26
We stood outside the Dean’s office, all four of us, waiting.
“I must insist you allow me to speak to that buffoon,” Luka said with irritation.
“We can all go in there and give him a piece of our minds,” Jaeson said.
“Offer’s still on the table,” Riot added. “We’re here for you.”
I shook my head. Cynthia was gone, or at least I hadn’t heard or seen her since last week’s confrontation. The rest of the week had gone relatively smoothly. She really had done a number on my reputation, one that I would have to accept and move on from.
Like Sunny told me, and like Tiffany told her. The only way out is through. Head high.
“I’ll take care this,” I said. “I know how to handle him, and I know what I’m going to tell him.”
“Are you absolutely positive?” Luka asked.
I gave him a reassuring smile. None of us reached out to touch each other, but the warmth we all shared radiated between each of us.
“Trust me,” I said.
The office door opened and the Dean’s secretary popped out.
“He’ll see you now, Aubrey,” he said.
“Thanks,” I replied, taking one last look at the boys. I hoped the next time I saw their faces, it would be with good news.
I walked into the outer office and shut the door behind me. A moment later, I was inside the Dean’s office. He sat behind his desk with two other gentlemen in suits. I didn’t know them, but I remembered their faces from the trial. Part of the board, I presumed.
“Close the door,” the Dean said. “Take a seat.”
I shut the door and sat down, folding my hands into my lap, remaining silent.
The Dean looked at me expectantly. “Do you want to say anything before we begin?”
I just smiled in return.
The Dean cocked a brow, and looked down to the paperwork in front of him. “Very well, then, let’s get right to it, shall we?”
“Let’s,” I agreed in a firm voice I was certain he did not appreciate.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve had to discuss your conduct and your behavior on campus, Aubrey,” he started, folding his hands on his desk. “The fact of the matter is, this is a private university. All students are only here as long as they remain in good standing, and we have maintained a spotless reputation for decades. And then there’s the matter of you.”
“And what would that be, sir?” I asked.
“Your conduct is improper and unbecoming of a VIP student. You have consistently and unapologetically flaunted your disregard for the rules, and—”
“What rules?” I asked.
“I’m far from finished, young la—”
“What rules?” I repeated, cutting him off again. “What rules are you referring to? Which have I broken?”
“It’s very clearly outlined in your student handbook,” the Dean said, staring me down, doing his best to intimidate me.
But I’d been through so much already. I’d dealt with worse than the Dean. I wasn’t going to let him phase me. Not anymore.
“You would do well to watch your tongue,” he continued. “Your future at this school depends on the impression you make with us today, and to be perfectly frank, you are already on a razor wire.”
