Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 122030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 610(@200wpm)___ 488(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 610(@200wpm)___ 488(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
“They go to St. Michael’s on the Upper West Side.” Xavier continues as if RJ hadn’t spoken. “You can vet them tonight if you want. Meet them before we go in.”
“I don’t want, and I won’t be going.”
Xavier’s buddy, Tripp, looks confused. “You won’t be going?”
“No. I’m busy.”
I swallow another laugh. RJ’s been making his obligatory weekly appearances at the fights since he took over leadership from Duke, but I guess he’s done playing by the rules. I’m surprised it took him this long.
“So there’s no fights?” Xavier presses. “But it’s Saturday.”
“You can fight. Or not. I don’t care. How is this so hard to understand?”
The pair glance over at me for assistance. I respond with an amused shrug.
“I am busy tonight,” RJ says slowly, overpronouncing each word as if speaking to a small child. “If they were being held tomorrow night, great. If they’d been held yesterday, great. But they are tonight, and I am busy.”
“So we’re doing them tomorrow night?” Xavier asks.
“Do them whenever you want!” he shouts before turning to implore me with his eyes. “Dude. Help.”
I’m too busy laughing.
“This isn’t some kind of test,” he assures the guys. “I’m not interested in running shit. Tell your friends.”
“So…tomorrow night?” Tripp asks.
“Get the fuck out,” RJ pleads in frustration, physically shoving them out the door. He slams it shut and leans against it as if he’s afraid they’ll try to kick it open like the barbarians at the gate. “Why is this happening to me?”
I wipe away tears of laughter. “Did it to yourself, man.”
A sharp knock rattles the door.
RJ’s face goes red with frustration. “For fuck’s sake! Go away!”
“Bishop,” a different voice calls out.
Just like that, all humor fades.
This time, I’m the one to answer the door. I find myself staring at the smug smile of Asa, the headmaster’s messenger boy.
I stifle a groan. “Let me guess. I’ve been summoned.”
Asa ignores my sarcasm. “Headmaster Tresscott wants to see you in his office. Better hurry.”
CHAPTER 35
FENN
IT’S QUIETER THAN A CHURCH IN HERE. I DON’T PASS A SINGLE Person or hear a single voice on my way to Tresscott’s office. The sound of my shoes squeaking against the polished floor of the wide corridor makes me wince. It’s embarrassingly loud. Then my phone dings and it’s even louder, like an explosion amidst the stillness.
I put it on silent, then check the message.
Casey: Meet me at our spot tonight? We have lots to talk about.
She’s right. We do.
Me: Yeah, sounds good. And yes, we do.
Me: My phone’s on silent now. I’m about to talk to your dad.
The desk in the reception area is empty. I walk past it toward the commanding mahogany door and give a quick rap.
“Come in,” is the muffled reply.
I turn the knob and push the door open. Take one step onto the thick burgundy carpet before stopping in my tracks.
“Oh, fuck no,” I mutter when my gaze connects with my father, who’s sitting at Tresscott’s desk. “No way. I’m not doing this.”
I spin on my heel, prompting David to jump out of his chair. “Fennelly,” he snaps. “Stop.”
I don’t want to stop. I want to sprint out of this building, steal someone’s ride, and drive to another goddamn country. Canada. No, Mexico. Better weather.
Yet I also know running is pointless, so I resist the instinct and walk back into the office. I shut the door behind me and cross my arms tight to my chest.
Dad drags a hand through his blond hair. It’s streaked with silver these days. I’m surprised his new wife hasn’t coaxed him into coloring it. Or maybe Michelle thinks it’s distinguished.
“Why are you here?” I ask when he doesn’t speak.
That brings a spark of irritation to his eyes. “Edward Tresscott called me early this morning and told me he plans to suspend you.”
My breath catches. A suspension? That’s it?
I exhale in relief, wondering how on earth Casey managed to talk him out of expulsion.
“You look relieved,” Dad says coolly.
I shrug. “I am. Figured it would be much worse. How long’s the suspension?”
“Three days. You’ll report here to Tresscott every morning and do your coursework in a neighboring office. He’ll be keeping an eye on you throughout the day and checking your work after the last bell.”
“Fine.” I flick up an eyebrow. “May I go now?”
“No, you may not.” He’s visibly clenching his teeth. “Take a fucking seat, Fenn.”
A laugh slides out. “Busting out the expletives, huh, Dad? Someone’s having a temper tantrum.”
“Sit down,” he snaps.
I humor him, dropping my ass in one of the plush visitors’ chairs. Dad remains standing, his expression conveying a cloud of unhappiness. With a dash of disappointment thrown in there.
“Well? Let’s hear it. The lecture.” I lean back in the chair, unfazed. “It’s always fun to listen to you pretend to give a shit. You’ve been doing it a lot lately, you realize that? I get it. Trying to impress Stepmommy. But you’re wasting your breath.”