Madison had wanted to tell her about their connection for the longest time. Now, the personal details came spilling out. Dad’s death, Mom’s breakdown, being sent to live at Aunt Nilda’s. The judge listened intently.
“My aunt supported my education,” she said. “She wanted me to go to private school, because I was academically gifted, and my mom was—well, she was going through a lot. My aunt was the one who helped me apply to Catholic Prep and get a scholarship, though it didn’t cover the whole tuition. I always worked outside school. But it was worth it. That place changed my life. I did Model UN. Debate. Student government. I branched out, took risks, tried new things.”
“Fantastic. Give me an example of that.”
“Well, for instance, I always loved to swim, but I never thought of myself as an athlete. I was encouraged to join the swim team. Turned out, I was pretty good. My year, the team went to the finals. Between the academics, the clubs, sports, and the excellent college counseling, I got into Harvard for undergrad. But I never forgot hearing you speak. From the beginning of college, I was aiming for law school.”
“I went to Harvard undergrad, too. Were you a Gov major?”
“Social Studies.”
“No kidding. Same. We went to the same schools, had the same major. And the personal journey really resonates, too. Madison, I can’t tell you how much this sounds like my own story.”
“Really?”
“Word for word. I’m from Southie, from a modest background, too. And I had hardships growing up.”
She never would’ve guessed. South Boston had gentrified a lot recently, but its history was as a tough, working-class neighborhood, mainly Irish, at least in the old days.
“I’m surprised. I would’ve thought your ancestors came over on the Mayflower.”
“I get that a lot. Whether it’s how I look, or the way I talk. And you, your heritage?”
“Puerto Rican from East Boston, though my mom recently moved to Revere. Rents are higher there, but the neighborhood is better. I’m glad for her. She has a good job now and is finally back on her feet. Things were tough after my dad passed.”
“I know just how that is. My mother wasn’t well, either. She had leukemia when I was a kid, and eventually passed away.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. I get the sense you understand the loneliness of it. The responsibility. Were you an only child, too?”
“Yes.”
What the hell? In the heat of the moment, the lie just fell out of her mouth. She was supposed to come clean about Danny. Instead she got caught up in their conversation and claimed he didn’t exist. Why? To seem more like the judge? She was an idiot. Now it was out there. She had to take it back. But how? The judge was leaning forward, her face aglow with emotion, going on about how alike they were.
“I knew it. You remind me so much of myself, Madison. I even had someone in my life—a family friend, but I called him Uncle—who supported my education when my mother couldn’t. Like you said, it wasn’t her fault. She was just ill, like your mom. Without Catholic Prep, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It made all the difference. The structure. The resources. Forget about Harvard. It’s our shared high school experience that convinces me you’re the right person for this job. And to think my Career Day talk all those years ago influenced you to become a lawyer. And brought us here, to this moment. That’s very meaningful to me. I want you on my team, Madison. You’re hired.”
Crap.
Instead of being thrilled, she felt trapped by her stupid mistake. It was too late to correct the record now. What could she do—say she forgot she had a brother? How would that look? The judge would start to wonder. She’d probably get suspicious and investigate. She’d find out about the drug case and think that Madison concealed it intentionally. Madison would look dishonest—exactly what she’d been trying to avoid.
Oh, God. She’d screwed up royally.
Maybe she should turn down the job.
But no, that would look bizarre, too, declining a position she’d just applied for after acing the interview. It wasn’t credible to say she’d had another offer. Nobody would believe that. Besides, after their conversation, she didn’t want to say no. She felt closer to Judge Conroy than ever before. The judge saw Madison as a younger version of herself. She could become an important mentor. They might even be friends one day. Was she really going to turn down this incredible opportunity because of Danny? That would be too unfair.