Page 44 of Working for the Runaway Bride

The principal’s gaze moves over the scene: the crushed roses on the pavement, the spilled ice cream, the blood on my mouth, and Molly standing between Carter and me.

Her expression hardens.

“Mrs. Hargrove,” Molly says, “I can explain.”

“I certainly hope so.”

“This is a personal matter. They both came here without me knowing.”

Principal Hargrove looks at Carter. “Did you strike this man?”

“He deserved it.”

“Carter,” Molly whispers.

“What?” he demands. “He kissed you.”

Principal Hargrove’s eyebrows rise. Molly sways slightly. I step toward her, but she moves away from me. That hurts worse than the punch.

“Grayson,” Principal Hargrove says, “you were explicitly told not to return to this campus without completing the proper procedure.”

“I stayed in the parking lot.”

“You are on school property.”

“I came to give Molly something. I wasn’t going inside.”

“And this”—she gestures toward Carter—“is the result.”

“It isn’t her fault,” I say.

“I didn’t suggest it was.”

“You’re looking at her like it is.”

Principal Hargrove draws herself up. “This is a conversation between myself and my employee.”

“Then listen when she tells you we showed up without her permission.”

Molly grips her apple bag against her chest.

“Please,” she says. “Can we discuss this in your office?”

“No.”

The single word falls with terrifying calm.

Parents continue to watch. Children have stopped climbing onto the buses. One of the other teachers begins herding them away, but it’s too late. They’ve seen enough.

Principal Hargrove turns to Molly.

“We discussed professional judgment after your unauthorized visitor entered the classroom.”

“I know.”

“I issued a formal warning.”

“Yes.”