“If you want the job, it’s yours.”
My brows furrow. “Crown Well isn’t your territory though.”
“Are you debating the pull I have, son?”
“No,” I say quickly. “Never.”
“Good. Now, as I said, if you want the job, I’ll make it happen."
Crown Well Academy is a few towns over, maybe a forty minute drive from home. Close enough. And a way better school than the one I’m teaching at now.
“I have been thinking I need a change of scenery.”
“Really?” He sounds surprised. I don’t blame him. He’s been trying to get me to move back home for years now and I’ve always said no.
“You're right. This school has gone downhill. I’ve tried to do my best, and while it worked for awhile, I can’t do it anymore. As much as I want to stay for the students, this job is more draining than it is rewarding.”
“Then it’s time for something new. Crown Well is a good school. Good staff. You will be respected there and a good asset. They would be lucky to have you.”
“If you can make it happen, then I’ll take the job.”
“Consider it done.” I can’t help but smile at the bit of joy in his voice. “Finalize anything you have to do down there quickly. I want you home for the summer. Would be good for you to get involved with the family a bit more.”
Huh. Well that's the in I needed, but wasn’t sure I’d be able to get so easily after being away for so long.
“I’d like that.” And honestly, I mean it.
“I quit,” I say as soon as I step into the Dean's office. He looks up at me, brows furrowed.
“Excuse me?”
“I said, I quit.”
“You can’t quit.” He jumps to his feet.
“I can.” I narrow my eyes. “I didn’t sign any contracts. I’m free to go whenever I please.”
“B-but what about classes? Exams are about to start. You can't just leave.”
“Find someone else to fill my spot. I can, and will be leaving.” I hate leaving my students so abruptly like this, but everything that’s left in the curriculum I had planned is just review material to prep. “I’ll leave all my notes and everything else they would need. But I am leaving. Today. I’ve already collected my things from my classroom.”
“Why on earth are you doing this?” He fumes.
I can’t tell him the truth, exactly. So I tell him what I can. “This school has only ever treated me poorly. I deserve better. I put up with it this long because I enjoyed my job, rather than the people I worked with. But it’s clear you and your staff have no professionalism. Your receptionist is petty, you turn a blind eye to a clear drug issue on campus and you, Sir, are a homophobe.” His eyes widen, spluttering. “So, that is why I’m doing this.”
Turning on my heel, I leave the building, get in my car and drive to the airport.
Anything that I wanted to keep, I packed up and shipped home over the weekend. All I have with me now are a few bags of clothes and valuables.
The flight home was fine. I slept through most of it. I guess having less on my mind helps me get a bit of sleep.
Still, the unease of returning home lingers.
There’s a reason why I left, and honestly it didn’t have anything to do with not wanting to be part of the family business.
A lot of it had to do with wanting to live my own life, outside of the lifestyle I grew up in, even if it was only for a little while.
Once I land, I grab my bags and head towards the exit. My plan was to get an uber, but when I see an older man in a blacksuit and sunglasses, standing next to a black SUV, I know my father sent his own ride.
