Necessary Decisions, A Gino Cataldi Mystery Read Free

She grabbed a dishtowel and tossed it to Jada. “You dry. I’ll wash.”
    Jada dried a few dishes, setting them on the counter. “What about Mars? Is he still going to jiu-jitsu?” She tried taking the anger from her voice.
    Her mother’s glare made Jada feel ashamed. “His classes have been paid for since the beginning of the year. And we don’t get refunds for canceling.” She washed the pan they’d cooked asparagus in and handed it to Jada. “Believe me, if we could get a refund, we would.”
    “How come I get shafted? You knew the prom was coming up.”
    Her mother turned off the water, set down the washcloth, and stared at her. Glared was more like it. Again. “Yes, I knew the prom was coming up, but I did not know that your father’s boss would cut his hours in half, or that he wouldn’t be able to find more work.” She looked ready to cry, but held it back. “And I did not know that every damn thing we need to live would go up in price. If I had known, maybe I would have found time to save money for your precious prom.”
    Jada cringed and looked away. She ran the towel across the bottom of the pan and wiped the inside. “I’m so sick of seeing dog hairs. I can’t wait till Scooter goes.”
    Her mother turned on her with fire in her eyes. “I know you don’t mean that. Tell me it was one of those stupid, stupid things that come out of a young girl’s mouth.”
    “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to upset you.” She leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I love you.” When her mother didn’t say anything, Jada repeated it. “I really am sorry. And I really do love you.”
    Her mother stared at her for a moment then nodded. “All right. And about that prom, don’t give up yet. We may find a way. I can still sew a mean dress.”
    “It’s okay. I don’t need to go.”
    “What, and let poor what’s-his-name take a lesser girl to the prom?” They both laughed. Her mom wrung out the dishcloth and wiped the table. “He’d never forgive me.”
    “You’re the best, Mom. And by the way, his name’s Jason.”
    “You mean I’m the best mom if I figure out how to get you a dress?”
    “Either way, but that would make you the bomb.”
    She laughed. “I don’t know if I want to be the ‘bomb,’ but thanks.”
    “Did you go to prom with Dad?”
    Another laugh. “No. I went with Roger Mattens. At the time, I was certain I was going to marry him.”
    “But?”
    “But I met your father.” She sat in a chair and stared at a wall filled with pictures of pigs—a baker, a chef, a butler. More pig ornaments dotted the shelf hanging on the side wall. “I met him at prom. All night I pestered Roger to dance. And all night I watched your father tear up that dance floor.” She sighed. “He must have noticed me watching him. At the first chance, he asked me to join him. I looked over at Roger. He shrugged, so I went with your father.” She laughed. “We danced the rest of the night together. He took me home afterward.”
    “I bet you stopped for a little something, huh?”
    “Jada!”
    “Don’t act so innocent. I can count. I was born seven months after you were married.”
    Her mother tried to hide her blushing face. “Shame on you, Jada.”
    Jada rubbed her fingers together in a taboo signal. “Shame on you, Mama.”
    They laughed together like two girlfriends then hugged.
    “I’ll find some way,” her mother said. “You’ll have your prom.”

Chapter 4

    The Real World
    L onny pulled into the driveway. Before entering the house, he washed his hands and arms at the outside spigot, then brushed the cement from his clothes. His back ached, and his fingers were split and cut, but Lucia didn’t tolerate cement dust in her house. He mustered optimism from somewhere and wore it like a mask when he opened the door.
    “How are my favorite girls tonight?”
    Jada ran to him, hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
    “Whoa! Something’s going on. I don’t get this kind of