Page 136 of Bite the Bullet

I chuckled at his enthusiasm. “I’m sure you will at some point, but probably not today.”

His face fell in disappointment, but he quickly recovered. “Do you think I can check out a library book?”

“Your teacher will let you know when you can do that. Okay?”

He nodded, then hugged me tight. “Don’t cry, Mama. You can take me to the park after school.”

I huffed out a laugh, trying not to cry anymore. Standing, I held out my hand again. “We should get you inside.”

His face lit up as we stepped through the door, but I instantly stopped in my tracks, unable to move an inch. Jack was talking with the teacher, but at Parker’s squeal, turned and knelt down as Parker rushed him. I covered my mouth with my hand, seriously trying not tosob like a baby. Parker had really wanted to tell Jack about his first day, and now he was here. I turned away from them, giving myself a moment to compose my emotions. When I faced them again, Jack was allowing Parker to lead him around the classroom, looking for the name tag on the desk he’d be using this year.

The teacher walked over to me, greeting me with a smile. “You must be Skylar. Jack was telling me all about you and Parker. He wanted me to know what happened a few months ago, in case Parker had any issues.”

“He did?”

She nodded again. “I’ll keep in touch with anything that might be concerning, and Jack has asked permission to install cameras throughout the school for extra monitoring. The school board approved it last night, given the circumstances of the situation, so long as the principal is also allowed to view the camera feeds. But that’s all being worked out with the security company, so you have nothing to worry about. We routinely cover active shooter protocols, and each room will have a safe room installed.”

“How is the district paying for this?” I asked, my mind whirling with questions.

“The district isn’t. The security company is working with a local contractor to have everything taken care of. I can’t tell you what a relief it is. This school has always been safe, but it doesn’t seem to matter how safe a town is.”

She kept talking, gushing about how excited she was for the upcoming improvements to the school, but my eyes were glued to Jack. I couldn’t believe he came here all to look after Parker.

“Excuse me, I have more students coming. We’ll talk later,” the teacher smiled, walking off to greet the other students. Parker was already making new friends as Jack strode over to me. His eyes never once left mine, and when he took my hand and guided me out of the room, the warm tingles moving through my body couldn’t be ignored.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“For what?”

“The teacher told me about the improvements to the school. I’m guessing that was because of you.”

“I just want him to be safe.” His voice was low, almost as if he couldn’t bear to admit that he was a good guy.

I didn’t want to discuss anything else in the school. It wasn’t the right place. So, we walked the halls in silence, Jack holding my hand the whole way. On the sidewalk outside, he stopped and turned to me.

“I’m sorry about the other day.”

“You don’t have to apologize. Just don’t drop off the face of the earth again. Parker was worried you didn’t like him anymore.”

“I just needed space to work shit out.”

“I know.”

Wincing, he slid his sunglasses in place. “I should get back.”

“Dab some lavender oil around your eyes.”

“Don’t have any. I used it all up.”

Shaking my head, I pulled out my key and handed it over. “Everything’s in my house.”

“I’m not taking your keys.”

“You will, and you’re going to use the oil and take a nap with an icepack on your eyes.”

I couldn’t see his eyes, but I imagined him rolling his eyes at me. “Thank you.”

“I have to get to work. Don’t be a stranger.”

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