Cocoa starts walking towards me and my heart skips a beat, but she stops and hightails it in the opposite direction, dashing my hopes in a millisecond. If we have classes together this semester, I’m screwed.
“Come on, Mav,” Nix says.
The hushed whispers reach my ears the instant we stroll into the building. I ignore the covert stares and amble down the hall. Mr. Green hovers near my locker, undoubtedly waiting on me.
Here we go.
“I’ll catch you guys later.”
We fist bump and part ways.
“Good morning, Maverick,” Mr. Green greets jovially at my approach, but his smile slips a bit, taking in my battered mug. “I hope you’re—”
“I’m not interested in small talk,” I interrupt him, annoyed. “Cut to the chase.”
He shuffles on his feet. “Your presence is required for a meeting.”
I spread my arms wide. “Lead the way.”
I follow him into his office. The sheriff and two women are already seated. One looks vaguely familiar. Mr. Green settles behind his desk, and I plonk down in the only available chair.
“I’m waiting.” I steeple my fingers on my thigh impatiently.
“What happened to your face?” the sheriff asks.
“This is nothing,” I reply nonchalantly, giving a dismissive wave. “You should see the other guy.”
“Do you know who I am?” the woman sitting closest to me asks.
“No, should I?”
“I’m Grace’s older sister, Lynette.”
Rage thrums through my veins. The nerve of her to show up after all this time.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Watch your language, son,” the sheriff reprimands me.
“I’m not your goddamn son.”
“Maverick, my name is Mackenzie Cruz,” the other woman introduces herself. “I’m a social worker.”
“And what’s your role in this melodrama?”
“It’s my job to ensure you have a guardian.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
“You’re a minor until your eighteenth birthday,” she informs me. “Legally, you must have a guardian.”
“I’m staying at a friend’s place.”
“The decision isn’t up to you,” she replies.
“Can I speak to my nephew, alone?”
Everyone files out of the door, granting us privacy.
