Page 78 of An Unexpected Home

Chapter 19

Hours after Brandon left, Leah was still reeling from the news that Will might try to burn something or even someone. She’d put on a brave front for Brandon but deep inside, the fear was trying to take over. She kept telling herself that Brandon would find Will and all this would be over soon.

She just hoped it was true.

Parents and students were shuffling out of the building which meant that the last two classes of the day had come to an end. She answered a few questions before the last patrons left, locking the doors and setting the alarm behind them.

Carly and Melanie were walking toward the offices. “How were classes tonight?” she asked, meeting up with them.

“Great,” Carly said at the same time that Mel said, “Shitty.”

Both Leah and Carly gave Mel a questioning look.

“I had a new student and she is one of those kids who have so much heart and love for dance but no talent.”

“That is the worst,” Carly sympathized. “Do you remember that girl we danced with when we were like twelve? Stacey I think was her name. Remember how much she loved to dance and tried so hard but she just never got better?”

“Yeah,” Mel said and collapsed in her desk chair. “This little girl is just like that. It really breaks my heart.”

“I’m sorry,” Leah said. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”

“It’ll be fine.” Mel waived it off. “It’s part of the job.”

“Wanna go grab a drink?” Carly asked. “Or several? Getting shitfaced is always a good cure for problems.”

“Sounds good to me,” Mel said. “Leah?”

“Brandon is coming by to get me, but if he’s in, then I’m in too. I could use a drink after that news about Will.”

“Tell the truth,” Carly asked, “are you scared?” They had been busy most of the day since Brandon had left that afternoon, so this was the first time they’d had a chance to talk about it.

“I’m trying hard not to be, but I am.”

“Me too,” Melanie said. “And I hate it. I hate that I am letting some douchebag, crazy person get to me.”

“Same,” Carly said. “I really hope Bran finds him soon. Being afraid is not something I am good at.”

“No,” Melanie exaggerated her gasp. “I would have never guessed.”

“Fuck off.”

“Do you guys ever do anything but curse at each other?” They all looked up to find Brandon standing in the doorway.

“Why the hell did we give him the code to get in here?” Carly looked at her. “All he does is annoy me.”

She stood and went to him. “He has a code because he is my boyfriend and he wants me to be safe.”

“Gag,” Melanie said. “You two make me sick.”

Leah hugged him and in her ear, so that only she could hear him, he whispered, “I love when you call me your boyfriend.”

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