I need to get to the point and get out of this viper pit.“Her teacher approached me just moments ago about Jasmine not doing her writing assignments.She—”
“I’ll remind her of our policy to not discuss a student’s education with someone who is not aparentorlegal guardian.”
I keep going.“I suspect Jasmine is dyslexic.I think she needs to be evaluated, diagnosed, and receive therapy.I know public schools can begin that process.”
The principal tucks her chin to her chest and gives me the stink eye.Then she smiles.“I wasn’t aware you had your doctorate in education, Emma.You’ve been holding out on us.”
I’m so stunned I can’t move.
“If Mr.MacLaine would like to discuss his daughter’s academic experience, he can come to me about it.In the meantime, maybe you should stick to dirty dishes and cleaning toilets.”
“No PhD required for that,” Tammy says.
“Anybody off the street can perform those jobs,” Lana says, snickering.
“And when Lana says ‘off the street’ she means it,” Tammy says.“Isawyou a month or so back, shuffling along the state highway with a skanky duffel bag.I thought you were a bum or a meth head.You were sure dressed like one.”
“Maybe not too far off the mark,” Lana says.
Oh.I remember now.That’swhere I’d seen Tammy before.She’s the woman who drove past me when I was about a half mile from Yosemite Ranch.She was the woman who slowed down and glared at me like I was scum.
And here she is now, making sure the principal knows I walked here, that I’m nothing and no one.
I stand.“I’ll make sure Finn has this information.”
“I bet you make sure Finn has whatever he wants,” Tammy snaps.
Lana laughs.“What’s the going rate for maids with PhDs these days?Do you charge extra for taking care of your boss’s bedroom?”
“Maybe Finn just gives her a big tip,” Tammy says, and the women cackle.
“While enjoying the hot springs,” Lana adds.Both of them double over in laughter.
“That’s enough.”The principal stands.
Nowshe decides to do her job?
“I’m happy to discuss this with Mr.MacLaine or Miss Phyllis or anyone who is a legitimate member of the family.Thanks for stopping by.”
“Will we see you at the volunteer meeting today?”Tammy crosses her arms under her boobs.That is one spiteful woman.
They win.I won’t be doing anymore volunteering.I don’t think I’ll be showing my face here again.
I run out of the principal’s office in tears, then the front door of the school, and barely make it to the SUV before I begin sobbing.
I’m such a fool.I don’t belong here.I don’t belong in the MacLaine family.Those bitches are right—I’m nothing to Jasmine, and I’m just another conquest to Finn.My job is dirty dishes and scrubbing toilets.
My presence here is tarnishing the reputations of Finn and the MacLaine family.I’m not a part of anything—I’m a problem.
A problem I’ll take care of.
CHAPTER 66
Finn
“How’s the arm?”I ask Rupert in the bunkhouse.He’s a great horseman and the third generation of Yosemite Ranch workers.
He shows me the cast in his sling.“The five-year-old-demon caught me with his hoof.We might have to call in the horse whisperer woman some of the ranches are using.”
