Page 46 of Role Play
“It’s not a complex. It’s reality. People judge.”
“People like your fancy ex?” Taio raises an eyebrow.
“Hannah doesn’t know what I do,” I remind him. “And she never will, if I can help it.”
“Well, maybe this new girl just needs time to adjust to the idea. Not everyone’s as sex-positive as your boy Taio.” He strikes a pose, flexing his biceps, and despite myself, I laugh.
“Yeah, well, I’ve got bigger problems than Sora’s hang-ups.” I take another sip of coffee. “I promised to show up at her book signing next week, pretending to be her boyfriend.”
Taio snorts. “Sucker.”
“She doesn’t want me there.” I run my thumb over the rim of my mug, remembering the soft press of my lips against the top of Sora’s head this morning.
“Then why go?”
“To annoy her.” That’s not entirely true. Based on the way Sora was talking about her industry last night, it kind of sounds like she’s heading right into the lion’s den dressed like a ribeye. I have an unrelenting urge to protect her.
“Just be careful,” Taio warns, suddenly serious. “Our line of work doesn’t mesh well with relationships. Trust me. I’ve tried it.” He makes a mock explosion with his hands with added sound effects. “That shit blew up in my face,hard.”
Before I can respond, my phone rings. I pull it from my pocket, surprised to see Wesley Prep Academy on the caller ID. Fear spikes through me—calls from school are never good news. Plus, it’s a Saturday. Am I late on tuition? I thought it wasn’t due until next week.
“Hello?” I answer, bracing myself.
“Mr. Hawkins? This is Principal Vaughn from Wesley. I hope you and Dakota are having a wonderful morning.”
“She’s with her mom this weekend.”
“Oh, right,” Vaughn answers awkwardly, like the fact that Hannah and I aren’t together makes her uncomfortable.
I clear my throat, then coax the conversation along. “Is everything okay?”
“Oh, it’s wonderful! I’m calling with good news.” The principal’s voice turns bright with enthusiasm. “We’ve received word from Dorimer Academy in California. They’ve accepted Dakota into their gifted and talented program. I know it’s mid-semester, but they have an immediate opening, which rarely happens. They’ve offered the spot to Dakota. Isn’t that exciting?”
I blink, trying to process her words. Did she say California? “I’m sorry, what program?”
“The gifted and talented program at Dorimer Academy, the boarding school you inquired about?” Her enthusiasm dims slightly. “Dakota’s test scores were exceptional, as we expected.”
“Test scores?” My voice comes out sharper than intended. “What test did my daughter take?”
There’s a pause on the other end. “The comprehensive aptitude evaluation we discussed last month. The paperwork was all in order, signed by both parents.”
“I never signed anything.” The coffee in my stomach turns sour. “I never agreed to have my daughter tested for a special school. We have no plans to move to California.”
“It’s a boarding school, Mr. Hawkins. Only students on campus. You and Ms. Novak wouldn’t need to reside in California for Dakota to attend Dorimer.”
“You’re saying she’d be alone?”
“No, of course not alone. At her age she’d have a full-time nanny whenever she isn’t under the care of her teachers. And of course, you’d be allowed to visit campus for holidays and student exhibits.”
“Ms. Vaughn, all due respect, are you high on paint fumes? On what planet would I be interested in sending my child away to be raised by a stranger?”
Another, longer pause. “Oh dear. Well, we have your signature on the consent forms. Perhaps you forgot? Ms. Novak assured us you were both in agreement.”
Hannah.Of course.
“She forged my signature,” I say flatly. It’s not the first time she’s done it. I just thought we were past that childish bullshit when it comes to Dakota.
“Mr. Hawkins, that’s a serious accusation?—”
