Page 62 of Crew Princess
He bent down and whispered in my ear, “Cops want to question me about last night. Cross said to wait to talk to everyone before deciding the story.”
I couldn’t give him my opinion—not my real opinion. Nosy people were overhearing, so I hissed, “What story? We were home last night, remember?”
Jordan was silent, and Mr. Broghers had grabbed whatever he needed.
“Okay. Right. Off we go, Miss Salla—” He moved around us toward the office door.
“Becca, please.” She began to follow, casting a furtive look over her shoulder to Jordan and me. “Or Rebecca.”
He paused, a genuine smile on his face. “Rebecca, then. And I’m Kenneth, as I’ve already said.” He added a nervous little hiccup laugh.
“That’s disgusting.” Jordan groaned behind me. “He’s, like, thirty years older than her.”
Agreed.
Becca stepped past him out into the hallway.
Mr. Bro almost let the door close, so eager to please, but then he remembered me and ducked back in, a cloud forming over his face. “Miss Monroe?” There was no question to his command. He was just playing the part.
“What is going on?” Jordan whispered.
“I’ll tell you later,” I whispered back, starting forward. “Don’t say anything. I already lied to Principal Moron about last night.”
Jordan’s head moved back. “He was asking?”
“Bren!”
I could only nod before stepping out into the hallway, and then we were off to the library.
But bright side, I knew Cross had study hall in the library, and double bonus, it was during first period. If Miss Becca was intrigued by Jordan and me, she’d be consumed by Cross.
I was kinda looking forward to that.
I was right.
As soon as we swept into the library, I spotted Cross at the desk. He turned as we approached, and Mr. Bro groaned at the same time Becca ground to a halt.
“Oh my,” she said. “Is that what high schoolers look like nowadays?” She narrowed her eyes, as if musing to herself. “Then again…”
“Mr. Shaw.” Principal Broghers’ shoulders rose, held, and fell. So dramatic. “What are you doing here? Why aren’t you in class?”
Cross left the desk, stepping to the side so he could see me better.
Mr. Bro stepped between us. “I don’t think so. Miss Monroe is here to assist Rebecca today. She’s been excused from her classes.”
Cross’ eyebrows shot up. “She has?”
“I have?” I echoed.
Becca stood silently, taking it all in.
“Mr. Shaw. The reason you’re here. I’m waiting for it.”
If he could’ve stomped his foot and gotten away without looking like a toddler throwing a tantrum, I had no doubt the principal would’ve done it. There was a slight whine to his voice too.
“I’m sorry.” Becca stepped forward, holding her hand out. “You are…” She shook her head in amazement. “You are gorgeous. Holy crap.”
Cross didn’t shake her hand, but she didn’t seem to notice. She stepped back, taking him in from head to toe. “Has anyone told you you could be a model?”
