Chapter 36 Honey
HONEY
After I run home to put on my work clothes, I cross the back parking lot and head for our office, which is bustling as my colleagues prepare for first period. I’m gathering the materials I need for class when my phone buzzes with a text.
Cyn: Did you see your sexy firefighter after I left last weekend?
Me: Yes. And my family knows I’m dating Beau. It’s a shit show.
Cyn: Tell me everything!
Me: I’ll call you after school. It’s bad.
I shove my phone in my bag and try to think through my day, the whole time trying not to vomit. I’m sure it’s just stress, but my stomach is in knots. I want to do nothing more than to go home, curl up in a ball on my bed, and pull the covers over my head.
Yesterday keeps running through my mind.
I’ve always tried to stay in my father’s good graces.
I’ve always tried to be a dutiful daughter.
But everything that’s happened with my family is so wrong.
My father’s affair. Him wanting to flaunt that other woman.
His ridiculous accusations that I’m not loyal when he’s the poster child for hypocrisy.
And then there’s Trig, who’s every bit as hotheaded as Tybalt. When I think of how bad things could have gotten if Rhett hadn’t shown up, I could cry.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s how understanding Beau was about everything. My brother said some terrible things, but Beau didn’t react. I love how steady and calm he is. I love that he held me all night and made me breakfast and comforted me.
I can’t deny it anymore. I’m in love with Beau Walker.
As if in agreement, my heart kicks in my chest.
It’s an emotional overload. I feel like an electrical board that’s short-circuited. I adore Beau so much, but will being with him cost me my family, as dysfunctional as they are?
When my students pile into my classroom, I force myself to be cheery.
“Morning! Get your notes out today because we’re prepping for a test this week.
” That gets me a collective groan, which makes me chuckle.
“It won’t be bad, not if we study. I promise if you do my worksheet today, you’ll be well prepared.
” After I hand it out, I explain the exercise.
“You need to match the name of the character on the left with the quotes on the right.”
“Miss Honey, this is hard,” Sarah says.
“It might be, but I’m letting you use your books to practice.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, that’s better.”
“But fair warning, you won’t be able to use the book when you take the test.” Once the students are done, we review the answers. “Okay, who said, ‘Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast?’”
One of my kids in the back shouts, “The Friar.”
“Very good. Why are these lines so important to the story?”
It takes them a second, but then Nora Jean raises her hand. “Because if they hadn’t rushed, they might have gotten their parents on board with their relationship. That would’ve been better than Romeo and Juliet dying.”
“Exactly.” It’s a warning to myself. Maybe my father wouldn’t have freaked out if I had approached him with Baylee’s wedding first like I had planned instead of dumping everything on him at once.
I was upset about my mom, and I couldn’t hold my tongue.
I guess that’s on me. “Don’t forget that Juliet’s father told Tybalt not to fight Romeo at their masquerade party.
He had heard Romeo had a good reputation, but Tybalt refused to listen.
” It makes me wonder what I can say to Trig to get him to listen to reason.
After class, once I’m back at my desk in the office, I finally gather enough courage to look at my texts. I have several.
Trig: I can’t believe you’re doing this.
Trig: He’s gonna break your heart.
Trig: How do you know he’s not with you to get to me?
That last one makes me roll my eyes. Does my brother really think Beau is that spiteful?
Then I get messages from my other brother.
Cash: You’ve done it now.
Cash: I’m pretending this is the first time I’m hearing you’re dating the enemy.
Cash: I deserve an Academy Award. And more fucking donuts!
But the last text, the most ominous one, is from my father.
Dad: You’re going to regret this.
“Hey.” Trish sits on my desk, scaring me so badly, I drop my phone.
I lean over to pick it up, but now the screen is cracked. Son of a bitch.
Ignoring my look of exasperation, Trish gives me crazy eyes. “Did you sign up to chaperone the holiday bonfire? Because if you do, you can get a free hot dog.”
Be like Benvolio, Honey. Don’t choose violence today. “Thank you, Trish. I appreciate you letting me know.”
I get out a stack of essays to grade during my break, but she doesn’t leave. “Oh, I forgot. You have a message.” She hands me a piece of paper. “Someone’s in trouble! Haha, kidding.”
It’s a note from the principal to go see her. I press a hand to my stomach. Great.
When I get to the office, the secretary ushers me right in. Principal Erickson motions to come sit. “I was wondering if you’ve spoken to your father about the Harvester Club lately.”
“I haven’t. I’m sorry.” We had other pressing matters to address. Like how he was stepping out on my mom.
She nods slowly. “He called this morning to let me know that ‘due to unforeseen circumstances,’ he won’t be donating the money to buy the Turner property. And that you would know why.”
I close my eyes, hating that it’s come down to this. “I’m so sorry. He and I had a huge disagreement yesterday over something personal. I’m guessing this is his way of showing he’s not happy with me.”
She gives me a tight smile. “If we don’t get those funds by the end of December, we won’t be able to make an offer for that lot. Maybe you could talk to him? See if he’ll reconsider?”
The urge to puke returns with vengeance. “I’ll do my best.”
But I have a feeling I already know the answer.
And it’s not the one my boss wants.