“I think it’s time we went home.”
“What? Why?” Skylar protests. “I don’t even have school tomorrow.”
Niall looks at me.
“I can’t take back her suspension. It wouldn’t be right.”
“Of course,” he nods, slowly.
“I fucked up. This is only fair,” she says.
“You’ll be able to make up for it,” I say kindly. She smiles at me.
Niall gets up from the sofa and Skylar lifts herself from the floor. They grab their jackets and head towards the front door as I follow them.
“So…” But before I can say anything, Skylar has flung herself at me in an emotional hug.
“Thank you, Ms Hill. For everything.”
“You’re welcome, honey.”
She loosens her grip and smiles. “And don’t forget to think about it.”
I smile at her, nodding.
“I’ll wait for you downstairs,” she says to her father.
“Okay, but stay inside,” he says.
He watches his daughter bound down the stairs, then turns to me.
“What exactly do you have to think about?”
“She asked me to give you another chance.”
He stares at me in shock. “Seriously?”
“She told me I should take a chance on you, even though…”
“Even though?”
“Even though you don’t deserve me.”
“Well, she’s right.”
“Why do you think she’s right?”
“Come on, Jordan. We both know exactly why. Don’t worry about hurting my feelings.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re beautiful and intelligent. I’m stupid. I’m going nowhere.”
“Do you really think that’s true?”
“Yes. And I want you to take my daughter’s advice.”
He takes a step towards me and takes my hands in his. “I desperately need you to give me a chance.”
