“That’s what I said!” Kingston feels the need to add.
I slam my hand over my boyfriend’s mouth. “Because I need the money, and no, I’m not going to just let this jackass bankroll me.” Kingston licks my palm. “Ewww!”
He laughs when I wipe the slobber on his pants. “What’s wrong? You normally love it when I drag my tongue d—”
I pinch his lips together. “Don’t even.”
“Nice one, dawg.” Bentley reaches over my head to high-five Kingston.
I rub my temples and groan. “Why do I even bother?”
Ainsley flicks her finger between Bent and her twin. “With those two, I have no idea.”
Kingston narrows his eyes in Reed’s direction. “Don’t act like he’s Mr. Innocent.”
“Oh, trust me, I know he’s not.” Ainsley giggles when Kingston makes a face.
Reed smirks and plants a kiss on the side of her head, which makes Ainsley sigh wistfully as she leans into him.
I point at them. “You two are adorbs.”
“Maybe one of these days, I won’t be a fifth wheel,” Bentley complains.
“Aw, baby, you can play with my balls any time you want.” Kingston coos. “Just name the time and place.”
Bentley flips him off. “Fuck you, dude.”
I scoot out of the way when Kingston pulls Bentley into a headlock. The boys are so busy wrestling, they don’t notice Headmaster Davis approach our table until he speaks.
“Enough, you two.” He waits for the guys to break apart before he turns toward me. “Miss Callahan, I’d like to see you in my office, please.”
“Right now?”
“Right now.” Kingston stands when I do, but Headmaster Davis holds his hand up. “Alone, Mr. Davenport. This doesn’t concern you.”
I’ll be fine, I mouth to Kingston as I follow the headmaster out of the dining room.
“What’s this about?”
His beady eyes narrow over his shoulder. “You’ll find out when we get to my office.”
We walk into the administration office and through the door leading to Headmaster Davis’ personal office.
He pulls out a chair before rounding the desk to take his own. “Have a seat, Miss Callahan.”
I do as he says and wait expectantly. I’ve learned over the years to never speak unless spoken to when dealing with authorities. Too many people incriminate themselves with nervous chatter. Not that I have anything to be concerned about, but considering I have no idea why I’m here, I’d rather be safe than sorry.
“Do you have any idea why I called you in here today?”
I shake my head. “None.”
Headmaster Davis steeples his bony fingers. “Your attendance has been quite concerning lately. You do realize class participation accounts for thirty percent of your grade, do you not? I’m under the impression that graduating is of the utmost importance to you. Is that accurate?”
I frown. “I’ve missed a few classes since the beginning of the year. I don’t understand how that’s concerning considering we’re into December.”
His lips curve into a cruel smirk. “Actually, according to my records, you’ve missed several weeks of class already.”
My jaw drops. “Are you referring to the time I was hospitalized and subsequently healing from significant injuries? The same time period in which I kept up with all of my assignments?”