Page 42 of Key Of Dreams

Maya

It’s nearly four in the morning when I hear my phone ping with a short message from Bull, telling me he and Wire have landed and they’re fine.

Me:Miss you and love you.

Bull:Ditto, babe. Be home as soon as I can.

It wasn’t a huge dialogue, but I know he’s safe, at least for now. I get a couple more hours of sleep before starting my day. Working is good and keeps my mind busy. Kailyn’s going into the office for the morning, then spending the afternoon with Gertie. We’re all having dinner together tonight. It’s Gertie’s choice, and she wants Italian food. I’ll meet them at Kailyn’s.

Lily immediately notices the change in my mood.

“What’s going on with you?” she asks when she sees me in the break room.

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

“You don’t seem fine. And don’t say that I’m imagining it. This is the first day since you started where you haven’t been smiling from ear to ear.”

“Sorry,” I mumble.

“Don’t be sorry. I just want to know if there’s anything I can do to help,” she says, nudging her shoulder into mine.

“Unfortunately not. Bull is away on business, and I’m just missing him,” I confess. “Stupid, huh?”

“Not at all. I’ve only seen him in passing a couple of times, and if I had a hunk of a man like that, I’d miss him too,” she teases.

“He’s pretty awesome.”

“And hot!” she whispers loudly. We both laugh. “That’s better. I’m sure he misses you too, but think of all that great reunion sex you’re going to have.”

“Something to look forward to,” I reply.

“We have interim reports due soon,” she says, changing the topic. “How are you doing with them? The computer program can be glitchy. If you have any trouble with it, let me know and I’ll help you out.”

“I’ve finished all the grading. I’m pretty pleased with the progress in the class. Despite the first incomplete assignment, Calvin has aced every other test and paper. Josh too,” I tell her.

“You should meet with some of their other teachers. I’m hearing that the boys are doing great in their other classes as well. How did you do it?” she asks.

“I don’t think it was me. I think it was Bull’s influence.”

Lily’s eyes grow wide, and she grins. “How on earth did he do that? What did he say?”

“It was more how he said what he said. He basically told Calvin he has a responsibility to himself.” I wonder if Lily might have any background on Calvin and Josh that isn’t in their files. “Do you know much about their home lives?”

“I know that Josh’s parents are hands-on and very loving. They nearly lost their minds when Josh started skipping classes. Josh loves and respects his parents. They didn’t mind him being friends with Calvin, but drew a line in the sand when it came to skipping school. Now, Josh and Calvin are the best of friends. I don’t really understand it because Calvin doesn’t usually waste his time on anyone who doesn’t go along with his ways, but he’s made an exception with Josh,” she tells me.

“And Calvin?”

“His father gives some huge donations to the school and expects to have Calvin’s attendance, or lack thereof, ignored. Principal Doyle rides a fine line between taking the donation to better the school equipment and doing right by Calvin. I don’t envy him,” Lily says, shaking her head.

“He was absent for quite a while. Was he ill?” I still can’t find the reason for his time away from school.

“Not that I’m aware of. It was never mentioned, and no one talks about it.”

“Has anyone ever met his mother?” I ask.

“She used to come to school events, but I haven’t seen her in quite a while. Calvin seems to be turning himself around, and that’s all that matters, right?”

“Right,” I murmur, but I don’t believe that to be true. The past has a great effect on how we choose to move forward. Lily touches my hand and watches me. She knows I’m not convinced.

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