Page 12 of My Solemn Vow (The Mafia Arrangement #1)

ANTONELLA

TINY SCOLDING

I finish tidying up my classroom from conferences and reset it for tomorrow’s first activity when Doctor Thatcher knocks on my door.

“Ms. Mancini?” The principal pops into my classroom.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Hello, Doctor Thatcher.”

I know I’m in trouble because the woman who walks around with a broad smile has let it fall, not entirely but enough.

“I’m assuming what Peyton Hopkins said was a gross exaggeration, but I promised I’d have a word with you.

” Doctor Thatcher clutches her pearls. “Mrs. Hopkins is a massive donor for the school. We’re counting on her.

.. and her husband’s landscaping company.

.. to keep the playground and school grounds in pristine condition.

They’re also our snow removal company. I managed to talk her down from pulling her son out of the school entirely, but I will transfer her son to Mrs. Neidermeister’s room. I’m sure you understand.”

Thank fucking God. I could almost squeal with delight. Play it cool. Play it cool.

“I’m supposed to remind you to temper your language and try to be a bit more diplomatic with the parents, especially during first-time conversations.

” Doctor Thatcher drops her hand to her side and stifles a laugh.

“In some of these homes, the children are more well behaved than their parents. Proceed with caution. Even if we all want to tell Mrs. Hopkins where to shove it, we can’t. We’re professionals.”

“Yes, Doctor.” I answer quickly so I also don’t have to pretend like I’m not laughing.

“We’ll rotate another student into your class to keep the numbers equal. I think your class will be better for her anyway. You seem to have a way with the more advanced students.”

The way Doctor Thatcher lays on the compliment seems genuine rather than a patronizing attempt to make me feel like a valued employee after a major fuckup. It’s only been a couple months of classes, but I’ve been shadowed by more senior faculty, including Doctor Thatcher, several times already.

“Completely understand.” I agree and take the barely there reprimand with a single nod.

“Good.” Doctor Thatcher sighs. “I’ll email you her information. She’ll be transferred in next week before the optional winter break classes begin. Could you have a packet ready to go home to her father? Mr. Clark is the donor for the security system. It’ll be his utmost priority to be informed.”

“Absolutely.” I think back to the extra packets I made ‘just in case’ while setting stuff up at the beginning of the year.

Doctor Thatcher doesn’t linger and leaves me to my business. It’s a relief to have the confrontation over and done, but boy, do I wish it was Friday instead of Friday eve.