Page 131 of Faux Real
And I’m saving Kennedy. It’s better this way.
She actually does care.
“Mrs. Rocco,” Headmaster Rothland pushes out his chair as he stands up. “I understand that the school year is almost over, but Hilton does not tolerate the use of illegal substances. The rules are very clear.” He hands her a document. “Your nephew has two hours to clean out his dorm room.” He clears his throat. “Perhaps he’ll have better luck at a public school.”
“Thank you, Mr. Rothland,” my aunt says, a sour expression on her face as she glances over at me, “And on behalf of Oliver’s parents, I want to apologize for his behavior. We were foolish to think sending him to America would change anything.” She sighs, slipping on a pair of oversized sunglasses before adjusting her Chanel purse. “Some children are beyond saving, no matter how hard you try.”
I snort, rolling my eyes as I stand up. God, as if she actually gives two shits about me. I’m sure she’s more concerned about my dad reaming her out for not checking on me enough.‘How could you let this happen, Elizabeth?’I laugh internally. There goes her monthly babysitting cheques. Knowing Dad, he might actually make her pay it back. See? Always a bright side.
“We wish you the best of luck, Mr. Knight,” Rothland says passively. “Whatever it is you decide to do.” He holds out his hand for my aunt to shake, his eyes scanning her face in a way that makes me feel super comfortable. Isn’t he married? “It was a pleasure meeting you,Bessie, although I do wish it were under better circumstances.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” my aunt’s lips curl into a cunning smile as she holds the headmaster’s hand for a beat longer than she should. “Steven.” Gross. Husband number four here we come. Poor man. He doesn’t know what he’s started. Bessie pulls away, tucking her hair as she turns to me. “Well, I suppose it’s time for you to pack now, hmm?”
“Looks like it,” I mumble, heading out of his office. When the door shuts behind us, I add, “I don’t need two hours. I can be packed in thirty minutes.”
“Is Steven single?” Bessie asks, shoving the expulsion document into her purse before pulling out a mirror.
“What happened to that protein powder guy?” I ask. “Didn’t work out?”
“He was too young,” she says, applying lipstick. “I need someone older.” Wealthier, more like it. “So? Is he single or not?”
I shake my head. “No, sorry, Bess. I think he’s married. Better luck next time.”
“Oh,” she hums letting out a sigh. “Well, that’s okay. I don’t mind a challenge.”
Really?
“You’re a horrible person,” I note, glancing over at my aunt. “You know that, right?”
“Your opinion means nothing to me, Oliver,” she chides back, glowering. “At least I’m not a seventeen-year-old degenerate with no high school education.”
“No, you’re not,” I state, smiling at my aunt. “You’re just a gold digger.” Her jaw drops. “Which ismuchbetter, no?”
“God, I can’t wait to send your ass back to London,” she says, grinding her teeth as we stop near the staircase. “You insolent little brat.”
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes. “But you should know thatStevenprobably doesn’t make enough money to afford you.” I cock my head. “You’re what people call ahigh-endhooker.”
Anger burns in Bessie’s eyes as she slaps me upside the head. “Go pack! There will be a car waiting for you downstairs in an hour.”
“You’re not going to wait for me?” I ask, rubbing my head. Ow. “My loving aunt?”
Bessie expels an exhausted sigh. “Just go, Oliver. I’ve got to get home and explain this to your father.” A little smirk. “I can’t wait foryouto talk to him. Should be a thoroughly entertaining conversation.” She laughs. “It might even call for a glass of champagne. Oh look, my headache is going away.”
“I amsohappy you never had children, Bessie,” I comment, heading up the stairs. “God only knows what kind of psychos you’d raise.”
Her response doesn’t reach me as I hustle up the stairs, turning the corner to the dorm room.
“Oliver!” Kennedy exclaims, jumping to her feet, concern plastered across her face. My body relaxes as I approach her, a sense of peace spreading through my veins. I did the right thing. I know it. “Are you okay? Are you expelled? What happened? I tried to—”
“I’m fine, Kennedy,” I interrupt her, pulling a key from my pocket and unlocking the door. “You don’t need to worry about me, okay? I’m fine.”
“What?” Kennedy blinks, following me inside the room. “They didn’t expel you? Really?”
“Oh, no,” I say, digging a suitcase out of the closet. “I’m definitely expelled.” I look up at Kennedy, her eyes widening in horror. “It’s fine, Kenny. No big deal, really.”
“No big deal?” she yells, marching toward me and smacking the suitcase out of my hand. “Are you fucking kidding me, Ollie? It’s a huge deal! What were you thinking? Why would you do this for me? I didn’t ask you to do this. I wouldneverask you to do this for me.”
“You didn’t have to ask,” I explain, picking up the suitcase and dropping it on the bed. I turn to the dresser, opening a drawer. “It was the right thing to do.”
