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“We’ve been trying to reach your mother all day.” His jaw flexed and his tone was flat. “I even spoke to her manager Bill who, frankly, is an asshole.”
I smirked, nodded, but remained silent.
He sighed and pressed the ridge of his nose between his finger and thumb. “It’s been a long day, and I had hoped we would have at least gotten somewhere.” He leaned back in his chair and studied me for what felt like an awkward eternity. “I’m not sure how to handle this. I know you said to not get the police involved, but I really don’t see what else we can do.”
“Please don’t,” I began to beg. “And even if you do, I don’t think it will help. I tried that. It did nothing.”
“We could get you a bodyguard, but I don’t really feel like it’s my place to do so. Plus, we would need to interview, and it’s not something that can be done overnight. Because of who your mother is, I know we need to be careful about vetting all who come into your life. We don’t want to risk them selling information to the media about you. And frankly, I’m not comfortable making decisions without some input from your mother.”
“I’m nineteen,” I reminded. “I can make these decisions without her.”
He nodded, crossed his arms and said, “I’ve taken that into consideration too. But it’s her money. And you’re right. You are legally allowed to do all this yourself, but you shouldn’t have to. I think you’ve been alone long enough. And I made a promise to you that I plan to keep.”
“I’m sorry this has been such a pain.”
“It’s not your fault that your mother is—” He paused as if reconsidering what he’d been about to say. “So, we have an issue we need to address now.”
“Issue?”
“I’m obviously not going to just let you walk out that door and go back to a house where your safety could be at risk. You also don’t have a car, so you’d need a ride anyway. You don’t have anywhere to go except a bed and breakfast which we ruled out last night. Which leaves me.”
“I would never ask you—”
“Yes, well…” he interrupted. “We don’t have a lot of options right now, and since it’s been a long day, and I don’t have enough energy left to address alternate solutions, you’ll be staying on my couch again.” He paused. “If that’s what you want to do, that is. I also don’t want you to feel that this is coming from Mr. D, your principal, giving you an order you have to follow. But this is coming from someone who cares… a friend.”
I could have sat there and argued. I could have tried to convince him he didn’t have to worry about me. I could have even lied and told him I was completely fine and would be okay going home. But the thought of going into that empty house terrified me. I’d never been the type of girl to need her mommy, but I did feel pretty damn abandoned and alone right now, and Mr. D was offering a lifeline.
“I appreciate the offer. I do. Thank you.”
Appearing satisfied with my answer, he leaned down and picked up his briefcase and began loading it with manila folders and notebooks. “Okay, good. Go get your stuff and wait for me after school in detention.” He looked up and smiled. “Consider detention back on. I need you to hang out somewhere until I can leave. I have a meeting I need to run to, and then I’ll give you a ride to the house to pick up some clothing and essentials. Plan for a couple of days. It’s not an ideal situation, but until we get hold of someone who can reach your mother or at least step in, we’ll just wait it out.”
I nodded, not minding detention. I got it. I couldn’t exactly hang out in his office spinning in his chair as I snooped in the files of classmates.
“Corrine…” he began and stared me directly in the eyes. “We need to handle this delicately. You can agree that this won’t look good to others.”
“I completely agree,” I said. “Down low.” I hated to use the words “our secret” because that made it seem somehow wrong and forbidden.
I might have had improper thoughts, but they were mine alone. Mr. D had done nothing even slightly inappropriate… even though deep down the fantasy of him doing more was present. But it was just a fantasy.
A fantasy I would take to my grave.
He stood up from his desk. “Okay, good. This is a temporary solution to a messed up situation.” He nodded to the door. “I’m late for my meeting, but I’ll see you soon. We can then figure out what we want to do for dinner.” He gave a warm smile. “Roomie.”
