Page 61 of Crew Princess
“Oh yes.” He was close to gushing again, and grabbing some keys, he gestured ahead. “If you go on out, I’ll close the door and show you the way. We have the room already set up.”
I moved aside once we were farther into the front office area, I saw Jordan at the desk, a slip in hand and bruises all over his face.
Becca saw him at the same time, and she gasped.
He didn’t react, just looked at me, his gaze moving to where the principal was locking up.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
I opened my mouth, but Mr. Bro swooped in. “Ah, Mr. Pitts. Your mother called ahead with your doctor’s note.” I felt him moving behind me, and Jordan’s eyes widened, panic flaring as I registered what was about to happen.
Pivoting around, I saw the principal’s hand coming down. He’d been about to touch me on the shoulder, and instantly, the need to fight swept over me. My teeth bared, and my fists were up.
Jordan was at my side in a flash. “Don’t touch her.”
Principal Broghers reacted, following his command. His hand balled up and retracted to his side. He seemed flustered, as if he didn’t know what to do for a moment.
Becca watched the exchange. She had moved to the side, with a bag I hadn’t noticed before now pulled to her front. She held it close, but she didn’t seem scared by what had happened. Just curious. She tilted her head to the side, taking me in, and then because Mr. Bro still hadn’t uttered another word, she took over.
Her hand outstretched, she crossed the space, a polite smile on her face. “I’m Miss Sallaway. You can call me Becca. What’s your name?”
Jordan glanced at her hand, shifting more firmly behind me so I was a barrier now.
Noting the movement, Becca cleared her throat, but her smile didn’t dim. She nodded and murmured to herself, “Interesting.”
“This is Mr. Pitts. Jordan Pitts.”
Mr. Bro had finally recovered. He tugged at his tie and moved to stand beside her, his eyes flashing to me. He seemed to have remembered what happened the last time someone touched me against my will.
He tried to muster a smile. I knew that was his apology.
The old Bren, she’d been there. She was getting sick of being tested, and I let out a deep sigh, pushing her back down. She needed to take a seat.
“Is, uh…” Becca asked Mr. Bro, with a discreet nod in Jordan’s direction.
“Ah. No, unfortunately.”
“Is, um…” Another discreet nod at me.
He shook his head, silent. “But she is supposed to assist you in any way.”
Assist?
“She is?” Jordan said. Then he nudged the back of my elbow, dropping his voice so only I could hear, “You okay?”
I gave him a small nod. “Later.”
He nodded back.
The principal had moved around us. He was talking to the secretary, and I knew I’d been right not to bring my first-period textbook. Apparently, we were going to the back of the library, a room barely anyone used unless they wanted to get their rocks off during school hours.
“Camera team?” Jordan asked. “What the fuck?”
“Mr. Pitts,” admonished the secretary as she picked up the phone. “Language.”
Jordan grinned at her, wiggling his eyebrows. “Come on, Miss Marjorie.” He gestured to his face, winking and groaning. “Pity points. I’m thinking and moving slower than normal.” He nudged me again.
Becca shouldn’t have been able to see the motion, but I had a feeling she wasn’t missing anything.
