"Great. So do something about your son and his friend. "
"They are being kids." She raises her voice.
I shake my head. "Doesn't make it okay. So please rein in your son and his friend, because I'm sure Harry's dad would love to chat about this with the principal."
"I'm sure Holden and I could discuss this without the need of the principal." That thought seems to excite her.
I roll my eyes. "I'm sure he will be busy." Her mouth gapes open, and again the interpretation of my words do not give me points. "I think these kids should get to class. Education and all, don't ya think?"
Kate just holds me in a death stare, but I take a moment to glance to my side and see Harry steps out of the way close to Lori, her fingers feathering his elbow, and I'm sure I see the corner of her mouth twitch in approval. I know they can stand up for themselves, but maybe they need to know that someone else will too.
"Go on, get to class. Your dad will pick you up," I offer Harry, and flash Lori a comforting look.
The crowd disperses, except Kate who stays put in her snooty stance. She can't say anything because traffic mom arrives. "You need to move your car, otherwise I will give you a parking ticket."
I look at her, bewildered. "As in a fake ticket, considering your only power is your sign?"
She straightens her shoulders. "We're allowed to give tickets; this is private property."
I look between them. "Shove it."
I blow out a breath and stop when an older woman blocks my way. She doesn't look happy. "I don't think we've met. I'm Principal Johnson, and perhaps we should have a chat." The moms behind me try to cover their satisfied looks.
Studying the principal's face, I close my eyes for a second, cursing internally.
Shit.
* * *
Walking into the Dizzy Duck,I see Holden waiting for me. He is leaning against the front desk with ankles and arms crossed, wearing a stern look. It makes me feel uneasy if I'm honest.
"Someone is in trouble. The principal phoned, and to my surprise, it's not because of my kids, which is refreshing."
Oh. He's already aware.
I step forward, ready to defend my actions. "I'm sorry, but those two little punks were being such an ass to your son. I couldn't just drive away like nothing happened. His mom just glared at me with disapproval and words of stupidity." I hold my finger up. "I'm like 100% sure she is more pissed that I was there on your behalf, ruining her chances to get in your pants if she plays her cards right."
Holden just stares at me with his lips pressed together. He isn't saying anything, why isn't he saying anything?
My eyes search the room to see if I'm making a scene. Stuart just pretends to be reading mail, and Holden seems to be enjoying his current state of hanging this situation over my head.
But then his stern phase vanishes into thin air as he uncrosses his body to step in my direction. He reaches out his fingertips, and they land on my shoulders to square me off.
"Thank you," he simply states. We agree that I'm not the villain. "I'm happy you did what you did. I want to throttle a few people, but it seems you put them in their place. Most of all, you were watching out for my son."
I gently loll my head to the side, trying to avoid his praise. "It was nothing."
"It was everything." His appreciation is apparent.
"I-I… He's a good kid. You raised a sweet boy."
Holden rubs my shoulders as he half smiles. "Thanks. Maybe I needed to hear that before I storm into the principal’s office tomorrow."
I grin. "Uh-oh, someone is going to get it."
"Maybe you too but in a different way."
Now that twisting ache begins to form at full force between my legs, but maybe I should throw in caution."Don't you have work to do? I should really focus on a few orders of accessories, and I'm not sure where we're going, but… we should tread carefully."
