“You’re being a child! I’m a married man. How would it look to your mother if I rejected her? She’s already suspicious of everything I do. And besides, she’s leaving tonight. I won’t see her again until the open house. Now go inside, get your things, and go home.”
“Ms. Halliway?”
I whip around, banging my elbow on the door as I go to close it.
“Ms. Adams,” I say, rubbing my elbow. “I was just looking for you.”
“By the dumpster?” she says, her brows raised.
“Yeah. I’ve seen you go out there sometimes.”
“I’m trying to quit,” she whispers with a smile as she walks past me into her office. “Did we have an appointment today? I thought it was Friday.”
“It is.” I go into her office. “But I need to cancel. I have a new counselor. Brock sent a note to Principal Edwards letting him know.”
“I see,” she says, lips pursed. “It’s nice to know Brock has taken an interest in parenting for once.” She covers her mouth. “Goodness, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s fine,” I say with a laugh. “He sucks as a parent. I think he even admitted that. Or maybe not. He might think it, but he tells everyone he’s a great dad.”
She smiles. “Sounds like you’ve figured him out.”
“Not completely but I’m getting there. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I won’t be meeting with you anymore.”
“And Principal Edwards was okay with this?”
“I guess so. He didn’t say he wasn’t.”
“Well, if you ever need to talk, I’m always here.” She takes out a file and flips through it.
I leave her office, and as I’m shutting her door, the door that goes to the dumpster swings open, and Kristen storms through it. I rear back as she stomps down the hall, eyes straight ahead. I don’t think she even noticed me.
The door opens again, and Principal Edwards appears.
“Ms. Halliway,” he says with a cool, collected tone that’s a complete contrast to just moments ago when his voice was full ofanger and frustration with Kristen. “What are you doing here at such a late hour?”
Late hour?It’s only ten after four.
“I had to talk to Ms. Adams, but I’m leaving now.”
I walk off, but he follows beside me.
“I believe you were here late yesterday too. Is that correct?”
He’s quizzing me. Trying to figure out if Kristen was lying when she said I saw them together. What do I say? Do I lie? Ms. Adams knows I was here, but I don’t know if Principal Edwards would think to ask her about it.
“Ms. Halliway.” Principal Edwards grabs my arm, stopping me. “Were you here late yesterday or not?”
Chapter 26
“No,” I say, deciding to lie. “Why are you asking?”
He slowly releases my arm. “Never mind. Move along, Ms. Halliway. I wouldn’t want you to miss your ride home.” He smiles, but his eyes look angry. Is he angry at me or Kristen? He knows one of us is lying, but who does he believe?
When I get outside, Trystan is driving off. I run after him, waving my arms.
He slams on the brakes and barely gives me enough time to get inside before taking off again.
“I told you to wait,” I say, catching my breath.
