Eat Crow (Cheap Thrills 6)

Piersville HS Emergency: Shots believed to be off-campus. Police en route. Remain in response groups.

Okay, that was good news, but I was also worried about Logan.

Almost like thinking about him made him appear, my phone buzzed, and his name came up with a text.

Logan: We can’t talk, but we can text. We know what’s going on and are dealing with it. Stay wherever you’re safest, and don’t come out until we confirm it’s all clear. I love you.

Me: I’m doing okay, all of the kids are safe. We’ve barricaded the door with furniture, and I’ve got them in the safest area away from the door and windows. Please stay safe, but also make sure they don’t hurt anyone.

It felt like hours, but it was only minutes when my phone buzzed again.

“Are we okay?” one of the girls whimpered through her gentle sobbing, breaking my heart.

Reaching over, I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “We’re good, honey. The Police are dealing with it, and it’s all going to be over soon.”

“My— My boyfriend’s in Miss Waite’s room this period. Is he okay?” she croaked.

Ignoring the text from Logan for a moment, I sent one to Tamsin to double check. “I’ve just texted her, so I’ll be able to give you that answer in a second. I’m almost certain they are, though. She’s damn smart, isn’t she?”

“You both are,” she replied. “We all think you and Miss Waite are the shit— Sorry, we think y’all are great. You talk to us like we’re humans and our opinions count, and you teach us stuff no one thinks about.”

I wasn’t sure if that last one was a compliment per se, but I’d take it.

“Thanks, honey.” Then my phone buzzed with a message from Tamsin, and I relaxed slightly. “Okay, she says they’re all great, and the boys are playing poker.”

There was a gross sniff which made me regret eating a cinnamon roll on my way in, but then she giggled. “That’s just like Drew.”

Scrolling down, I opened Logan’s message.

“I just need to check on my boyfriend now. If he’s playing poker, I’ll kick his butt,” I told them, smiling when I heard quiet chuckles.

Logan: We’re behind the school. There are shells on the ground, but no one’s here. Stay where you are until we know more.

Was that advice really necessary? Of course I was going to stay where I was until they found the asshole.

Sending a message to tell him that I stayed alert in case the person was in the school.

The next update came through from the school system.

Piersville HS Emergency: Remain in classrooms until further notice. Parents have been informed and told to stay away from the property. Zero casualties reported so far.

“Jesus,” I breathed, getting the kids' attention. “So far, they haven’t found anyone who’s been injured. That’s great news.”

“Is your boyfriend helping out with it?” Lamar asked, his maturity shining through as he watched over the others.

“Yeah, so we know we’re in the best hands.”

“My mom says that y’all’s relationship is like a real life romance book,” Ashlienne, one of the girls, said. “Everyone knew y’all would get together when you were kids, so they’re happy you finally got your asses into gear.”

I would not laugh, I would not laugh.

I laughed, but I still managed to say, “Don’t say ass.”

“Are you getting married?” someone else asked, a

nd I realized they were doing it to distract themselves and everyone else from our situation from hell.

“Maybe one day,” I shrugged.