Page 65 of The Flirty Forward

“Hanging up now.”

“Okay, Boo.”

“Sebastian!” I hang up to the sound of his chuckling.

Chapter 24

Stephanie

Monday dawns bright and early, and I arrive at school earlier than normal, given that I left extra early due to having to catch an Uber. I’m ready to get back to my job. I’m feeling energized and excited about the week. I’m pretty sure part of that is the caffeine from the cold brew I drank coursing through my system. I meet up with Bri during our Monday morning teacher’s meeting. “Hey,” I say by way of greeting. She drops into her chair, looking glum. “What’s with you?”

“Aiden’s gone for the next almost two weeks.”

“Oh. Right. Maybe we can fit in some girl time while he’s gone,” I offer, trying to cheer her up.

She brightens at that. “Yes. We should do a girls’ night. Maybe I’ll see if Amber is up to joining us; she’s been so off lately.”

I frown. “Is she still dating that guy that you don’t like?”

“Yes. She refuses to listen to me about him. I’m afraid she’s going to get her heart broken, but there’s nothing I can do. I tried to get my mom to talk to her, but she says it will only push Amber further away.”

“Yeah, she gets a little prickly sometimes,” I add.

“Only sometimes?” Bri asks wryly.

We don’t get a chance to talk about it anymore because Principal Goodman starts our meeting. “It’s nice to have Miss Winston back with us today,” he says acknowledging me.

“It’s good to have my position back,” I say. Bri elbows me a moment later, but I can’t find it in myself to feel remorseful. I’m still frustrated that they made me sit out last week.

Principal Goodman clears his throat and recovers. “You may have noticed the two officers in our building. They are officers but are not dressed as such. They will be working inside and outside the school, making sure our students stay safe and of course our teachers.” He gives me somewhat of a side eye. “They are here on Mr. Hart’s behalf. He’s covering the security detail for the time being until things settle down. And I have no doubt that they will indeed settle down.” He says the words with another glance in my direction, and I can’t help but bristle. Like this is somehow all my fault. He talks through the schedule for the week, but I mostly tune it out. I’m still stuck on the fact that Sebastian hired security. I mean I know he said he would, but I can’t believe he actually did it.

After our meeting concludes, Bri turns to me, a big smile on her face. “You’ve got your own private security now?”

I scowl. “It’s not like that.”

“On the contrary, my Friend. I think it’s exactly like that.”

I sometimes forget she’s an English teacher until she says something like that and reminds me. I shake my head and stand. “Come on.” I head to my classroom, and she falls into step with me.

“What night do you want to do a girls’ night?”

I think through my week. “Friday?”

“Perfect. My house or yours?”

“Yours.” Somehow, I know I’m going to want out of my quiet house by Friday. “Besides, you have a bigger tv.”

Bri laughs. “Yeah, only so Aiden can watch hockey. I swear that’s all we watch.” There’s no real bitterness in her voice.

When we get to my classroom, I’m surprised to see a bouquet of flowers on my desk. Instantly, a wary feeling fills me. I wonderif they’re from whoever sent the flowers last week that sent my week into a tailspin. Of course, those were black; so maybe not. “Are you going to go see who they’re from?” Bri asks.

I snap out of my thoughts and walk hesitantly over to my desk. I pull out the little card stuck in the flowers and open it.

These are to replace the bad memories of last week’s flowers. I hope they bring a smile to your beautiful face and remind you of me. I’ll be thinking of you and missing you while I’m gone.

Sebastian

“I can tell from your smile that they’re from Sebastian.” Bri’s voice reminds me I’m not alone.

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