Page 34 of The Teacher of Nothing
I’m so caught up in my daydream, I nearly run right smack into Levi, who’s standing just outside my door. I squeak out in surprise before shooting him a scathing glare.
“What?” I demand, lifting my chin.
He studies me for a beat and then his lip curls up in a sneer. “Dempsey Park? Really?”
My mind spins for a moment. Yesterday, when Dempsey and Levi had their argument, feels like a lifetime ago.
“Out of my way, Levi.”
Ignoring my command, he steps closer until he’s towering over me. My skin grows cold and my knees wobble beneath me.
“I told Dad.” He flashes me a triumphant grin. “He wants to talk to you before you go to school.”
“Why does Darren care who I date?”
“Because it reflects badly on him. Especially when his client is in a lawsuit with the Parks.”
He laughs in that cruel way he has down so perfectly and then saunters down the hall toward the living room. With my heart in my throat, I trail after him. Darren is in the kitchen, fussing with the coffeemaker. Mom is at the table, makeup smeared from last night, and eyes glossed over.
Great.
“Willa,” Darren says with his back to me. “We need to talk.”
I freeze, stopping near the table, staring at my mother. She’s so up and down. It’s maddening. Does she not see that I need her? That I hate these people we live with and this life she’s carved out for us?
“Okay,” I murmur. “About what?”
Levi sits beside Mom and pretends to scroll through his phone, though we both know he’s listening to every word. Darren sets down his coffee mug and approaches. His suits are expensive, but he doesn’t wear them like a god the way Callum does. Darren reminds me of a snake. A fancily dressed snake.
“You. Fraternizing with the enemy.”
“The enemy? I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” My tone is shrill and I sound defensive. Well, I am defensive. I don’t want to get into trouble for something I don’t even understand.
“Don’t take that tone with me, young lady.”
“What tone?” I shriek.
Darren moves so fast, I don’t have time to think. His hand swipes the air, connecting with my cheek. It’s not hard enough to bruise, but certainly hard enough to not only sting but bring instant tears to my eyes.
“You hit me,” I say with a whimper.
Levi smothers a grin. Mom doesn’t even look at me.
“You’re out of control, Willa,” Darren snaps. “And I won’t have you messing things up for me.”
I touch my cheek, still in shock that I’ve been hit. “Mom?”
“Your mother agrees,” Darren bites out. “Don’t you, honey?”
She mutters out her agreement. It’s a knife to the chest. In this house with three other people, I’ve never felt so alone as I do right now.
I want Callum.
I need Callum.
“I’m sorry,” I say because I don’t know what else he wants from me. “I won’t see Dempsey anymore.”
“No, you won’t,” Darren replies. “You will also not bring attention to our family anymore. I expect you and Levi to be on your best behavior while at school.”
