Friendly Fire
CLAIRE
My fingers skimmed over the windowsill, resting in the empty space that had once housed one of my favorite pictures. It wasn't the first time something had been moved recently, but now it was just... gone.
The cleaning crew came through a few nights a week, and occasionally they'd moved things slightly as they'd dusted and performed routine maintenance. But the picture of my sister and me after graduation was nowhere to be found.
I'd even checked to make sure it hadn't fallen in the trash.
That'd be a stretch, considering the bin was several feet away from the window and tucked beneath my desk. Perhaps one of the crew had broken it while cleaning and they’d been so embarrassed or worried that instead of coming forward, they'd gotten rid of it.
That, I could understand. I wasn't angry—I just wanted the picture back.
I'd have to address the issue with Principal Sutton to see if he'd heard anything.
“Looking for something?”
I whirled toward the deep voice floating through my doorway and dropped my fingers from the sill.
My gaze swept over the young man standing just outside my office, and I forced a professional smile to my face.
Trent Jones was no stranger to my office, but was his expression just a little more smug than usual? I couldn't tell.
“Not at all.” I gestured to the chair in front of my desk. “Have a seat.”
His expression didn't change as he sauntered through the doorway and practically threw himself into the chair.
His backpack hit the floor with a loud thud, and I pressed my lips into a firm line as he slouched insouciantly, one eyebrow cocked toward his hairline as he studied me, a challenging glint in his eyes.
His behavior had gotten worse recently, and he'd been caught fighting yesterday afternoon after school—hence his visit to my office first thing this morning.
As guidance counselor for Cedar Springs High School, it was my job to help students. And Trent was screaming for help more than anyone. Donning my emotional coat of armor I glided back to my desk and took a seat. “How is everything?”
He shrugged. “Same shit, different day.”
“Language,” I admonished, but there was no heat behind my words.
Trent didn't have it easy. He was incredibly smart—probably one of the smartest kids I'd ever met—but he had a horrible home life and a giant chip on his shoulder.
His parents were in the middle of a very brutal and messy divorce, each flaunting their new affair in front of the other.
For the past two years they'd dragged Trent through the proceedings, using him as a pawn. It was divorce ping pong at its best, played with children and emotions instead of sports equipment. I wished I could smack both of them.
“Heard there was an incident after school yesterday,” I said as I settled back in my chair and crossed one leg over the other.
Trent clenched his jaw, then wiped his expression clean. “It was nothing major.”
“I think giving Matt Cruz a black eye is pretty major,” I said softly.
“He's a dick.”
I pressed my lips into a flat line and studied him for a second.
Having met Mr. Cruz, I couldn't exactly disagree.
He was obnoxious and rude, and notorious for provoking other students.
Unfortunately, he never got caught in the act, so he was rarely disciplined for his actions.
I personally thought he needed to be knocked down a couple pegs.
It would be incredibly unprofessional of me to admit that out loud, though, so I kept my opinion to myself.
“Tell me what happened.”
It was as much an order as an invitation, and Trent rolled his eyes. “He was running his mouth about my mom again.”
My stomach twisted with dread. “What did he say?”
Anger flared in his eyes. “Basically that she was fucking every guy in town except my dad.”
I didn't bother to correct his foul language this time. Cruz's words were a low blow, considering everyone knew his mother had slept with Trent's football coach last year just to spite her soon-to-be-ex-husband.
“We both know fighting's not the way to solve anything.” Even if the kid deserved it. “Just do your best to ignore him,” I said. “You'll be out of here soon enough and won't ever have to see him again.”
Trent's gaze skittered away. “I'm still stuck in this hell hole for the next eight months.”
He absolutely hated school, primarily because of the students like Matt Cruz. “Why don't you look into testing out? You could get your GED or join a work program. That would get you out of here, and you could get your foot in the door somewhere.”
“And give them the satisfaction of running away with my tail between my legs?” His lip curled. “No thanks.”
He could be so stubborn sometimes, but I had to admire his grit. “Don't let them determine your future. This is just the beginning for you. Prove them all wrong and make something of yourself.”
He snorted. “Who the hell would hire me anyway?”
“If you're a hard worker, I'm sure there would be a ton of places willing to give you a shot.”
“Right. Then they'll fire me as soon as the year's over. Assholes only care about themselves.”
Trent had no reason to trust adults; he'd grown up with the two of the worst examples known to mankind. I decided to level with him. “You know what? You're right. People suck and they can be assholes sometimes.”
His eyes widened fractionally with surprise, then immediately narrowed suspiciously. “What the hell would you know about it?”
“My parents did the same thing when I was twelve. Their divorce was long and messy, and all they cared about was hurting the other person. My sister and I never even registered on their radar. We bounced from house to house, counting down the days until we could leave.” I leaned forward.
