“Normallyyouwould pick that up. What the hell’s going on? If you’re really worried—”
“I’m not,” I assure him. There are pinpricks of worry, but somehow, knowing that Xavier and Miles are working on it helps alleviate that, though I’m loathe to uncover that and discover why. Some things are best left buried. Some people are as well.
He doesn’t look convinced, but he nods. “The wedding invitations are gonna be ready today, so we’ll drop off yours when we pick them up.”
“Did you decide on a date?” As far as I’m aware, it’s going to be a small, private, and intimate affair at their home. Neither ofthem wanted anything flashy, or anything that would take too long to organise.
“Two weeks from now. That was my limit.”
Unsurprising. “Do you have a gift registry?”
“Fuck no. Just bring some good alcohol.”
With a laugh, I agree, and then he leaves me in peace. Unfortunately, there’s no reprieve for the wicked, since Jericho decides it’s his turn.
“Olivia is safely at school to terrorise the other students and her teachers.”
More true than funny. I don’t even want to think about what she’ll be like through her teenage years. I have a feeling we’re all in for an “interesting” time.
“Thank you.”
“Her teacher was disappointed when I dropped her off,” he says, sliding into Spencer’s vacated seat.
“Was he hoping she was sick and unable to come to school?” I ask dryly. Wouldn’t be the first teacher to wish she were anyone else's problem. She’s a smart kid, gets her work done, and takes her studies seriously. That’s where the dutiful student ends. The number of pranks she’s gotten detention for and bullies she’s beaten up—and otherwise humiliated—are the reasons I’ll have grey hairs long before my time.
“I think it was more that you weren’t the one dropping her off.”
The look on his face tells me exactly what he means by that. “Is there anything else?” I make a shooing motion. “I’m busy.”
“It’s hilarious that you think that’ll make me go away. Why don’t you put the poor guy out of his misery?”
“He’s Olivia’s teacher.” Enough said. I rarely have time to date, and when I do, it certainly won’t be with someone I have to see often or who looks after my child.
“And if he wasn’t?”
“Irrelevant, he is.”
“There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“Multiple things, I’m sure.” Including a visit from a man that Jericho would rather shoot than acknowledge exists. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“Dealing with you is work.”
“Charming.” I didn’t invite him in here. “I need to speak to Six. Are you done?”
“Not even close. Let’s talk about this teacher.”
“His name is Matthew.” If he’s going to be pushy about it, he can at least use the man’s name.
“First-name basis. Nice.”
“I can read forms.”
“You already knew he likes you. How?”
He’s like a dog with a bone. One of those really annoying small ones. “He asked me on a date a few months ago. I politely declined. It hasn’t come up again.” Nothing changed; he’s as friendly and open as he always was. I appreciate a man who can take a rejection with dignity and not make something of it.
“Why’d you say no?” He gives me an unimpressed look before I can even get a word out. “If the word ‘Xavier’ comes out of your mouth, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
