Page 32

Principal Sharp nodded. “It could work, but as we know, the kids will find a way to wear brand name uniforms. Even the shoes would still be a problem. They would add jewelry and still have those gadgets.”

“We could designate that the children only wear a certain brand.”

“I’m afraid we couldn’t go that far.”

“Why not?”

Principal Sharp sighed. “We would have parents up here all the time. Because frankly, some brands cost more than others. If the high-society families want their children to wear the best and we are adamant they can only wear something less than what they would choose, we could lose student tuition. This is a preparatory school, Ms. Jones. The state does not fund us. The parents who choose this school fund us.”

Carla nodded, understanding his point.

“Don’t look so down. The uniforms are a good idea. It’s not the first time it’s come up since I’ve been the principal here, but you make a good point. Let’s look into it. What was your second thing?”

“I think the children would benefit from an anti-bullying campaign. If they could get in a space where they work together to achieve goals and uplift one another, they would understand each other. It feels good when you offer a helping hand. Right now, most of these kids are used to getting what they want, and their attitudes match that.” She continued.

“They will be adults in the real world soon. They’ll need to help out, be law-abiding citizens, and sympathize with people who may not be in the same class as them.”

Principal Sharp nodded. “Go on.”

“I’ve thought it over, and I have a friend who might be able to help with an initiative. I have to ask, of course, and then I can let you know my ideas, and you can tell me if you feel it would benefit the kids.”

“You’ve given this a lot of thought, haven’t you?”

“Well, it crossed my mind a time or two before but coming back today and seeing all of the new shoes, clothes, and hearing the way the students talk to one another solidified my decision to take action. I love these kids. They can be a bit rough around the edges, but it’s nothing a life lesson can’t teach them.”

“I like the way you think. I’ll tell you what. I’m interested in all of it, but when you come back to me, have a full game plan together, and if it’s something that doesn’t violate rights, won’t have our parents in an uproar about, and is within the schools’ limits to pull off, we’ll do it.”

Carla stood to her feet, and so did Principal Sharp. She held out her hand. “Thank you so much. I’ll return with a game plan.”

He accepted her hand, and they shook. “I look forward to it, Ms. Jones.”

As she turned to leave, Principal Sharp watched her go, his eyes trailing over her butt and hips, unable to stop himself from appreciating her curves.

* * *

When Carla enteredher empty class, her mind wheeled with everything she wanted to do to help the kids. It was when she pulled up to her desk that her eyes finally caught sight of the bouquet of red long-stemmed roses in a gold vase, wrapped with a red bow.

A gasp flew from her lips, and she covered her chest with a hand, lifting the vase with the other.

“Beautiful.”

Leaning slightly into the arrangement, she took in the fragrance of the petals, and a smile ushered to her lips.

Stuck inside the bouquet, Carla plucked out a small note and read the sentiment.

It’s never too soon for red roses, bellissima. Have a beautiful day.

—Jacob

Tingles filled her up, and she stood silently, trying not to look too deep into his lovely gesture. Still, she couldn’t wait to see him again, and now that excitement she was trying to hold at bay was bubbling to the surface.

“What is this man trying to do to me?” she murmured. Knowing all too well, as Tina said, she’d manifested this.

There was something to this power-of-the-tongue mumbo-jumbo my father always talks about, she thought.

Grabbing her purse from inside the top desk drawer, Carla fished for her cell phone, then sat against her desk and crossed her legs at the ankles.

She scrolled to his name and speed-dialed him from her contacts. The phone rang three times before he answered.