“Abby and Naomi can take you to the conference room for the planning meeting. We can get your information after to get you into our system so you can just sign in next time you’re here.” He looked at Abby and Naomi. “Abby, you have lead on the showcase this year, right?”
She nodded. “Uh-huh.”
“Great. If you want to escort our guests to the conference room, you can catch me up later. I need to wrap up a few administrative things, so I won’t be at the meeting.”
“Okay.” She shared a look with the other woman, Naomi, as Newton walked away.
Naomi leaned close and said in a low voice, “Maybe he’s getting laid.”
Abby smiled and smacked her on the shoulder. “Stop.”
“Do you have a better explanation?” she asked.
“Stop,” she repeated, laughing.
Phillip returned to the office and nervously walked through the group.
Abby looked at them. “Are you comfortable leaving your driver’s licenses here so Phillip can put you in the system?”
Tinker shrugged and looked at James and Nick. They both shrugged and pulled out their wallets and licenses to hand over to Phillip.
“What am I doing with these?” Phillip asked as he took them.
“Principal Newton wants them added to the system so they can sign in when they’re here,” Naomi explained. “They’re helping with the showcase.”
“Oh,” he said weakly. “Okay.”
Abby’s lips twitched and she turned to Tinker, James, and Nick. “Shall we?”
“Sure.”
“Sounds good.”
“Lead the way.”
Tinker held the door open as they all filed out.
“This way.” Naomi pointed down the main hallway.
Tinker fell in step next to Abby, shortening his strides to match hers. “What was all that?”
“All what?”
“You looked like you didn’t expect that Newton guy to agree to let us help,” he said.
“I was expecting more pushback,” she admitted.
“Because we’re bikers?” James asked.
“Because Newton is a stickler for the rules,” Naomi said over her shoulder. “Usually, non-parent or guardian visitors must be cleared ahead of time. The sponsor needs to submit a written request, explain the purpose of the visit, and provide a copy of the visitor's ID.”
“Makes sense,” Nick said. “Especially with all the school shootings and stuff. Never know who’s walking in.”
“Oh, we understand the why, we just don’t understand why he didn’t kick up a fuss about none of it happening.” Naomi pointed to one of the halls leading off the large atrium they entered.
“He has been much more flexible about things lately,” Abby added.
“Maybe he’s gettin’ laid more,” James said.
