Page 106 of Apparently, I’m Trouble

I gave her a wry smile, because as serious as this was, I had to say it. “The happiest of endings.”

She was beside herself. “Did you consent?”

“I made the first move, actually.”

“Mia!”

“I know. I’m not usually like this. But the man is just…” I sighed. “I couldn’t get him out of my system, and I thought if I got him into my system, maybe that would change? I didn’t really plan to tell anyone about it.”

She glared at me. “Then why are you telling me this now?”

“Because I love you.”

Her face hardened.

I wasn’t above pleading. “Lilly, please. I do. You know I do.”

“I know,” she admitted. “But you lied to me.”

I put my hands on her shoulders, testing the waters. And thank god, she let me touch her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to disappoint you or hurt your career. I knew you could lose this promotion because of me.”

“Then why did you do it?” She heard how her question sounded and smoothed her features before trying again. “I mean, you know me. You know I would’ve wanted to be there for you. We could’ve talked this out before it went anywhere.”

“I know. But I didn’t really know it was this big thing until after I’d already… done it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, it felt like… like more. And I had to tell you about it because I needed you to know.”

She softened then, under my hands and under my gaze, and I watched as she truly understood what I was trying to say.

“You needed me to know because you’re in love with him.”

The door to the staffroom flew open then, slamming against the wall. We turned to find Principal Rutton standing in the doorway.

With a flair so dramatic that it would have made Gem proud, Rutton barked, “Walker. Fares. Get in my office. Now.”

Chapter 42

Theo

SOUTH BRONX CLASSICAL

“Will you come in?” Kira asked.

She stood in front of me as we rode the subway, wearing her crisp navy uniform. Her feet were turned inward, and she was holding Rochelle’s hand. She looked more like a little girl than a headstrong teenager. I couldn’t say I liked the change.

“Miss Gem wanted to ask you about the sets, anyway,” she reasoned.

I looked over her head at Rochelle, who widened her eyes meaningfully. She could tell I was about to let Kira down gently.

I hesitated. I needed to get to my office. I had to check on Loretta’s room. I needed to make sure there wasn’t a single trace left behind of what I’d done to Mia.

But right now, Kira needed me. I wasn’t going to disappoint her.

“I’ll call Mario.”