Page 112 of Cougar

David leans forward with his forearms on the desk and asks in a low voice, “How’s Harper?”

“She didn’t need stitches, just….”He knows.“How did you find out?”

“Max.” He taps his fingers on the desk. “I have so many questions, Emerson.”

“I understand, David, I do. I’ve tried to get her to talk to you, but there are other things that factor into this.”

“I know.” He nods. “Max told me everything.”Wow. When did Max turn into a gossip?

“I promise you, David, she’s in good hands. Just give her time.”

“I know, and I will. Thank you. Just don’t mention any of this to Patty. She doesn’t know.”

Great. Another goddamn secret.

* * *

Cam

I’m flipping through the channels, looking for something to watch, when the front door opens and Zach walks in.

“What time is it?” I ask.

Zach shrugs. “It’s late.”

“Did you just come from Jay’s?”

“Yeah. I stayed until she fell asleep. I didn’t feel like driving home, and I have to drive her to school tomorrow.”

“Everything okay?”

Zach raises his brows. “You haven’t talked to Emerson today?”

I sit up on the couch and place my feet on the floor. “No, why?”

Zach falls into the chair across from me. “Some girls at school were fucking with Harper. One of them tripped her in the hall and she fell. Her books and papers went flying, and she nailed her chin on the floor. While I was helping Harper, Jay was picking up her books and papers off the floor. One of the girls, Hannah, stomped on Jay’s hand. Fractured it and broke her finger.”

I straighten my spine. “Are you fuckin’ serious?”

“Dead-ass.” Zach nods. “Hannah is a total bitch. She knew she hurt Jay, and she laughed about it.” Then he lets out a chuckle. “Don’t tell Emerson I told you this, but Jay flipped her shit. She went after Hannah and beat the shit out of her and my ex.”

“Rachel?”

Zach laughs. “Reagan.”

I shrug. Close enough.

Zach stands from the chair. “My girl is a fucking badass.” He laughs as he turns and heads down the hall to his room.

I chuckle and shake my head as I reach for my phone.

Me: Zach just told me about Jay. Is she okay?

Her reply is almost instant, as if she were expecting my text.

She’ll be fine. Thanks for asking.

I bring up her contact and call her. “What’s up?” she clips out.

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