Page 15 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“’Course he did,” Paula says and tosses her brittle blonde hair off her shoulder. “What happened this time?”

Bethany fiddles with the keys on her hot pink lanyard. “Him and another bloke got into a brawl and busted up some chairs out back.”

“I’m sure someone called the cops,” Paula says with an indignant huff.

Bethany cackles. “You make him sound like a criminal. You’d take Jerry home again given half the chance.”

I almost swallow my tongue.Again? Paula slept with Jerry?

Jealousy hits me hard, heat burning through my insides.Paulais Jerry’s type? Early forties and recently divorced? He finds the cougar vibe with too much bleach and makeup attractive? She’s been the least welcoming member of staff, which makes the revelation hard to take.

Paula scoffs and smooths her hands over the tight black dress that clings to her bony hips. “That ship has sailed. It’s been like a month. He didn’t return my texts and barely gave me a sideways glance when he left the Banridge bonfire.”She was there?

Bethany straightens her leopard print headband and fusses with her brown curls. “Probably a good thing.”

“Yeah. He didn’t exactly leave me satisfied.”

Oh, God. Stop.My imagination takes over, a vision of them grinding against the staffroom wall, Paula’s pale skinny legs wrapped around Jerry’s waist.

Bethany shakes her head and smirks. “I’ve no doubt you were as plastered as he was.”

“Yeah, well I’m sure he’s preoccupied elsewhere. I’m done with him, anyway.”

Bethany cackles. “Whatever you say.”

“Shut up, biatch,” Paula mutters.

A loud groan from the doorway pulls my gaze. Nat blows out a breath and walks farther into the room. Her long brown hair has more of a wave to it than her usual sleek look. Dark rings hang beneath her eyes. She looks about exhausted as I feel. Nat shoves her hands in the oversized pockets of her long, black cardigan. “Save me,” she pleads. “I don’t have the energy for sports this afternoon.”

She flops into the couch and eyes me. “Hey.”

“Hey,” I sigh.

Bethany and Paula both glance at the clock before muttering to each other and leaving.Good riddance.

“Girl, why does your face look like it’s on fire?” Nat asks.

Just found out the man I’ve been thinking about for days has been intimate with a colleague. Deflect.

“I, ah, had a run-in with a parent.” With a shake of my head, self-doubt creeps in. “It’s fine.”

“From the look on your face it doesn’t seemfine.Come on. Tell me what happened.”

I suck in a deep breath and shift focus back to the phone call. After talking it through with Nat, and her encouraging words of how to suitably manageMsMasters, some of the weight lifts.

“Carter’s playing a gig at the Royal Mail tonight. How about you come along, have a wine or two?” It is Friday after all.

I stretch my neck from side to side. “Maybe.”

As tiring as this week has been, it’d probably help me sleep.

The charms on her chunky Pandora bracelet tinkle as she cups my shoulder. “You can’t let this stuff get to you, otherwise it’ll tie you in knots.”

My small intestine would make an excellent girl scout with the knots it’s currently tying itself into... clove hitch, double fisherman’s knot...

“How can I not?” I’m moulding these kids’ minds, helping them grow and learn and explore. What if I muck it up? What if I’m not giving them what they need to flourish?

I have to make a go of this career.For her. I promised Mum after getting my degree I’d give this everything. She’d roll over in her grave knowing I could give up so soon. I can’t let it be like every other job I’ve tried and quit.

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