Page 7 of Only You
“The social worker who was in charge of our case,” Cason tells me. I’m sure it’s supposed to be scandalous, but they’re clearly very deeply in love, and who the hell am I to judge?
“Not the whole time. I stepped back by the time they went to the final hearing,” Phillip says, his cheeks a little red.
I offer him what I hope is a reassuring smile. “I’m just happy it all worked out for the best.”
“It did,” Tatum says firmly from my side. “These two are so in love, it’s gross.”
I smile at that, having no doubt. Kellan is grinning at his man, and yeah—it’s a little gross—in a way that makes my heart ache because I’m not sure I’ll ever look at anyone that way. Or have it returned, but I break out of the melancholy when Kellan continues with his introductions. “You know Raegan, and that’s Kieran, who will be at your school in no time.”
I look at the young boy, who I’m pretty sure is more focused on the Kindle in his hand than dinner, but I can’t help but smile at that. “What are you reading?”
His eyes snap to me like he’s been caught—which is comical since no one around the table seems bothered by his reading during dinner. “The Odyssey.”
My brows go up to my hairline, and I can’t hide my surprise. “That’s...”—I smile—“advanced. What grade are you in?”
Cason chuckles, taking another bite. “He’s the genius of the family. But he’s only in sixth grade. So you don’t get him for a few more years.”
Kieran looks embarrassed, but I don’t want him to be. “Are you enjoying it?”
He shrugs. “It’s interesting.”
“You’re reading for fun, dude. I’m not sure you know what interesting means,” Cason says, and Kellan glares at him.
He gives him a quick command, “Stop.”
I barrel on, “I enjoyed that in high school when it was required, but I think my favorite wasBeowulf.”
Kieran’s eyes light up. “I read that over the summer. It was really good. I think I’m going to add it to my re-read list over Christmas break.”
A smile flits over his mouth before he shutters his expression, and I feel an instant kinship with the child—knowing how hard it can be when your interests in school lean more toward reading than sports and messing around.
Kellan looks proud of his younger brother though, and then he moves on to the younger boy sitting next to Kieran. “And this is Braylen. The youngest.”
The little boy perks up, having been making some sort of volcano with his mashed potatoes, but is fully in tuned to the conversation now. “You’re the principal?”
“I am, yes. At the high school.”
His nose wrinkles. “But you’re not that old.”
I let out a quick laugh. “Do I need to be old to be a principal?”
“Yes,” he says instantly, going back to his makeshift potato volcano. “My principal is super old. Gray hair and everything.”
“Braylen . . .” Kieran sighs, but I just chuckle.
“I won’t tell Grace you said that,” I tease.
His eyes go wide. “You know her first name?”
Kids. I don’t regret going into high school, but when I first started college, I thought I’d work with younger children. And I have no doubt that would have been quite entertaining. “I do.”
Kellan and Phillip both chuckle. “But why are you here?” Raegan asks, pushing her food around on her plate and not looking at me.
“If it’s too uncomfortable for you for me to be here, I can absolutely leave,” I assure her.
She just shifts slightly in her seat, letting go of her fork. “No. It’s fine. I’m done eating anyway.” She looks over at Kellan. “Can I go to my room?”
“Uh, yeah,” Kellan says, clearly choosing peace, and I can’t blame him. I’m around teenagers every single day.
