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“Marissa. Trevor is a smart kid, but he doesn’t put forth any effort. He is too concerned with talking with his friends to pay any respect and learn in my class. A child like that doesn’t deserve to be given extra credit.”
She had a point, and while Marissa understood it, she was still willing to try a new tactic.
Marissa nodded. “You’re right, he doesn’t. And thank you.”
“For what?”
“For recognizing he is smart, he’s just not applying himself. I couldn’t agree more. He got a D on the paper because he deserved the D. But you didn’t have to mention him being smart, but you did because I think you believe it’s important a child knows their worth.” Marissa tightened her grip on the phone and decided to plead for Trevor. “It’s completely unfair of me to do this, so I’m going to apologize ahead of time, but while he hasn’t earned the opportunity, I’m just asking you give it to him. Just give him a second chance, and I can assure you, this is a lesson he will learn from. You have my word.”
She wasn’t sure if it worked, but when she heard the sigh from the other line, she smiled.
“A three-page report on Women’s Literature and the importance of female authors. Due by Friday.”
“Great topic.” Marissa nodded at Trevor, and the relief washed over his features. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. It’s nice to see parents going to bat for their kids.”
“And one other thing, while I will not mention the conversation, I want you to know, Trevor has given me a full rundown of the incident which occurred, and another lesson he will learn at home will be there are consequences for his actions and the importance of respecting his teachers and women in general.”
Trevor’s smile faltered, and his brows knitted together in confusion. Marissa raised her brows and nodded.
She snickered. “It was a pleasure speaking with you, Marissa.”
She hung up and noticed Trevor’s eyes widen. “So?”
“A three-page report on Women’s Literature, due by Friday.”
He jumped up from the bed in obvious excitement. “Yes, God, Riss, you’re the best.”
She shook her head. “We’ll see how awesome you think I am while you’re grounded.”
He halted. “What?”
She narrowed her eyes. “While I get you meant it to be funny, it’s not right to disrespect any woman, let alone your teacher.”
He laughed. “It was a joke.”
“You think it would be funny if someone said that about me?”
“No.” His gaze sharpened, and his lips tensed.
“Right, so you’re grounded for a week. School and practice, but then you come home.”
He folded his arms, and his lip twitched. “Are you allowed to ground me?”
“As your,” she used her fingers for air quotes, “mom, I’m pretty sure I can.”
A large grin spread across his face, and he rolled his eyes. She walked out without saying a word and closed the door. The laughter started the minute she started toward the steps.
****
Caden came to a halt and slid the door open. Marissa was lying on her stomach, her legs bent and her feet facing the ceiling. Her elbows were propped on the mattress, and her hands cupped her chin as she stared at the television.
It was well past midnight. It had taken longer than expected with the day’s deliveries. He’d called a few hours ago to tell her not to wait up. He hated saying it, but he did. Truth was, he wanted her up and waiting for him. He wanted the plate covered with foil containing leftovers in the oven. He didn’t expect it, but he loved it.
He stepped in quietly and closed the door but didn’t let the lock click. She was in a daze in front of her as he made his way to the bed. Her legs dropped to the mattress, and he fell on top of her, pinning her to the bed.
She screeched and strained her neck. “God, Cade, you scared the hell out of me.”
