Page 11 of Only You

“No. You don’t. I’ll see you then.”

“Great.” I shook my head, throwing my phone on my desk. “I don’t need this shit right now.”

“What did she do?” Owen asked.

“Who the hell knows. I swear to God, that kid?—”

“Is your daughter, and she’s hurting. She’s trying to get your attention. She lost her mother, you’re never home, and she’s being raised by a nanny who, honestly, is really scary.”

“What are you talking about?” My brows furrowed. “Cora is a fine nanny.”

“Says you.” He pointed at me. “I told you when Lucy first came to live with you that you would have to step up and be her father.”

“I’ve always been a father to her,” I scowled.

“Well, seeing her twice a year and sending her a birthday and Christmas gift isn’t being a father. You’re all that little girl has left, and mark my words, my friend. If you don’t get her help now, you’re heading into a lot of trouble.”

“I’ve sent her to countless therapists, and she won’t talk to any of them. She sits there tight-lipped with her arms folded.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. Again, I’m sorry about your mother. I have to head to a meeting. We’ll talk later.”

It was two o’clock when my driver pulled up to the school. Climbing out, I entered through the secured doors and headed to the office.

“Hello, Mr. Harbor.” The secretary behind the desk smiled. “I’ll let Principal Carrington know you’re here.”

“Thank you.” I tucked my hand into my pants pocket.

“She said to go into her office,” the secretary said.

Opening the door, I stepped inside.

“Mr. Harbor.” She nodded. “Please, have a seat.”

“What has Lucy done?” I asked, sitting down across from her desk.

“Where do I start?” She sighed, folding her hands on her desk. “In gym class today, she got into an argument with another student and forcefully pushed her down on the ground. Then, in the middle of class, when her teacher yelled at her to stop talking during a lesson, Lucy called her a psycho bitch and told her that she was fat and ugly, no man would ever want her, and she’ll be single the rest of her life.”

“Jesus Christ.” I shifted in my chair, running my hand down my face.

“We’ve overlooked a few incidences because we know Lucy is troubled, given her situation. But she’s had over a year to adjust to this school, and she hasn’t yet. Plus, her artwork is a little concerning. It’s dark and depressing. We’re not sure Hope Academy is the right fit for her.”

“Excuse me? Do you realize how much money I’ve donated to this school since she’s been enrolled here?”

“I do, and I thank you. But Lucy’s behavior is intolerable. Unfortunately, I’ve had no choice but to suspend her for a week. She needs to learn that her behavior has consequences.”

“You’re giving her what she wants, Principal Carrington.”

“Then perhaps homeschooling would be better for her, Mr. Harbor.”

I stood up from my chair and pointed at her. “You don’t get to tell me what’s best for my daughter.” I left her office and saw Lucy sitting in the chair with her backpack.

“You’re in big trouble. Let’s go,” I sternly spoke.

We climbed into the back of the car, and she stared out the window with a scowl.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” I asked. “You’ve been suspended for a week.”

“Good,” she said.

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