Page 91 of The Secret Girl (Adamson All-Boys Academy 1)
“I'll take a cup of coffee, if you don't mind,” Church says, and I roll my eyes as Dad raises his brows. He doesn't believe in teenagers drinking coffee, but he also just lets me do my own thing. Still, whenever he used to see me and Monica waltz in with a pair of Starbucks cups in our hands, we'd get the lecture about caffeine and developing brains and all that shit.
“I don't normally encourage students to bring academy matters back to the house, but … Chuck's been mentioning … his burgeoning friendship with you boys.”
“They already know,” I whisper, giving Dad a look. He purses his lips and glances back up at the five boys, his attention bouncing from Church to Ranger, and then over to Micah and Tobias who I'm nearly positive he's not able to tell apart. He looks mildly relieved at Ross' presence, like maybe all my new friends aren’t just sexy, straight boys.
“We wanted to come here and talk to you about your daughter,” Church continues as Ranger's eyes rove the kitchen, taking in every minute detail. I imagine he's been that way for a while, building skills from his hunt for the truth about his sister. “We'd like to petition you to leave her enrolled here at Adamson.”
“I see,” Archie begins, but it's quite clear he's skeptical as hell right now. “And why's that?”
Church smiles, and it's one of his pretty ones, no sign of the crazy person hiding underneath. Good for him. He knows how to put a mask on like everyone else. It's a useful skill to have, isn't it?
“We think she's an asset to the Culinary Club,” Church lies, his voice as smooth as properly creamed butter (Ranger would be proud of the reference if it weren't all in my head). “We might actually have a chance at beating Everly at next year's baking competition.” Right. Because Ranger could win it with his hands tied behind his back. “Besides, we've grown quite fond of Charlotte in the last few months. We'll be sure to keep an eye on her. We're even petitioning the school board to allow for some extra security on campus.”
“I noticed your petition,” Dad replies, eyes slightly narrowed. Still clearly not fully on-board with this whole thing. “And I'm going to encourage the board to heavily consider it. At this point, all I've heard back from them is a general consensus that they believe the campus is safe and secure enough, and that there's no need. I wouldn't get too excited too quickly.”
Church nods, like this is the expected response.
“We just wanted to let you know that we'll be watching out for Chuck; nothing will happen on our watch.”
Dad looks over at me with a narrowed gaze, like he thinks I put the boys up to this. I hold up my hands in a placating gesture, and give him my best innocent angel look. It should work, you know, since I really didn't know about this whole coup.
“That's a lovely sentiment, but unfortunately, I can't expect a group of students to be responsible for another’s physical safety—especially not after everything that’s happened. It was nice of you to offer before, but frankly, this whole scenario is getting out of hand. That, and I don't feel comfortable with Charlotte in that dorm room by herself.” We exchange another look, but I really don't want to move back here. I want my own space.
“Put her in with Spencer,” Church says, looking right at my dad with his best business-like expression. “His roommate just transferred overseas.”
“You want my daughter to share a room with a boy?” Dad asks dryly. “And the only one who's not present here currently?”
“He doesn't know,” Church supplies with a shrug. “And it would help keep up the farce. Think about it.” He sets his now empty coffee cup down on the counter, and the room falls silent.
“I don't know about that,” Archie says, looking beyond exhausted. I actually feel sorry for him. He's only trying to do what he thinks is best for me. “But I suppose we'll play it by ear for a while since Charlotte's been following my rules and keeping an escort. If anything else happens, however, that's the final straw. I mean it: one more note, one more close encounter. I'm not playing games with my daughter's safety.”
My heart thunders excitedly, but I try not to get my hopes up. I could be living on Aunt Elisa’s couch by the end of the week.
“If you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.” Dad nods and leaves the room, closing his study door behind him.
“What are you guys doing here?” I whisper, as the twins flash matching grins.
“Keeping you at Adamson, that's what,” they say, and then they escort me back to the dorm … but not before dropping a pair gifts in my hands, and making sure I'm safely inside my room.
