Page 405 of Knox Academy Omnibus
“These are normal nipples,” Kalen protests, lifting up his shirt revealing his extremely toned body. I don’t think that I’ll ever get sick of seeing it. He notices me staring, smiles at me and winks. Bloody asshole.
“Want to come and watch me train today? I have my last swim meet just before graduation and Coach wants me to get some extra hours in the pool.”
“Will you be wearing those tight little speedos?” I ask, and he nods.
“Okay, I’ll come.”
“Do you think Chelsea would want to come and watch?”
“If you ask her, she wouldn’t miss it.”
Kalen whoops and pulls out his phone. It’s cute that he and Chelsea talk all the time. I’m so grateful that she loves him, because he is a lot to handle. The best thing about Chelsea is that she can see what special treatment and attention individuals need, and she gives it to them. She knows Kalen needs love and praise, so she lavishes it on him. She treats him differently to Smalls, because he doesn’t require validation, but she loves them both the same.
My phone vibrates against me. At this point I’ve stopped trying to hide it. I need it for The Order, and Monty can dealwith any teacher who has an issue. It’s an unknown number but I answer it anyway.
“Hello?” I say cautiously. I’ve been waiting for an evil call from Harold. I possibly watch way too many movies that have set off my imagination.
“Amelie?” The woman questions.
“Speaking.”
“Please don’t hang up!” She cries in a rush. “I really want to talk to you.”
“Debbie?” I check.
“Yes. Please. Camilla asked me to give you space but it’s important. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t. I have information that may help your search.”
“I’m busy today, but how about we meet for breakfast tomorrow? I’ll send one of my security to pick you up.”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
I end the call. We’re not at the stage of pleasantries. Hell, we’re barely at the stage of talking. I’m really not ready but at least it will be one thing crossed off my to do list, and it might be useful if she does have any pertinent information about Harold - though I know that may be a ruse just to hook me.
“What did she want?” Onyx grumbles. Kalen slides half his sandwich across the table on his tray and I take it.
“Shit, I have to feed you today!” Adriane exclaims, jumping from the table and running off to go and get my lunch.
“She wants to meet, so we’re having breakfast tomorrow.”
“I thought that you didn’t want to talk to her?”
“What’s with the Spanish inquisition?” Elsie asks him. I love that she’s found her place and isn’t scared to voice her opinion anymore. Especially around the twins.
“What’s with the not knowing your place?” he snaps back at her.
“Amelie is my business, thank you very much.”
“Just eat your damn lettuce before it starts to wilt,” he retorts hotly.
She flips him off and I explain to Onyx that meeting with her is just one less thing I have to worry about before graduation. I don’t want to have any more excess baggage than I need after that.
The rest of the day flies past, but my brain struggles to focus on school work when I get a few emails CC’d to the entire board. Nothing that they can’t handle. Now we have a full board and the entire organisation is up to speed with their own new boards in place, any tied votes have to come through to my board for assessment. We expected a few of these to arise since everyone is finding their feet, but they’ll soon realise that they should sort it out themselves, because once my board rules an answer there is no contesting it.
There is one email from the Three Musketeers forwarded from Baxter that I take my time over. They’ve agreed to meet with me after I graduate, I just have to let them know when and they will accommodate it. I’m extremely keen to meet their girl, but I don’t want to push them too soon with how protective they are. That wouldn’t end well for anyone. They need me and I need them, given they’re the best in their field.
When the bell goes for the end of the day I make my way down to the pool, removing my blazer as soon as I step inside. The humidity is crazy in here, reminding me of Australia – so stifling you can barely breathe.
My family is sitting in the stands. Chelsea waves when she notices me and I walk over and take a seat next to Smalls.