“Kids always have it the hardest, especially during divorce.”
“You don't know what the hell you're talking about.” His mouth set into a hard line.
“Your parents have a responsibility to make sure you're getting what you need,” I continued, “and so do I.”
Trent jumped up, his face red. “I don't need your help!”
His anger didn't surprise me, but his huge form hulking over my desk sent my pulse skittering wildly. I slowly rose, clamping down on my control. “Trent...”
“Shut the hell up!”
He snatched up his backpack and stormed from the office, leaving me standing there, knees shaking. As my heart rate returned to normal, a sharp twinge moved through the muscle. Trent wasn't a bad kid. He was lonely, misunderstood. And mostly, I just felt bad for him.
I shrugged off my unease and fought to control my pulse.
I couldn't wait until he finally graduated.
I hoped he did just as I suggested and took off as soon as he could.
The best thing he could do was get away from his parents' toxic environments.
I'd met them on a handful of occasions, and I could honestly say I didn't like either one of them.
Despite Trent's misgivings, I knew he had the potential to do anything he wanted to do.
He was a talented football player, though he'd quit as soon as he found out about his mother's affair and refused to join the team his senior year.
I wished for his sake that so many things were different.
I'd give him the weekend to cool down, and I would use that time to check out a few local work programs. I was certain that someone would be more than happy to have him.
By the end of the day I had several prospects lined up.
My personal favorite was a local construction company who was willing to take him on part-time.
I'd spoken with the owner for nearly an hour this afternoon, and I thought it would be perfect for Trent.
He could work with the crew in the morning, then use the afternoon to finish his coursework online.
I sat back in my chair, pleased that we were able to find some options. Getting Trent to agree to it would be a different story, but I'd cross that bridge when I came to it. He was like a wild stallion sometimes; you had to make him think the idea was his before he'd agree to anything.
My phone chimed from inside my desk, and I opened the middle drawer to retrieve it.
A message from Gray lit the screen, and I couldn't help but smile.
Gray had been my best friend for the past two years, ever since I'd moved here to take the position as guidance counselor at Cedar Springs.
One of the teachers had convinced me to attend a barbecue with her, and she'd introduced me to her family and friends.
It was there that I'd met Grayson Thorne. Newly appointed to Chief of Police, Gray was smart and handsome, and he knew it. He'd immediately hit on me, and I shot him down. He'd laughed it off, thrown an arm around my shoulders, and we'd been inseparable ever since.
I scanned Gray's message. Steak tonight?
I loved that he just assumed I was free on a Friday night. A normal person would be out on a date or doing something fun. But not me. I was the predictable homebody, and he knew it.
I quickly tapped back a response. I'll make a salad.
The bell rang, sending teachers and students alike flooding from the building.
I gathered my things then locked up my office.
I wasn't taking chances this time. I waved to a few remaining teachers before climbing in my car and heading home.
The football team had an away game tonight, otherwise I was sure Gray and I would have ended up there instead of hanging out at my place.
I left the front door unlocked knowing that Gray would be there soon anyway, then made my way up to my room. I stripped out of the jeans I'd worn today and tugged on the comfiest sweats I owned. After all, I wasn't trying to impress anyone.
I cringed as I skimmed my hand along my calf.
How many days had it been since I'd shaved?
Too many, undoubtedly. Not like I had a man who even cared about whether my legs were hairy or not.
It had been years since I had dated anyone, let alone had sex.
The memory of my college boyfriend pinched my heart.
Even though years had passed, in so many ways it still felt like yesterday.
Once upon a time I thought he'd be my forever.
But fate had other plans, and he'd been taken from the world all too soon.
For so long I'd held myself away from people, afraid that the same thing would happen to them.
But all that had done was get me to twenty-seven, alone without even a pet to keep me company.
I'd never had a dog or cat growing up. My mother didn't like animals and my father had traveled too much, even before they split up.
I should probably start entertaining the idea of letting my sister set me up with one of her husband's friends from work.
Jane had suggested it more than a few times, but I'd always resisted.
Wasn't Tinder the new place to meet people?
As much as I hated the idea of online dating, setting up a profile and at least trying it might not be the worst thing in the world.
The front door opened, and Gray's voice reverberated through the house. “I'm here!”
A tiny smile curled the corners of my lips.
Punctual as usual. That was exactly the type of man I needed.
Someone driven who would give 100% in a relationship.
Gray was such an amazing person on so many levels, and he'd shown me over the last couple of years what a man could be. He’d set the bar high, and every man I'd even contemplated going out with had fallen short.
I wanted someone loyal and trustworthy, someone I could always count on to be there when I needed him.
I sighed. Finding a decent single man was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Forget Tinder, I should probably start with the Humane Society.
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