We’re sitting outside the principle’s office waiting to be called in. Julian is next to me, his hands linked in front of him, staring straight ahead. We went out for breakfast this morning and made love again. Scratch that. He fucked me like there was no tomorrow, and his vow to make it impossible for me to walk for a week may actually come true. After, he kissed me goodbye and went to work, slipping back into his cold, indifferent persona.
It’s like he’s two different people. The man I fuck in the hotel is warm, sexy and tender.
The man I live with is reserved, cold, and he doesn’t show his emotions at all.
I’m not sure how to reach out to him at home, or if I even want to.
He came back to pick me up for the meeting we’re here for regarding Willow, and now it’s like last night didn’t even happen.
Did it?
Did I imagine the whole beautiful thing?
The office door opens. “Please, come in.” The principal smiles.
“Julian Masters,” he asserts as he shakes the two men’s hands.
“I’m the principle, and this is our school counsellor.”
I smile and take a seat next to Julian.
“So, Miss Johnston, last time we spoke you were concerned about Willow and how she is getting on at school.”
“Yes.” I smile as I clutch my purse in my lap.
“Well.” The counsellor raises his eyebrows, seeming uncomfortable. “I’ve had a meeting with each of her teachers throughout the week and, unfortunately, I’ve heard some things that have left me feeling very uncomfortable.”
“Such as?” Julian asks sharply.
“Willow.” He grimaces. “Doesn’t actually appear to have any close friends at the moment.”
My face falls. “What?’
“Since her only friend left nine months ago, she sits alone at lunch and doesn’t really mix with anyone.”
Julian frowns. “What do you mean?”
“She goes to the library alone.” He shrugs. “I was unaware of this until the teachers started asking other students questions.”
I squeeze my hands together on my lap. Oh no.
“Is there a problem?” Julian asks.
The counsellor frowns. “Apparently, and this is just what I’ve heard and hopefully it may not be true, there is a problem. There’s name calling going on, for a start. Everyone calls her Weird Willow.”
Julian frowns.
“Is there a certain incident that triggered this?” I ask.
“I’m not sure, but we’re getting to the bottom of it.”
“How is this the fi
rst I’ve ever heard of it?” Julian snaps. “This isn’t good enough. I pay thirty-thousand pounds a year and the school doesn’t even keep me informed when my daughter is suffering under their watch.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Masters, I’m sorry, but you’ve never been to a parent-teacher evening before. Nobody in this school knows you on a personal level. Willow’s previous nannies attended any functions or galas we had. We didn’t even know that Willow’s mother had passed away.”
Julian drops his head and stares at the carpet, I see him internally start blaming himself.