Page 22 of Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights

Oh god. My head goes light. I have got to find out what is happening with my child!

“I am so sorry. I...I don’t know what to say except that I am determined to figure out what is causing this aggression.”

“Our guidance counselor did speak with both boys, but she said Matthew was tight-lipped about what preceded theincident. Perhaps you can get him to open up.” He sighs before continuing, “Look, Ms. Sparks, Matthew is a bright kid, and records from his elementary school show no behavioral issues. It’s important we get to the bottom of this so Matthew can return to his usual self. I’m a true believer that there are no bad kids, just bad behavior, and there’s usually a reason behind it.”

“Thank you. That’s kind of you. I promise we’ll get to the bottom of it. Believe me, I want Matthew to be happy and well-adjusted more than anybody.”

“I believe you. I’ll have the guidance department get in touch. I’m sure they can be of help.”

“Okay. Thank you again. And I’ll keep you updated.”

“Sounds good.”

Mr. Finley hangs up, and I sit for a few long minutes staring blankly at my phone. Then I get my ass in gear and pack up my things before driving home.

I find Matty in his bedroom, lying on his stomach on the bed, homework spread out in front of him like he’s been innocently slaving away at it for hours. He’s certainly no dummy.

Forcing myself to take a cleansing breath, I approach the bed and take a seat on the edge of the mattress. “Mr. Finley called. Tell me what happened.”

Matty groans but he does turn to look at me, so it’s progress, I suppose. “Raiden was talking crap, and I didn’t want to listen to it.” A lock of hair falls in his eyes, and I have to stop myself from reaching over to tuck it back.

“So you shoved him into a locker? Matty, that is not okay.”

He stiffens and grits his teeth. “It’sMatthew.”

Right. “Matthew, that is not okay,” I repeat.

“I know, all right?!” His head whips back around, and he shoves his homework off the bed, the books thudding loudly on the floor.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and I force a calm tone. “What did Raiden say to you?” So help me god, this Raiden kid might have more to worry about than my son if my current suspicions are valid.

Matty’s response comes quickly. A little too quickly. “Nothing! It doesn’t matter. I got suspended and it’s over.”

“Matthew,” I begin, but he cuts me off.

“Besides, Mr. Rhodes said you’ve got to pay people back when they’re rude. That’s all I was doing!”

My chin shifts back. “Wait. What? Mr. Rhodes, as inBobbyRhodes?”

“Yeah.” Matty glances back at me again.

“Bobby Rhodes told you that you’ve got to pay people back when they’re rude?”

He nods. “Yeah.”

I draw in a slow breath through my nostrils, my hands twitching in my lap while I fight the urge to hunt the man down and strangle him. So much for nonviolence being the answer!

Fucking. Bobby.

He’s not a narcissist. He’s nothing but aspoiled child.

Chapter Eleven

Bobby

I’m still riding the high, having won at home last night against the Stingers, 4-2. I even scored one of the goals, which made Coach smile as the team celebrated. He probably strained a muscle doing it, but I counted it as a win. Maybe I can earn back his favor after all. Richie wasn’t at my apartment after the game, which was a good sign that maybe he’s foraging for his own food today instead of mooching off me.

And now, my favorite part of the day: I’m on my way to pick up Molly from her office to go look at a few houses before practice. This polo shirt can’t be seen in a Kia, let’s be honest. Burberry belongs in the Wolverine.

---