Page 108 of Mr. B

“Of course. You overslept. The kids are going to miss you.”

“Hopefully, I won’t be gone long enough for that to happen.”

Polly left, and Wes stood and looked around the room. He picked up his cane and the plant and left his office.

Cassandra was on the phone when he opened her door. She held up a finger, then finished the call. When she saw the plant, she raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on? Why do you have Geraldine?”

“Would you still like to play hooky today?”

She stood. “What’s wrong?”

“It has been strongly suggested by the trustees that I take a leave of absence while they fight the lawsuit Pete has filed against the district.”

“Oh my gosh. That’s…ridiculous.”

“I agree. So, how about you, me, and Geraldine get the hell out of here?”

She picked up her coat and purse. “Let’s go.” They left her office and stopped at the reception area counter. “Polly, will you reschedule my appointments for today?”

“Of course.”

“And if Bailey comes looking for me for some reason, tell her to call me.”

“I’ll do that.”

Wes smiled at Polly. “Thanks. She’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Have a good day.”

They left the building and got into Cassandra’s car. “Where to?”

“My parents’ house.”

“Why there?”

“Well, it’s high time you met them. Then we’re going to blow off some steam on the paintball course.”

“The famous paintball course you used to talk about all the time.”

“I didn’t talk about it all the time.”

“Maybe. But you relayed a lot of stories.”

“It was an important part of my childhood. And not so child…hood.”

“Are you going to take it easy on me?”

He patted his knee. “I’m injured. What more of an advantage do you need?”

“You’ve played all your life. I’ve never played.”

“There’s a very small learning curve. Point and shoot.”

“I guess I can do that.”

Wes walked up to Cassandra with a grin. “Are you okay?”

She shoved him. “Point and shoot my ass.”