“I heard that,” Lila laughs softly. “But don’t worry, you’ve got this.”
I smile. I’ve never done any sort of community service, and I can’t wait to see what Sinners and Saints will have to say about that. Nothing praising, I’m certain. With a deep breath, I push myself off the wall and walk toward Colton’s office.
However, I’m stopped when someone bumps into me. It’s not one of those accidental bumps when someone brushes against your shoulder, or bumps straight into you, then backs away and apologizes. No, this one is on purpose, and it sends me flying back, and I land straight on my ass.
When I look up, I’m met with the stone-cold glare from Cassia. Lila’s by my side, helping me up, and asking if I’m alright. Her voice fades into the background, as I stand up, brushing off non-existent dust off me, and smoothing out my dress.
“How classy of you, Cassia,” I say, sarcasm dripping from my tongue.
Her eyes narrow a little. “I didn’t see you there.”
“Then, perhaps, might I suggest visiting an ophthalmologist?”
“Funny.”
“I know, thanks.”
Cassia takes a step forward, glancing around. As if the scene couldn’t get more cliché, we’re all alone in this deserted hallway, and I’m so close to reaching Colton’s office.
“Listen her—”
Cassia begins speaking, but I interrupt her. “If you’re here to threaten me regarding Soren, or do something equally juvenile and high school-ish, let me just remind you that we’re twenty-two, Cassia. I don’t have the time nor energy to deal with someone whose mentality hasn’t grown since she was fourteen. You can keep all of this nonsense for yourself, alright? Have a blessed day, sweetheart.”
I pat her shoulder in a rather condescending manner, and if this were a cartoon, she’d have steam fuming out of her ears. Instead, I walk right past her, trying to hold my head high. But Lila’s warning of Cassia’s fighting skills echoes in my mind, and I pray she doesn’t attack me from the back while I’m walking away.
Lila walks closely behind me until we’re far out of Cassia’s reach.
“You can keep your anger in check when you want to, huh?”
“Oh, no, but I pick and choose my battles.”
“She’s not going to back down, you know that, right?”
I sigh. “I know. But at least I have some time to figure out how to deal with her.”
???
“Here’s the key,” Colton pushes it across the table, and I take it and put it in my bag. “It’s for the cabin where you’ll be staying.”
I blink. “A cabin?”
“No, Ms. Sloane,” he drawls out, leaning back in his chair. “We’ll build a hotel just for you.”
“No need for sarcasm,” I scoff. “What am I supposed to do there, exactly?”
“There’s someone who will lead you through it. But the gist of it is that you’re there to clean up the trash, help set up everything for the winter camp.”
“So, it’s officially happening?”
Colton nods. “Yes. The headmaster believes it would be beneficial for the younger kids to have some fun, and while they’re there, they’ll drop here for a visit, too. It’ll happen during the winter holidays, and since you’re going to be here, I expect you to be on your best behavior.”
“I’m always on my best behavior.”
He quirks a brow. “Is that why I had to see you and Mr. Ford kissing on this very desk? Furthermore, I expect one of you to cough up the money to replace the top of the desk. What the hell were you two doing here?”
I wince. “For the record, I received an email from you. I thought I’d be meeting you here.”
“I’m aware, and Mr. Ford will be punished accordingly,” he sighs. “But why would you think I’d call you in the middle of the night?”
