“You gave that amazing talk at the high school two weeks ago. My daughter is a senior there and was so touched by your words.”
I let out the breath I had been holding in and smiled. “Well, I’m so glad she was moved by what I had to say. It’s a subject very close to my heart and I’m very passionate it about it.”
“I think that’s amazing. There are a few moms who set up a little group after . . . well . . . after um.”
“Mitchell’s suicide?”
Her face dropped some as she tried to smile. “Yes. Anyway, we have a meeting coming up in a few days and I would be honored if you joined us. Your experience and knowledge on this subject would really help us to make more of an effort in the schools to stop bullying.”
Feeling a sense of pride that I was doing something Mitchell had asked me to do, I nodded enthusiastically. “I’d love to!”
“Do you have a cell number or email I can send you the meeting details?”
“Oh of course, yes.” I searched through my purse for my business card and handed it to her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Susan Powell.”
As I reached my hand out to shake hers, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I quickly looked around for Joshua, but saw nothing. “Um, it was a pleasure meeting you, Susan. Tell your daughter—”
“Kate.”
“Tell your daughter Kate I hope to get to meet her again.”
Susan took my card and put it in her purse. “Will do. Have to run now though, I’m late for a nail appointment.”
Susan took off across the street as I watched her walk off. Melissa walked up to me with a perplexed look on her face. “Who was that?”
My stomach was still feeling upset, but the walk and fresh air had helped. I rolled my neck around trying to shake off the nausea. “Just a mom from the high school I spoke at a few weeks ago. Her daughter told her about my visit.”
My neck had gotten so stiff as I rubbed the back of it with my hand. “You ready to go in?”
Melissa looked over her shoulder at Susan as she made her way down the street. “She must have had kids late in life, she looked a little old to have a high school kid.”
I watched as Susan bounced away. “I didn’t think she was that old. Maybe this is her last kid in school or something.”
“Maybe,” Melissa said with a concerned look. “What was her name?”
I opened the door to Derby’s and said, “Susan Powell. Her daughter’s name was Kate. She invited me to a meeting a bunch of moms are putting together in an effort to stop bullying in school.”
That made Melissa light up. “Really? That’s awesome. Maybe I can come along as well.”
The hostess grinned as we approached her. “Welcome to Derby’s. Just the two of you?”
“Yep!” I said as I turned to Melissa. “I think that would be great if you came. With your knowledge and connections in the community, you would be a great asset to them.”
Melissa pulled out her chair and tossed the small bag onto the table as she thanked the hostess. “Onto other subjects now.”
I rolled my eyes as I took the menu and looked it over. The only reason I was pretending to read it was so that I didn’t have to look at Melissa. “You know damn well what you’re getting to eat so stop avoiding eye contact with me.”
My mouth dropped open as I lowered the menu. I gave Melissa a I don’t know what you’re talking about look.
Widening my eyes, I leaned over and stared at her. “There. Happy?”
Scrunching her nose, Melissa said, “I bought you something!”
I lifted an eyebrow. “Really? What?”
She pushed the bag over to me and said, “Open it.”