Page 32 of The Golden Boys
“Relax,” Mrs. C. interjects. “We’ll get you down to the nurses office so they can take a look at you. I’m sure it’s not as serious as you think.”
Mrs. C’s gaze shifts to me, but I’ve long-since replaced my snarky expression with one of concern.
“In the meantime, you and I are gonna have a little chat,” she concludes. “In my office. Now.”
The crowd quickly disperses when it’s clear there won’t be much drama to come of this. Well, none they’re aware of, anyway. In fact, they completely miss that West hasn’t moved a muscle since I injured his little girlfriend. It isn’t until Sterling helps Parker to her feet and she loops one arm around his neck and the other around West’s that he even blinks.
It’s impossible to fight the smile on my face now. Told his ass not to mess with me.
* * *
“You’re here on scholarship, is that correct?” Mrs. C. rocks back in her seat when asking. I can’t help but wonder what that has to do with anything.
“Yes, ma’am,” I answer, knowing I’m expected to be on my best behavior. My stupid temper got me into this, now I need to turn up the charm to get me out of it.
“Well, Ms. Riley, are you aware of the behavioral guidelines associated with your continued enrollment here at Cypress Prep?”
I’m nodding before she even finishes.
“Yes, ma’am,” I repeat. “But I swear to you, I didn’t do anything to Parker. Or, if I did, I assure you it wasn’t on purpose. Maybe I got too close?” I suggest, trying to get at least somewhere in theballparkof the truth, just in case someone did witness the act and decides to speak up later.
Her stern gaze is locked on me. “I heard about that little prank in the main hall this morning. Did Parker and her friends have anything to do with that? Is that what this is about?”
Yes! They’re all guilty.
I want to scream those words, but know it’ll only give me a motive, which would make pinning this on me that much easier. So, I lie.
“Honestly, I’m not sure who was behind it, but I don’t have any reason to believe Parker was involved.”
Speaking these words makes my chest throb.
She keeps her eyes on me a moment longer, before jotting something down on her clipboard.
“Consider this a warning, Riley,” she states dryly. “If I hear of anything else brewing between you and Parker, I won’t hesitate to take action.”
“Of course. I understand.”
She keeps eyes on me as I rise from my seat and head back out into the gym. The moment I reach the stairs, preparing to make my way back up, the main door opens suddenly. I half expect it to be West and Sterling returning after escorting Parker, but I’m wrong.
Thank God.
“I was starting to think you wouldn’t show.”
Lexi gives an easy smile, and then makes sure Mrs. C. hasn’t noticed her slipping in.
“Just went to the bathroom to make a call first,” she shares. “Pandora’s post has my mother up in arms. So, naturally, I needed to put out that fire before I went home. Or, better yet, so I could decide if I evenwantedto go home.”
My heart lurches a bit. “Yeah … about that. I guess I should’ve mentioned I’m patient zero around here. Apparently, even being seentalkingto me is social suicide.”
Lexi waved me off before I could even finish. “Don’t worry about it. My rep is shot to hell already. Mom’s just sensitive about my sister’s name being dragged further into the mud,” she explains. “Although, getting her third DUI and hitting a family of four head-on did most of that damage, so…”
I don’t know what to say to that.
“It’s been years, but Pandora doesn’t forget the past. Keep that in mind,” she warns. “She sees to it that none of us can outrun even the slightest mistakes we make.”
I nod, thinking about what she said. “Your mom’s okay, though?”
“She’ll be fine. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t hanging out with the wrong crowd,” Lexi says with a laugh. “Obviously, she doesn’t know her own kid very well,” she jokes. “Iamthe wrong crowd.”