Chapter 35 – Easton #3
“A lot of people didn’t, but it’s done.”
“And can’t be undone without something fucked up happening. I understand that, Easton.” CJ grumbled something unintelligible under his breath, then scowled and said, “Would you like to meet Ember? You might like her. She’s on the quiet side and crochets as a hobby. But she’s really pretty.”
Easton sure as shit wanted to meet the fucking teacher who sucked off a high school kid, so he nodded.
“Wait, the bell’s about to ring.”
As soon as the words were out, the bell pealed and indistinguishable chatter floated on the warm breeze.
“Do you like it here?”
“I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, CJ.”
The kid snickered. “How about I give you my schedule? You can at least meet my teachers.”
“Are they all as confrontational as Wilhemhein?”
“Not Ms.—”
“Flotsam,” Easton interjected. “I met her yesterday. She’s a stick in the mud.”
“Fuck, she’s worse. You can ask Miz Clara to print all our schedules. You will meet a lot of the fucking teachers with as many of my brothers, sister, and cousins who are enrolled.”
“I need a list,” Easton admitted. “I’m not acquainted with all the kids.”
CJ held out his cell phone. “Put in your contact information. I’ll text you the list later on.”
After doing as instructed and handing CJ his phone back, Easton had a question of his own. “You and Ryan are in the same grade?”
“Yeah.”
“How many classes do you two have together?”
“One, and football practice. Why?”
“I just think security is easier if all the Dweller kids in the same grade are in class together.”
“That’s fine with me, although it’ll probably work best for next school year, since this one is almost over. I don’t know how well Rebel will adapt to having Devon and Rory around all day, but Mattie won’t protest.”
“How is Mattie in the same grade as Devon, Rory, Harley, and Rebel when she’s younger?”
“It has to do with Wallace Bart,” CJ said with distaste. “She also took tests so they skipped her.”
“What about if we test her again, along with some of the other kids to see if they can move up a grade?”
“Talk to Dad, Uncle Val, and Aunt Kendall. It sounds like a good idea to me, though.” CJ stood. “I guess I better get to my next class.”
“I’ll give you an excuse. I want to meet Ember.”
The walk to Ember’s classroom didn’t take long.
When Easton laid eyes on her, his first thought was that Ember LeBan was as pretty as CJ described.
She blushed when he introduced her to Easton.
She wore a high-necked cotton dress paired with loafers and understated jewelry.
The tight bun in her hair was a turn-off, though.
“You look just like—”
“I know,” Easton said, stopping their handshaking and releasing her hand. “Please don’t say it. I hear it every fucking day.”
CJ punched his arm. “We’re still in school.”
Fuck. How could he forget? Easton grunted.
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear,” Ember promised, then looked at CJ. They were all standing near her desk. When Easton and CJ walked in, she’d been at the nearby whiteboard, preparing for her next class. “How is Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Caldwell?”
CJ looked at Easton with meaning. “She means Diesel.”
Easton frowned. She’d fucked Diesel?
“He’s fine, Ms. LeBan,” CJ said politely, unaware of Easton’s annoyance. “Still Diesel.”
She smiled and lowered her lashes. “And how are you?”
“Ready for the school year to end,” he said, either ignoring all her signals or not picking up on them. But he was a smart kid. He must’ve understood what she was offering. His disinterest was what worried him. “It’s been long.”
“You’ve barely been here,” Ember said with a playful slap.
“Which is why I’m on probation with the team.”
“I’d love to…” Her voice trailed off and she gave Easton an uneasy glance, then cleared her throat. “I’m glad to hear you’re well, Mr. Caldwell.”
CJ smiled. “Same for me with you.”
She sidled back to the board. “Uh, my next class will start in twenty minutes.”
“I’m making the rounds. Meeting everyone,” Easton told her, catching and holding her gaze.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. DeLuca.”
“Likewise,” Easton murmured, and guided CJ out.
“She definitely wants to fuck you,” Easton said, walking down the oppressively gothic hallway of Columbia Hall.
“Shut up.”
Easton laughed, then remembered her inquiry about Diesel. “Is there anywhere I can escape that fuckhead?”
“Diesel?” CJ said and bounded down the stairs.
“Who the fuck else?” Easton asked, when he joined CJ on the ground floor. “The moment Mendez saw him yesterday, she lit up.”
“He’s slept with both of them,” CJ said.
“So I gathered.”
He paused at the exit. “Don’t be too hard on him, Easton.
He’s a motherfucker but he grows on you.
I’ve known him since I was two. He’s a motherfucker to women, but a good friend and a great brother.
He has power in the club. Live up to his expectations and you will earn not only his respect but that of his friends, too. ”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he promised, clapping CJ on the back. “Come on. Let’s get your excuse.”