Page 64 of Keepsake

“You’re young. And you have three children in your care, so I’m going to ask again.” She leaned over the desk. “How are you, Logan?”

Taking a breath in Lachlan’s hair, because even at three, he still smelled like baby and goodness.

“I’m ok,” I told her. “It will be ok.”

Almost looking disappointed I didn’t spill my guts, Kendra nodded and looked down at the paperwork in front of her.

“We don’t tolerate violence here. Dashiell is suspended until Monday.”

It was Thursday. That was just a one day suspension.

“I couldn’t just let it slide, even though I understand.”

Did she? Because I sure didn’t. It didn’t matter how many books I read on the subject, or how many trips I took to Dr. Maya’s office. I still couldn’t begin to understand how the kids were feeling.

“Thank you, Kendra.” With a little smile, I stood up with Lachlan on my hip and extended my hand to her.

“You look tired,” she said.

I swallowed the sarcastic reply and shrugged. “The weekend is almost here.”

I winced as soon as the words were said. The kids were going to their grandparents when I knew Caridad was salivating for an excuse to take them from me. She was going to find out about Dashiell’s suspension.

Exhausted. I was beyond tired now.

Kissing Lachlan’s head, I left myself out. He didn’t need the kiss, I did. I opened the door to Vienna, smiling at the bench beside Dashiell, her cute uniform askew.

“Hi, Logan!” She was already hyper, jumping to say her hello. Vienna hugged my midsection like a baby koala. I smiled and hugged her back as I shot daggers at Dashiell.

“Let’s go.”

“What’d she say?” he asked.

“Let’s go.”

I didn’t wait for him to reply. I turned on my heels, holding Vienna’s hand, and marched through the hall.

When I got into the car, I immediately rang Alvaro.

“Hablame, Jefa.”

“I’m at the school,” I blurted. “I was called here by Principal Godwick.” I glanced at my side. Dashiell had already his seatbelt on facing the other way, actively ignoring me.

“What happened?”

“Can you come home?”

The words escaped from my lips and I knew I couldn’t bring them back. My voice was softer, my shoulders relaxed because I asked him to come home.

It wasn’t his home. I actually had no idea where he lived. But he had a room in my house, one he loved the view.

I wanted him home.

It was one thing to spy on him masturbating. One thing to have a dirty dream or two. It was completely different to feel this safe when I heard his voice.

And my heart thumped like an idiot when he said, “Meet you there.”

Just like that. He didn’t push, he didn’t ask for anything more. He was going to meet me there.

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