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I hold my breath, waiting to hear my father’s reply.
“I can speak with him. Want me to do it first thing tomorrow?”
“Only if you promise not to fire him,” I say. “You can’t deny he’s been good for the school.”
“Willow, why in the world are you so set on him staying after the way he spoke to you? It makes no sense.” Mom sounds truly bewildered, and I suppose I can’t blame her.
I don’t know why I want to keep him here either. Maybe I don’t want that responsibility of him losing his job hanging over me. I would feel terrible—terribly guilty. He truly did seem to be watching out for Rhett’s best interests, though truly, they’re Westscott’s best interests as well.
“What he did was wrong, but I don’t think it’s worth losing his job over. I’m only eighteen, what do I know of these things? But it doesn’t feel right. He’s just trying to do what’s best for the school.”
“And for himself,” Dad says grumpily.
“Right. For himself too, and for Rhett.”
“You like him, don’t you?” Mom says.
I swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. “So much. I care about him a lot.”
My father actually growls. “He breaks your heart, I will break his wrists. I mean it.”
“Crew!” Mom chastises. “You can’t go around threatening the boy your daughter is dating.”
“I can and I will. That little punk won’t destroy my daughter’s dignity if I have anything to say about it. I was a teenaged boy once and a rightful asshole about it.”
Mom actually laughs. “Yes, you were, but you were terribly sweet. You didn’t break my heart.”
“Once I knew I had it, there was no way I would break it.”
Oh my God, they’re having a total moment right now.
“Guys, I love how romantic you two are, but we need to focus on the issue at hand,” I remind them. “And please, whatever you do, whatever Rhett does to me, don’t break his wrists. He needs them to play football.”
“That’s why they’re the first things I’m going for if he does anything to you,” Dad says vehemently.
“Crew …”
“Fine.” He blows out a harsh breath. “I’ll call Westscott first thing in the morning and let him know that I know. And that he needs to watch what he says and leave you alone.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, closing my eyes.
We talk for a few more minutes and then we finally end the call with plenty of “I love yous” and promises to talk later this week. I know Mom is curious about my relationship with Rhett and I’m sure she’ll reach out sooner versus later. I don’t mind talking about it with her, but I still feel so unsure. Things could change by tomorrow. I hope not, but they could.
Once I’m in bed and scrolling social media, I receive a text from Rhett.
Rhett: I miss you.
Smiling, I quickly respond.
Me: I miss you too.
Rhett: Want to meet in the dining hall tomorrow for breakfast?
Should I? Hopefully my father won’t forget to call Westscott. I’m sure he won’t—Mom won’t let him. Meaning, it shouldn’t matter if I spend time with Rhett or not. There’s nothing the headmaster can do about it.
Me: I’d love that.
He doesn’t respond for at least five minutes, making me nervous. And when he does finally reply, I’m surprised by his answer.
