Page 12 of Manhattan Secret

Laney:Funny! Gotta get ready, girls. Love you tons. Wish me luck.

Cali:You don’t need luck. Those pompous pricks are lucky to have a techie goddess as good as you.

Priya:Knock ‘em dead, kid. Drink all the Evian!!

Man, I miss those girls so much that I wonder how I’ll cope not seeing them at least four times a week.

Big decisions come with big risks and none riskier than moving across the country, leaving the job I’ve always known, and joining the ranks of the privileged.

I’m literally the least risky woman on the planet, so this move and new job has surprised everyone. Me most of all.

I don’t do risks and chances.

I like clear cut safety in life.

Sex with a stranger is right up there too.

First time teacher. First time being in New York and first time being around people who pay forty grand per semester for their kids to attend Richmond Academy.

I still think being selected was a mistake and any time now their principal will look down his nose at me, see the common waif in my clothes and hair and send me packing. I got through four stages of interviews, with flying colors apparently. First the application, then a video interview. The third one meant I needed to travel to NYC for an in-person interview with the whole of the governing body and the final stage was a background check.

Out of one hundred and fifty applicants, as the principal of the school informed me, I’m the chosen one to teach computer studies, both curriculum and advanced.

I’m stoked.

And a little nervous kind of sick.

Boosting up my chin, I go to get dressed in the clothes I painstakingly picked out. A pencil skirt that isn’t too short nor too long. A long-sleeved Henley with the V neck and a pair of Vans. All day on my feet means I opt for comfort. Tottering in killer heels is for idiots.

I had the most amazing sex last night. I’ve taken a risk the old me never would have and it’s paid off. It means last night I slept like the dead, not a hint of my insomnia.

And today, I’m going into that private school, with my head held high because dammit, I’ve earned that job. And I was going to teach the brains out of those kids.

There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Laney Sloan, things are finally looking up for you.

C H A P T E R 4

Delaney

“Any questions?”

“No. I think you filled me in on everything,” I reply Greg Kingston, the Academy principal.

I didn’t expect the principal to be the one to show me around the school when I arrived at 7:15 am. He shook my hand with a welcoming smile, handed me a coffee,thank you, baby Jesus, and then started a tour.

The school is not only submerged in money oozing out of every wall and hallway, but also the chalk white building holds landmarked status as one of the oldest in the city.

One of the most prestigious private schools in New York.

You can tell it smells of money and premium notoriety because from the outside it doesn’t look like any school I’ve ever been in before. The building is eight levels high, with private parking for the honor roll students and a security desk for all staff to check in. Just walking through the doors has me wondering what dimension I’m in. I can’t say I’m not excited though, once I see everything they offer. My brain is buzzing to get started.

It’s going to be an absolute unparalleled teaching experience with the premium technology, I’m in no doubt of that. When Greg Kingston informs me that if my classroom needs any equipment it doesn’t have already, to just let the head of my department know to order it.

Just like that.

Whatever I want.

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