Page 169 of Time Stops With You

Nardi is reluctantly nudged to the front of the group. I have a feeling that, had she not walked on her own, the guys would have lifted her up and crowd surfed her to the table.

Just then, I smell a cloud of harsh perfume. A moment later, the doors bang open and a group of haughty-looking ladies saunter into the auditorium.

The tallest woman in the group gawks at the caterers. All the other ladies look at her as if to gauge how she’s responding to the situation before they decide on what their responses will be.

Nardi catches sight of the women at the same time I do and she stiffens. My own muscles tense in response. I don’t recognize any of the newcomers, but the dislike on Nardi’s face is enough for me to despise them.

The leader makes an affronted sound. “Whatis going on here?”

Nardi’s thin smile encompasses all the women, but her eyes are on the lady who spoke. “Cathleen.”

“Ms. Davis, who are all these men?” Cathleen blinks rapidly in the direction of the machines tracing back and forth. “Are thoserobots?”

“They’re RC-1500s,” Nardi says smartly.

The other women murmur in shock.

Cathleen keeps blinking and I half-hope she’ll sprain her eyelashes. “Who let these people in? We don’t allow riff-raff on school property, Nardi. That’s very irresponsible of you.”

At her words, I walk forward and join Nardi’s side. I know Nardi well enough to say that she wouldn’t want me fighting her battles for her, but I want it clear that I have her back. Always.

“Ladies, is there a problem here?” I ask tightly.

“And who are you?” Cathleen scoffs at me.

“I’m Ronan Cullen.”

At the mention of my name, gasps erupt from the ladies.

“I heard that someone named Cullen donated the new lab.”

“I heard he’s insanely rich.”

The ladies behind Cathleen start looking at me with smiles instead of mistrust. Sensing that the tides are turning away from Cathleen’s favor, I lift my phone. “I wasn’t aware we were breaking any rules here. Let me call Principal Green and sort this out.”

Cathleen lifts her nose. “Principal Green doesn’t like to be bothered on Saturdays. She won’t answer your call.”

“I see.” Without a beat of hesitation, I call Principal Green’s number.

The phone rings only once.

“Hello, Mr. Cullen. How can I help you?”

At the sound of the principal’s voice, Cathleen’s eyes turn as wide as an RC-1500’s tires.

I put the phone on mute and glance at the women. “Would any of you ladies like to explain the problem?”

They start shaking their heads ‘no’.

I take the phone off ‘mute’ and say, “I wanted to let you know that I spoke to Adam Harrison about what you’re doing at the school and he’s interested in making a donation as well.”

“How wonderful!” Principal Green shouts with glee.

“He’d like to set up a meeting next week with him and his wife who’s the CEO of the company.”

“Of course! Of course! We’ll hammer out the details as soon as possible. Thank you so much, Mr. Cullen. You and your friends’ generous donations are the bedrock of our institution. Thank you.”

“Of course. You have a good day.” I hang up on the principal.

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