Page 14 of Wylder & the Rising Rockstar
“Fine, I’ll come back this afternoon.”
“Make an appointment for next week,” the secretary called after her, but Wylder was pretty sure she knew where the conference room was, and any meetings the headmistress might have would likely be there.
“Care to fill me in on why we’re stalking Ms. Jones?” Logan followed her down the hall.
“She has some explaining to do,” Wylder muttered.
“Miss Anderson, why are you wandering around the building? Shouldn’t you be in class?” Ms. Jones came marching down the hall. “Mr. Cook, et tu brute?”
“Oh, just the person we wanted to see.” Wylder scrambled to follow her.
“I was abducted,” Logan said. “Brought here against my will.”
“I have another meeting to get to, so make it quick, guys.” Ms. Jones was busy examining the files in her hand.
“The Winter Review was canceled,” Wylder blurted.
“Yes, I know.” Ms. Jones stopped outside the conference room. “We’re trying to protect our students’ privacy. I thought you two, of all people, would appreciate that.”
“I do appreciate that, very much. Like I said, abducted.” Logan pointed at his chest.
“But hockey is still on. That’s not fair.” Wylder pressed the issue.
“Our players are used to the public scrutiny. It’s expected in elite high school sports. That’s how they get scholarships and drafted into the NHL.”
“That’s not cool, Ms. J. What happened with Logan and me wasn’t even because of a student.” She glanced at Logan, unsure if she should go on. He just shrugged and motioned for her to say whatever she came here to say.
“Mr. Cook just sent that video to Luke to show him how awesome their brother did on stage when he’s normally so frozen from stage fright, he can’t even remember his own name.”
“Well, it’s notthatbad.” Logan shuffled his feet, muttering under his breath. “It’s not fun, but I remember my name.”
“What happened after that had nothing to do with Defiance Academy,” Wylder continued.
“While that might be the case, Wylder, the parents of our students don’t know all the particulars. They only see two of our most talented students plastered across the internet. We have to be seen doing a better job. I’m sorry, but right now, it’s just not a good time for frivolous events.”
“Frivolous?” Wylder folded her arms over her chest, standing between Ms. Jones and her destination. “You know, some people would say hockey is a frivolous event.”
“I’m not one of those people. In case you were wondering.” Logan shoved his hands into his pockets.
“We’re collecting phones at sporting events, but that’s the best we can do right now, Wylder. It’s a done deal. Now, I suggest you both get to class.”
Ms. Jones sidestepped Wylder, giving her the kind of look that brokered no argument. Wylder’s stepmom had that look. She supposed that was what made Ms. Jones perfect for her job. One didn’t argue with the headmistress when she gave you thelook.
“Get to class, kids.” The headmistress disappeared into the conference room.
“Let’s go get coffee, Wylds. We’ve missed most of this period anyway.” Logan led her out of the building and across the quad.
“It’s just not right.” Wylder shook her head as they waited for their coffees.
“Why do you care so much about the Winter Review?” Logan asked. “You’ve never even mentioned it before a few days ago.”
“It’s nothing.” She retrieved her extra-hot peppermint mocha from the counter. She liked it extra hot so it would stay hot longer, but it was impossible to drink right away so she used it to thaw her hands until she could drink it.
“Don’t give me that, Wylds. Talk to me. What’s this about?”
“Oh, well…” Wylder fidgeted with her cup, blowing on the contents to cool it enough to take a sip without scalding her brain. “I just got excited about performing again when Devyn told me about the review.”
“There will be plenty of opportunities for you to perform again.” Logan slid into a booth seat near the fireplace. The cafe was all decked out for the holidays, and the decor reminded her of a log cabin in the mountains. It was cozy and quiet. “This has to be about more than a lost chance to perform. Spill it.”
