“And I can’t even talk to you outside school?”
“Preferably not, but if you have to, I can add a clause that says courtesy greetings are allowed.”
“Why?” I ask, almost offended. “What are you trying to do? Are you trying to avoid any kind of contact with me?”
“I think I’ve made that quite clear.”
“What are you afraid of? And don’t tell me that you think people will find out, because I don’t buy it – not after all this.” I grab the stack of papers and wave them around.
“Didn’t you want to get off on the right foot?”
“Does this really seem like the right foot to you? Does this seem reasonable?”
“It’s our agreement, Niall.”
“What scares you so much, Jordan? The idea that I might come onto you?”
“Do you not think I’d be capable of keeping you at a distance anyway?”
“Then what’s all this for?” I get to my feet and plant my hands on the desk, leaning towards her. Jordan sits there, frozen, lifting only her eyes to me: that confidence from before is gone. They’re almost frightened, now.
“Oh, my God,” I say, calmer now. “I get it now. You’re scared of yourself.”
“What are you talking about?”
“All this small print isn’t for me; it’s for you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she says, unconvincingly, struggling to hold my gaze. “I have no interest in you, Kerry.”
“But your signature is on these papers, right next to the empty space where mine should be.”
“Of course – it’s an agreement. Both parties have to sign it.”
“I’m not signing this fucking small print.”
“They’re part of the contract. Either you sign everything, or…”
“Take them out.”
“I can’t do that.”
“I don’t agree.”
“Well, that’s your problem. Actually, it’s your daughter’s problem.”
“Don’t bring Skylar into this.”
“If you don’t sign this agreement, Kerry, then I can’t give Skylar that place.”
I shake my head in disbelief and disappointment. I never thought it would come to this.
“Fine,” I spit bitterly, grabbing a pen from the desk. I sign on the dotted line then throw the pen back onto the table.
“If that’s everything…”
“Skylar can start tomorrow. I’ll make sure that everyone is informed of her arrival, and prepare a study plan for her to catch up with everything she’s missed so far.”
“School’s only just started.”
