Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Do you not see this? How could I not love it and you?”
He laughs and tugs me down onto his broad chest. He then kisses me. “How could I not love you?”
Chapter 62
Disrespect
Kelex
Seven months later…
“What should I pick up for Pit’s birthday?”
“Get him something you think he’ll like. I already took care of a gift from me,” I say to Shawna on the other end of the phone.
“Oh, we’re doing separate gifts.”
“Baby—”
“No, it’s okay.”
I rub my tired eyes. It’s frustrating not being able to give my wife an answer when she asks me when we can come clean about who we are to each other. My father has been quiet in the last month, but I’m not taking any risks.
“Pappoús wants us to come for a visit. I plan to discuss the situation with him then. Can you hold on until then for me?”
“Yeah, I guess. Are we going before or after our anniversary?”
“Right now, I don’t know. I have some business I need to handle here. I guess we can go when I’m done with that.”
I don’t tell her that I’ve been meeting with campaign managers to run for mayor. If I’m going to do this, I want to know what all it will entail, Blake and Zoe have been instrumental in that. I know for sure Pappoús will want an answer when I arrive.
“Then how are we going to handle this weekend? Ven thinks I’m just crushing on you,” she says, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Mr. Nikolaou, I have Vander Academy on line two,” my assistant’s voice comes through the intercom.
“Listen, we’ll talk out what we plan to do tonight. That’s Vernice’s school on the line. Let me get that.”
“Call me back if something is wrong,” she says with concern.
I end the call with Shawna and pick up my office phone. “Hello?
“Mr. Nikolaou, this is Emily Frost from Vander Academy. Headmaster Bozeman would like for you to come in to speak with him. Would you be able to come in this afternoon?”
“What is this about? Is Vernice, okay?”
“She’s fine. I believe I should allow Mr. Bozeman to inform you of the details.”
I look at the time. I’m done with my meetings for the day. However, Helios is out running errands.
I shoot Jeff a quick text on my private line, hoping he can take me over to the school. We had plans to meet up later anyway. If not, I’ll call for a car.
Jeff: I’ll be there in fifteen.
Me: Thanks.
“I’ll be there within the hour,” I say into the phone.
“Thank you, Mr. Nikolaou. See you then.”
I dial Shawna back. She picks up right away. Again, her concern comes through as she says hello.
“Hey,” I reply.
“What’s happening?”
“I don’t know. They want me to come in, but they said she’s fine.”
“Would you like me to meet you? I’m wrapping up here. I can head there to meet you. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“I can handle it.”
“I know you can. Let’s just say I’m coming for moral support.”
“I want to see you too.”
“How did you know?” she says with a smile in her voice.
I chuckle. “I’ll see you there. Be safe, gorgeous.”
Jeff pops his head into my office right as we’re about to end the call. I wave him in and stand so we can head out. The sooner I get to the school, the sooner I can find out what’s going on.
“Love you, babe. See you soon,” Shawna says sweetly.
“Yeah, me too.” I frown because I hate not saying I love her, but with Jeff staring right at my mouth, something holds me back.
As far as Jeff knows, Shawna is still my fiancée, not my wife, and he doesn’t think I have real feelings for her. Pappoús’ words have stuck with me. When it comes to Shawna, the world is on a need-to-know basis.
“Oh, okay. Later.” She hangs up before I can smooth things over.
“You ready?” Jeff asks.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
“Is the kid okay?”
“Yeah, I’m not sure what this is about.”
He snorts. “Twenty bucks says that little monster’s mouth got her in trouble.”
“Nah, I doubt that. She doesn’t misbehave in school. She reserves all that for home.” I laugh and shake my head.
* * *
Jeff gets me to Vander Academy in no time. I text Shawna and she lets me know she got held up, but she’s on her way. Wanting to find out what’s going on, I thank Jeff for the ride and head inside.
I can’t imagine what’s going on. I hope to God she didn’t tell anyone off. Although it would be out of character if she did, which would mean they deserved it.
“Ah, Mr. Nikolaou. Thank you for coming in on such short notice. Please step into my office,” the headmaster Mr. Bozeman says nervously.
There’s a weird tension in the air. I also take notice of the old lady sitting with a smug look on her face. My curiosity is piqued.