Page 14

Much like this town, I haven’t stepped foot in Lake Shore Academy since I left. Never wanted to. I hated this school when I lived here. Which is surprising because I spent more time being expelled from it than actually attending class.

Despite my personality of not particularly liking people, I enjoy teaching kids. Kids I can deal with. Adults, I’ve never liked them. Might be something to do with them being authority figures, and that’s just something I’ve never enjoyed.

I also hate talking to people. Probably because in my experience, everyone in this fucking town talksat you, not to you. I don’t teach that way. I teach kids with the understanding that they’re equals. Smaller equals, but still present and capable. My Aunt Katherine, the principal at the school, she teaches the same way, which is why I have no problem working for her.

What surprises me is she’s completely different from her sister, my mother, Madalyn.

Madalyn Campbell is quite possibly the devil. Growing up with her was a nightmare. I’m convinced she’s a descendant from Nazis themselves. She’d literally cut your head off and serve it to you in a fucking bowl.

My parents divorced when I was twelve because my mom had been having an affair with Brooks Jacob. Austin’s—my friend at the time—dad. That led to Austin and my relationship turning from friends to stepbrothers. I liked him a lot less the more time I spent with him and then not at all. About the time he showed interest in Aly. That’s when I started to hate him.

My problems didn’t come from my parent’s divorce like most would think. I was trouble from the start, and their problems came from me. All parents will tell their children it’s not them or some bullshit excuse of “this isn’t because of you.” That wasn’t my experience. My mother flat-out said we didn’t work because of you. But she’s also a fucking liar so why should I believe anything that whore has to say?

I know my way around the school and smile at all the children who pass by me and the infectious laughter of the little girls.

Not surprising but I gain the lingering glances of the mom’s ushering their children toward the entrance.

I know I’m late, but not late enough that classes have started. I should have at least twenty minutes. My cell phone dings in my pocket as soon as I open the office doors, all four of the ladies behind the counter staring back at me with looks that either say they want to eat me or murder me. Could be a mixture of both.

It’s a message from my aunt telling me to come back to her office.

I glance around the room, the air conditioning slapping me in the face as four office ladies stare at me. It’s been my assessment over the years that women over forty, they want me. That’s not me being cocky, that’s me being honest. Cougars exist, and they love the young ones with tattoos and a tie. I have both. What does that mean?

Cougar bait.

“You look just like your mother,” a woman says to my right.

The fuck I do!

My glare sweeps to hers. I hate it when people say that. I don’t say anything to her. Remember? I don’t like talking. But I do know this lady. It’s Charlotte Brenner. She’s old as dirt and still working at the school.

Briefly I wonder if she remembers me as the kid who glued her ass to a chair when he was in third grade or if she’s forgotten about that by now. Maybe her memory has faded over the years.

“You’ve sure grown up, dear.”

She’s forgotten for sure. Or maybe she has me confused with Henry, my cousin. Completely possible given her age.

I wink and nod to the back office where I assume my aunt is.

Katherine’s office is at the end of the hall overlooking a vineyard.

Campbell Vineyards. My mother owns it. If she had her way, she’d own the racetrack too. It’s always about who own more with her. Now do you see why I had to come back? Had I not, I knew the moment I signed the rights over to Glen and Helena, my mother would manipulate them into selling it to her, and then everything my dad worked for would be gone.

I wouldn’t let that happen. She’d have to kill me first, and you know, don’t think she hasn’t contemplated that a time or two over the years.

The moment I open the door, the hinge squeaks and Katherine’s beaming smile greets me. It’s moments like this I don’t regret returning home. Aunt K was always my favorite aunt, and to be fair, my only aunt because Uncle Vic never married.

Moving around the side of her desk, she welcomes me with a warm hug, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist. I rest my chin on her head, pulling her in close. I’ve never been much of a hugger, but it’s Aunt K. You hug her when she gives your ass a job.

Aunt K draws back, holding me at arm’s length. She shakes her head. “You’re all grown up!”

I shrug. “I guess so.”

“You’re a man now, Ridge.”

“It happens.” I laugh. “Am I late?”

“No, you’re just in time. I can’t thank you enough for filling in on such short notice. Your class had their open house the other night and met with Ms. Thompson. She’s in the class next to you and teaches the other second grade class. If you need anything, she’s extremely helpful.” She hands me the class list. “This is your student roster. I must warn you, Cash is a handful.”