Waking up alone sucks. Waking up early to go to school early with your mother sucks more.
I have no idea what Mr. Wick might want to discuss. The guys have made sure I kept up with my schoolwork so I can get into any college we want, so I haven’t fallen behind.
We walk into the school and no one else is in the hallways. It’s always a little creepy being here before or after everyone has left for the day. Normally the hallways are packed with people and if you get caught up in the flow, it’s hard to break free.
Our shoes are soft and don’t make much sound. Mom hasn’t said much this morning. I’m not sure if she’s just tired or if she’s aware of my nightly visitors. My cheeks flush thinking about what she may have overheard last night.
My insides burn just thinking of Eli. Yeah, I shouldn’t think of that right before going in to talk to my teacher. Or the marks he left all over me, tender and aching. Pride burst through me as I touched each one this morning. I lead Mom to my first class and knock on the door.
Mr. Wick opens it with a bright smile. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile like that.
“Jenn Stewart. It’s been years.” He takes my mom’s hand in his two and shakes it.
“It’s Davidson now, David.” Mom’s cheeks blush.
“Of course. I was sorry to hear about Sean.”
Mom nods, but Mr. Wick doesn’t release her hand.
My eyes widen. Yeah, that’s definitely longer than teacher-parent hand shaking should last. I take a second glance at Mr. Wick. He’s Mom’s age obviously, but he’s stayed fit and lean. Hisblue eyes are bright behind his wire-rimmed glasses. His dark hair is still thick.
As if realizing they’re still holding hands, Mr. Wick steps back and gestures for us. “Come in.”
Mom smooths her hands over her skirt, and I check to make sure my hair hides the bite mark Eli left on me. The one he left to show everyone else that I’m his. When I saw it in the mirror this morning, everything inside me went soft and needy.
We sit on the chairs beside Mr. Wick’s desk as he sits behind it. He hasn’t taken his eyes off my mom.
His cheeks grow a little pink and he glances down at his paper. “I’m sorry. I just?—”
His gaze lifts to my mom’s. “I knew Harper looked familiar and remembered you married Sean Davidson, but for some reason, I didn’t expect you.”
Mom smiles. “Should I be offended or flattered?”
“Flattered, definitely. You haven’t aged a day.” He adjusts his glasses. “You’ve been alone for a while now?”
Is he fishing?
“Over a decade.” Mom crosses her legs and leans back in her chair.
“Huh.” He glances at his paper, and then he seems to remember I’m there and gives me a small smile before clearing his throat. “This is a little awkward and not usually something I’d bring up to a parent, but Harper is one of my favorite students.”
What the hell is this? I smile because it’s nice to be his favorite, but I have no idea what he’d want to talk about.
“It can’t be so bad if she’s one of your favorites.” Mom smiles.
He takes his glasses off and rubs the bridge of his nose. He glances my way and sighs. “I’ve noticed some of the guys this year seem to have noticed Harper. It seems very one-sided at times.”
Mom’s lips tighten and she glances at me. I shrug like I have no idea what he means. Though if it were earlier in the year, I would have been much happier for the guys to be called out.
“Who are the guys?” Mom shifts her gaze back to Mr. Wick.
“Luke Foster, Caden Ross, Jack Hill, Eli Jacobs, and Nico Lee.” Mr. Wick cleans his glasses with a tissue and puts them back on. “Like I said, this is awkward and maybe me talking out of turn, but I’ve known Harper for three years. She’s a good student and keeps her head down and her nose out of trouble.”
He clears his throat and his gaze holds my mom’s. “Those boys are smart, cunning, and popular. Them noticing and paying extra attention to someone like Harper—well, she’s not who they usually hang out with.”
My cheeks have to be red and my eyebrow is arched because seriously? Someone like me? I mean, I get it, but damn, man. Be cool.
Mom clears her throat and recrosses her legs. “Mr. Wick?—”
