Page 12 of Only You

“No, Lucy!” I shouted. “It’s not good. You’re grounded until further notice.”

“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes.

“Why the hell would you say what you did to your teacher?”

“Because it’s the truth, and she’s mean.” She looked at me with her blue eyes.

“And the student you pushed down in gym class?” I cocked my head.

“She told me to go back to where I came from because nobody likes me. She’s a bully, Dad. I’d had enough and was defending myself. I hate it here!”

My driver pulled up to my apartment building. Climbing out, I grabbed Lucy’s backpack and took the elevator to the penthouse.

“Go to your room right now!”

“Don’t worry. I am.” She stomped away.

“Mr. Harbor, what happened?” Cora asked.

“Lucy’s been suspended from school for a week.”

I walked over to the bar in the living room and poured a scotch.

“That child is a difficult one. She has many issues that you don’t seem to be addressing. I was going to wait until the end of the week to talk to you, but I guess now would be best.”

“Talk to me about what, Cora?” I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Dealing with Lucy has been challenging the past year. She’s rude, disrespectful, and sometimes I think she’s the daughter of Satan.”

“Excuse me?” I snapped. “You’re fired, Cora.”

“You can’t fire me, Mr. Harbor.” She pulled an envelope from her pocket and handed it to me. “I’ve already written my resignation letter. I’ll be out of here within the hour.” She began to walk away.

“You do that. In fact, make it thirty minutes.” I threw my drink down my throat.

Within forty-five minutes, Cora packed her bags and walked to the elevator.

“Good luck, Mr. Harbor. You’re going to need it.” She stepped inside.

“Bitch,” I mumbled.

Walking down to Lucy’s room, I opened the door and found her sitting on her bed, drawing on her sketchpad.

“Can I help you?” she asked in a snide tone.

“Cora quit. She left a few minutes ago.”

“Good. I hated her anyway.”

I stood there, shaking my head.

“I’ll order a pizza for dinner and let you know when it’s here.”

“I’m not hungry, and I’m not eating.”

“Then starve. I don’t really care.”

She said something as I walked out and began to shut the door.

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