeing that you're about to bust, I reckon so." "Thank you! Thank you!"

    She kissed his cheek again and ducked into the back

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