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“Already did,” I told him, pulling my phone out. “I didn’t know you’d be around the school.”
As if he just realized this, he glanced around, his shoulders lifting.
“I’m afraid you caught me,” he said, smiling a little. “I’m meeting with your new headmaster today to discuss donating some scholarships. College ones for graduating students. Just a way to help some of those who may not have resources for that. Windsor Prep is my alma mater, and obviously you kids go here.”
That was nice of him.
“Planned to meet with the headmaster after you all left and school wrapped for the day.” He rubbed his hands over the cane. “I’m sure you know why.”
I did, and that all went without saying. The parents really wouldn’t like him being here.
“Anyway, I probably should be going, and I do have that meeting,” he said. “And if you’re ever interested in a scholarship, they should be available for college freshmen for the upcoming year. I know you have the Mallicks, but I don’t know the situation there. If they were paying for you, or if you had other plans with that.”
I hadn’t gotten that far with them. I rubbed my arm. “Thanks. I might look into it. I don’t necessarily want to assume they’d cover that if I decide to go.”
Callum nodded. “Well, if you ever want more information, I have packets at the house. I can have Bru forward anything you like.”
“Thank you.”
Another nod, and he was off, but I wasn’t exactly done. I still felt weird about what Dorian had told me, and it wouldn’t sit well until I did get some clarity. Dorian and I were talking tonight, and I wanted to go into that conversation with everything out there. I did believe what he’d told me, but if there had been a misunderstanding between him and his grandpa…
Like stated, I just needed some clarity, and I did need it because I didn’t want anything else between Dorian and me. I also wanted the packet of information. “Actually, could I swing by after you’re done today?” I asked, causing Callum and Lucas to turn. “I really am interested and don’t want to have to rely on Ramses and Brielle.”
Callum’s cane touched the floor. “I’m not sure that’d be such a good idea. I think your parents would prefer if distance is kept between you and me.”
I was aware of that, but it had also been explained to me that I wasn’t being kept under lock and key. I had freedom to go to and from as I wished, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever get another opportunity to talk with him. I did need clarity, and it wasn’t just for my and Dorian’s relationship.
It was for me.
Chapter Forty-Two
Sloane
“Agnes, if you could bring in some hot tea for Miss Sloane and myself.”
Callum’s maid acknowledged the request, her nod short before exiting the room. I had basically followed Callum and Lucas back to Callum’s house after waiting in the parking lot at the school while they wrapped up Callum’s meeting with the headmaster.
Agnes returned to Callum’s parlor, a large room with the dimly lit sconces and a fireplace already running. She had the packet of scholarship information along with the tea, and I thanked her for them both.
“Well, then. What questions do you have for me?” Callum asked, declining his tea for now with a raised hand. Currently, he stoked the fireplace, his cane in his other hand. “You mentioned wanting to talk at the school. I’m assuming about the program.”
I had mentioned that before we’d left, but no, the subject matter didn’t have anything to do with the scholarship. I tucked the scholarship packet into the side of my chair, then guided the tea to my lips. I swallowed. “I kind of just wanted to chat. Casually.”
“Oh.” He hung the poker by the fireplace but stayed by it when I stood. “What about exactly?”
This conversation was probably completely inappropriate, and I hated I was even here to have it. I chewed my lip. “It’s about Dorian.”
Callum’s head tilted back. “I see.”
Placing my tea down next to the china pot Agnes had left, I came over to him. “Everything with that summer is just so out of character for him, and I wanted to understand it.”
His hand lifted. “Before we get started, this is really a conversation you should be having with him. I’m already in hot water with him and my son. I don’t know if Dorian told you, but he came to see me. Blew up on me for telling you about that summer.”
He hadn’t told me that, but I wasn’t surprised. He was so quick to lose his temper.
“Things between us are already tense.” He placed both hands on his cane. “And if I want any hope at all in bringing him around, I have to respect his privacy.”
I got that and didn’t want to create any drama. Heading back to my chair, I picked up my bag, sliding the scholarship information inside. “I’m sorry for wasting your time.”
