Page 11 of The Lilac River (Silver Peaks #1)

Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson

Lily

"Everything okay?" I asked, watching her flick imaginary dust off her fingertips with surgical precision.

She turned to me with a tight smile, giving me a once-over like I was something she'd scraped off her Louboutin heel. "Hmm." She looked around again, lips pursed. "I hope your first day isn’t too traumatic."

Even though my stomach was a mess of nerves, and my hands shook slightly, I pasted on a bright smile. No way was I giving her the satisfaction.

"I’m sure it’ll be great," I said, straightening my shoulders. "I’m really looking forward to it."

I swore I saw her bristle, like the memory of every high school slight I represented was rising from the dead.

"You’ve got some... challenging pupils," she added with a smirk. "For starters, there’s Be?—"

"If you don’t mind, Monica," I cut in smoothly, keeping my voice light, "I prefer to make my own mind up about my students."

Her tight smile cracked just slightly. She gave a half-shrug, like I was a lost cause. "Your funeral."

My heart clenched at the old familiar ache she stirred up. The not-good-enough, poor-kid-in-hand-me-downs ache. But I wasn’t that girl anymore. And I refused to let Monica Patterson’s scorn twist me up again.

Two soft knocks sounded on the open door. Monica and I both turned to see a woman standing there with a bright, easy smile and long dark hair cascading in waves to her waist. She wore rolled-up jeans, and a red-and-white check shirt knotted at her waist, the picture of relaxed confidence.

"Hey there!" she chirped, waving enthusiastically. "I’m Cassidy. Just popping over to say hello."

Monica made a noise like she might choke on her own disdain and shoved past me, brushing my shoulder a little too hard on her way out. Cassidy stepped aside, flattening herself dramatically against the wall to let her pass.

"Jeez," Cassidy said under her breath once Monica had stalked off, "that woman’s ass is so tight she must have trouble shitting."

A bark of laughter escaped before I could stop it. I slapped a hand over my mouth. "God, sorry.”

Cassidy grinned. "Don’t be. That woman’s universally hated by the staff. I’m surprised she doesn’t melt when she walks through the halls."

She stepped closer and stuck out her hand. "Cassidy Turner, fourth grade, across the hall."

"Lily Gray, third grade," I replied, shaking her hand.

"Oh, let’s not be formal," she said brightly. Without warning, she pulled me into a hug. "We’re friends now."

I couldn’t help smiling back. Cassidy's warmth was like stepping into sunlight after a long winter.

"It’s good to have a friend," I admitted. "It’s been a long time since I lived here. Most of my old friends moved away."

"Well, that’s settled," she said, clapping her hands. "Friday night, after we survive the first week, we’re going out."

"If we survive," I joked.

"We will," she said confidently, poking my arm. "Best dresses, tequila at Downtown Bar Brennan, who spoke fluent German thanks to his grandmother, Sally who could do a back flip, Lucas who could ride his bicycle without holding on with his hands and others with equally wonderful and ridiculous talents.

By the time we finished, I had memorized more than half the class and mentally flagged the potential troublemakers: Daniel, the note-flicker; Amber and Macey, the whisperers.

Still, as I looked around at their eager faces, I felt something settle in my chest.

Peace.

Maybe I could come home again.

Maybe I could build a life here.

"Okay," I said, glancing at the clock, "time for lunch."

"Aww," Bertie said, bouncing in her seat. "That went fast!"

"It did," I agreed.

The kids filed out, chattering and laughing, and as they lined up, I allowed myself a moment to soak it all in.

I could do this.

I could have a fresh start.

If I kept my distance from Nash Miller.