Author: Sparkling-Diva
Rating: PG-13 (possibly more later)
Genre: Drama/Romance
Feedback: Yes! Please! But be nice!
Summary: Vincent Gray, now 33, is at a depressing stage of his life. When he meets a young girl, his life will change forever.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the show Judging Amy whatsoever and in no way am I affiliated with it.
Author's Note: Yikes! Sorry it took so long to update but I'm back! The internet is still not working at home meaning I have to update only while I'm in school. Also, I was sick for 3 days and had work to make up. I'm really sorry but I hope that this makes up for it. Please forgive me.
Chapter 18Laura made her way through DCF carefully looking at her surroundings. To her not much had changed since she had last been there.
"Umm…can I help you?" a man asked her.
Laura turned around and said, "I-well. I was looking for Maxine Gray. I heard she still works here."
"She does," Maxine said coming out of an office and going over to give Laura a hug, "It's good to see you again, Laura." She then let her go and noticed the confused look on her co-workers face.
"I see you've met Timothy."
"Hi, nice to meet you," Laura said shaking his hand.
"Hey, as long as you're a friend of Maxine's then you're on the good side. It's nice to meet you too."
"C'mon into my office so we can talk," Maxine said leading her over there, "So what makes you stop by?" She said taking a seat.
"I just wanted to say hello now that I know you're still around," Laura said taking a seat next to him.
"As long as there are adoptions and drug problems in the world, I will be around. How are you?"
"Good. Thanks for inviting me to your family's Thanksgiving dinner."
"You're welcome. Every year the number grows and there always seems to be an extra seat at the table. You know, when I first heard your name it sounded familiar but I wasn't sure. What are you doing now?"
"Studying. Well finishing anyways. Journalism, arts and some child care."
"Good for you. Pardon me for asking but how are things between you and your dad?"
Laura kept silent and tried to look away.
"Not so good I'm guessing." Maxine guessed.
"We haven't talked to each other in nearly 4 years, Maxine," Laura confessed, "And even before that you know how things were. I keep hoping things will get better but they just don't."
"I'm sorry," Maxine replied.
"Don't be, I'm hanging in there. I mean I made it this far on my own."
"How did you afford community college?"
"Mini-art diplomas. Jobs. I had some saved money in the bank. Also, in my mother's will. She gave me enough to get a small one room apartment. I guess she assumed that my father and I wouldn't work well living under the same roof for so long. Sometimes I wish that I could just turn back time and start all over again but I know that I can't."
"I'm so sorry but I do admire you for getting as far as you are now."
"Thanks."
"If you ever need anyone to talk to, pleases don't forget that I'll be here."
"I'll remember that."
"So, tell me about you and my son."
"Vincent?"
"Yes, I believe that's his name," Maxine joked.
Laura laughed, "Well, we're pretty good friends. I mean, for the short time we've known each other…"
"So you like him?"
"Maxine!"
"Hey, he's my son. I just wanted to know. The truth doesn't hurt."
"He's just a nice guy."
"…And cute," Maxine finished, "That twinkle in your eye cannot be missed when we discuss him."
"Okay, then he is also extremely cute but Maxine we're just friends plus…"
"Age difference?"
"Are you psychic?"
"No. But I will say that my husband was 8 years older than me and I couldn't care less."
"I don't care either truthfully, but for him it's just probably complicated."
"Why? Life?"
"Yes. You know I still have never gotten a boyfriend in the 22 years I've been on this planet. Not even my first kiss."
"It's never too late."
"I just – life's just too hard."
"It always is but you've got to get through."
"Why are you so interested about us?"
"Well, Thanksgiving dinner left a few unanswered questions including how come I saw some flirting?"
"Maxine…"
"Fine, I'll change topics. Is there another reason why you might want to talk with me?" she asked cheerfully.
"Well, there is one thing."
"Spill."
"As you know, I'll be graduating in two weeks…"
"…and?"
"I'll be looking for a job and…"
"…you'll like to get one here?"
"I've taken classes, I have an official babysitter's license, plus I still know my way around here. I don't need to have a major job like a social worker but maybe I can do something small. Like someone to take phone calls. Simple tasks, you know?"
"You know, if I
could, I would hire you on the spot but sadly that not my job. That's
Sean's."
"Oh."
"But I know he'll listen to me and I'm going to recommend you to him right now," Maxine said getting up and walking over to the front desk of DCF. Laura came and followed her.
"Good mornin' Maxine," Sean said while he signed a couple of papers.
"Good mornin' Sean. Remember how we were always looking for someone to help with the extra paper work and take care of the kids while the parents were in meetings."
"Ah, Maxine I see you've finally been listening to my complaints," he said not looking up from his papers.
"Yes, well. I think our problems may now be solved."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Laura Mitchell meet my boss Mr. Sean Potter. Sean, this is Laura Mitchell."
Sean looked up from the paper work and gasped when he saw Laura.
"Hi," she said extending her hand, "It's nice to meet you."
"L-li-kewise," Sean stammered.
"Sean, please close your mouth or you'll make me bring out the fly swapper so I'll have to clear up the flies that may come in the way."
"Umm…" he started.
"What he is trying to say dear," Maxine told Laura, "…is that he'll be more than welcome to interview you for the job."
"I will," he said with a smile.
"Okay," Laura said smiling back.
"Well, I've got a lot of work to do but Sean will take good care of you."
"Yeah," he smirked.
"Sean, please get that puppy-love schoolboy grin off your face or I will smack you," Maxine warned causing Laura to laugh.
"Okee-dokey. To my office," Sean said leading the way to Laura.
"Thanks," Laura said as Sean glanced back to give Maxine a look.
"Have fun, Sean!" Maxine said going back to her desk as Sean followed Laura.