Page 37 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“Thank you,” he says. It’s not lost on me that he’s still sitting. He crosses and uncrosses his arms with a heavy sigh. “That’s not all, I’m afraid.”

Oh boy. Afraid of what?

“Yes?” I sit back down.

“I’ve received a complaint. From within the faculty.”

Jesus.

My chest squeezes tight. Who would complain about me? More importantly, what on Earth do they claim I’ve done? Paula gave me a smarmy look in the staff room at lunchtime. And she saw Jerry and me together on Anzac Day. Is she trying to get payback because things didn’t work between them?

I draw in a breath and release it slowly through pursed lips. “What’s the complaint about?”

The muscles in his jaw tick. “Alleged misuse of educational materials.”

“What?” I blurt out. “That’s absurd. Did I use too many Paddle Pop sticks at arts and craft?” Use more than my share of glitter? What?

He rolls his eyes ever so slightly. “Something along those lines. I’m handling it, but there’s a process. I just need you to be aware that a complaint has been received and that it will be managed accordingly.”

Gareth stands and places his hand on my shoulder. “Sorry to bring you this news. Please let me know how you go with Ms Masters.”

I nod and fight back tears. “I will.” I won’t let this woman get to me, I won’t.

MsBloody Masters is one thing, but this complaint... a part of me wants blood. Someone is trying to beat me down, bully me, attempting to sully my integrity and reputation.

I won’t stand for it.

***

Ifinish my wine whileJerry waits at the bar of the Royal Mail for our second round. A waitress clears our dinner plates, but I’m unable to take my eyes off the jeans that hug Jerry’s backside like a second skin.Does he have any idea how effortlessly sexy he is?

A woman in Wrangler jeans and a pink shirt sidles up beside him and elbows him in the ribs. Jerry turns and wraps his arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground. Her long blonde ponytail swishes around, her laughter reverberating around the room as she regains her footing.

Heat crawls up my throat like a choking vine as she kisses him on the cheek.

Jesus.Are there any women in this town who can keep their hands off him? Am I capable of whole-heartedly trusting a man after my father’s infidelities as well as what my ex did?

I rub at my temples.Am I setting myself up for a fall? Will Jerry put in the hard yards with someone like me, a woman with issues, or go for an easier option?

Jerry pays the bartender and collects our drinks. He waggles his eyebrows at the woman before striding towards me.

“Who was that?” I say as calm as I can.

He places our drinks down. “We go back a way. Good bird.”

“Close huh?”

Jerry sits and leans back in his chair. His dark eyes narrow. “You’re not jealous, are ya?”

I open my mouth but words take their time coming out.Be honest. “Maybe.”

He chuckles. “Sally and I went to school together. She and my cousin are Gracey’s parents. You know, Grace from your class.”

Family. Relax, Liv.

It’s been a year since Jack and I broke up. We haven’t seen each other since. I should be over his cheating. I pushed him away when I was suffocating with grief. I can’t hold him solely responsible for turning to someone else for affection, and I can’t think the worst when it comes to Jerry. He deserves the benefit of the doubt, and I have to open myself up to trust him.

“So Campbell is your cousin?”

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