“Why didn’t you tell me that your daughter was one of the students getting the money?”
Mrs. Sandlewood sighed again. “To be honest with you, I was embarrassed. I wasn’t able to give her everything she needs.”
“Mrs. Sandlewood, there is nothing to be embarrassed about. You should be paid enough that your daughter shouldn’t have needed the money. Or the food plan should be included with tuition like it used to be. There is no shame in needing a little extra support, and I am in the position to help.”
“Thank you dear. I truly mean it.”
“There are no thanks needed. I would have given Wendy a little more if I had known.”
“That isn’t necessary.” She chuckled. “We are just so thankful as is.”
“Well, I hope you have a good night, Mrs. Sandlewood.”
“You too dear.” She hung up the phone, but I dialed a number before I gave it back to Wendy.
“What’s this number to?”
“Me, that’s my number. Call me or text me if you need any help.”
“Why are you being so nice?”
I remembered the story my mom told me after we left the school. The one where Mrs. Sandlewood stood up for my father and talked to the dean at the time in letting him stay after all the drama with Vince. “Your mom stood up for my dad when he was in trouble. Helping you is kind of like a repayment.”
“But you don’t have to.” Wendy tried to refuse.
“I know. It’s not that I have to, it’s that I want to.” I smiled at her. “Everyone can use a friend, can’t they?”
Wendy froze. “You want to be my friend?”
I laughed. “Why is that such a surprise?”
“I’m unranked.”
“And why does that matter?” I poked her rib. “Ranks don’t matter to me. Only people.” I heard Nina scoff, and I turned back to the group of girls that had grown quiet. “What?”
“Alpha Vince said that anyone that had claimed they gave the money was lying.” Nina stepped closer. “That includes you.”
“I never claimed I gave the money. Wendy said that I did.” I just looked at her with a bored expression. “If you are having such a hard time with this, go talk to Alpha Vince. Now, I would really like to pay for my food and be on my way.” I pushed past the group and paid for my things before leaving.
I made it back to my room, and just wanted to collapse. I dropped my bags at the door, took off my shoes, grabbed the bags, and put everything away. I left the sushi to have for dinner and put the rest into the fridge. I grabbed my laptop out of my bag and set it up to watch a show while I ate dinner.
Once I was finished eating, I took a quick shower and crawled into bed when I remembered I had to call the king. I groaned as I pulled myself out of the bed to the safe. I punched in the code and unlocked the lockbox inside, and grabbed the phone. I crawled back into bed with both of my phones. Ronnie had saved his number into my main phone, so I had to get the number off one for the other. I saved the number under King Rowan, pulled my main phone in, and then dialed.
I was hoping he wouldn’t pick up. I checked the time, as the phone rang for a third time and realized it was nearly midnight. I winced as the phone call connected and a deep voice, rough with sleep, answered. “Hello?”
“Hi.” I nearly smacked myself.
“Amy?”
“Yes, sorry I didn’t realize how late it was.”
“No. It’s okay.” I could hear him settle.
“Did I wake you?” I bit my lip as I waited for his answer.
“Yes. But it’s fine. I told you to call me.” I closed my eyes, and I could picture him topless, settling against his headboard, and I nearly drooled. Keep it together. “Amy?”
“Sorry, yes, I’m here.” I rushed out. “What did you say?”
