“Hi, is this Jasmine Rivera?”
“It is,” I confirm. “But please, call me Jazz.”
“Hi, Jazz. My name is Misha. I’m the manager at Calabasas Coffee. Are you still interested in the barista job we have open?”
“I am,” I say excitedly. “Very much so.”
“Great. When can you come in for an interview?”
“I get out of school at two-thirty each day, so any time after then would be fine.”
“Perfect. How about three o’clock tomorrow afternoon?”
“Awesome. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“I look forward to meeting you, Jazz.”
I end the call and set my phone on the breakfast bar.
“Who was that?” Kingston slides a plate of scrambled eggs in front of me.
“The manager at Calabasas Coffee. I have an interview tomorrow at three.”
He frowns. “Why do you have a job interview? I didn’t even know you were applying for jobs.”
“Uh... because I need money.” I give him a duh look. “I’ve been looking for a while, but this is the first place that’s called. I think my limited availability with school isn’t helping.”
Kingston takes a large gulp of juice. “Jazz, if you need money, I have plenty.”
“I’m perfectly aware, Kingston, but you’re also not responsible for me.” I take a bite of my eggs, moaning as the flavors explode on my tongue. I don’t know what he does to make eggs taste so good, but the boy can cook.
He scoffs. “The fuck I’m not.”
I point my fork at him. “Don’t go getting all alpha male on me again. You should know me well enough to know that I don’t accept charity.”
“It’s not charity, Jazz. I want to take care of you, and I have the means. It’s as simple as that.”
“And I want to be the one to take care of myself and my sister. It’s as simple as that .”
“Stubborn ass woman,” he mumbles.
“Quit bitching and finish eating before we’re late for school.”
“You’re really testing my nerves right now.” Kingston glares at me as he chews.
“What are you gonna do? Spank me?” I wiggle my brows. “Because I might be into that.”
His fork clanks against the plate as he drops it. “That’s it. Now, you’re really asking for it.”
I hop out of my chair and push it down as I run away. I make it no more than ten feet before Kingston’s strong arms are banding around me, lifting me into the air. He tosses me onto the bed, face down, ass up. I shiver when he flips my uniform skirt up to my waist, rubbing his hands over my newly exposed skin. I’m wearing a thong today, so there’s a lot of exposed skin back there.
“Fuck, you have a beautiful ass.” Kingston’s large hands flex, gripping my butt cheeks.
I wiggle my butt. “I thought you were going to spank me? Or was that all a bunch of—”
Thwack!
I squeal from the surprise when the crack of Kingston’s hand meets my flesh. I moan when he rubs the same spot right before he does it again to the other cheek.
“Shit,” I pant.
“Too much?” This time, when he soothes my warming skin, he dips a finger between my thighs, stroking my clit over my panties.
“Nuh-uh.” I shake my head emphatically. “It’s hot.”
Kingston groans. “We’re definitely going to be late now.”
“I’m okay with that.”
*
“Where were you two this morning?” Ainsley grills Kingston and me as soon as we sit down at the lunch table.
My cheeks heat. “We, uh... I accidentally turned the alarm off.”
“You’re a shit liar, baby girl.” Bentley laughs before shoving a bunch of fries in his mouth.
I kick him in the shin, which only makes him laugh harder. “Shut up.”
“Anyway...” I direct my attention back to Ainsley. “I finally got called in for a job interview. It’s at that coffee shop we went to last week.”
“Nice.” Ainsley steals one of Bentley’s fries and takes a bite.
“Why do you need a job?” Bentley asks.
“That’s what I said!” Kingston feels the need to add.
I slam my hand over my boyfriend’s mouth. “Because I need the money, and no, I’m not going to just let this jackass bankroll me.” Kingston licks my palm. “Ewww!”
He laughs when I wipe the slobber on his pants. “What’s wrong? You normally love it when I drag my tongue d—”
I pinch his lips together. “Don’t even.”
“Nice one, dawg.” Bentley reaches over my head to high-five Kingston.
I rub my temples and groan. “Why do I even bother?”
Ainsley flicks her finger between Bent and her twin. “With those two, I have no idea.”
Kingston narrows his eyes in Reed’s direction. “Don’t act like he’s Mr. Innocent.”
“Oh, trust me, I know he’s not.” Ainsley giggles when Kingston makes a face.
Reed smirks and plants a kiss on the side of her head, which makes Ainsley sigh wistfully as she leans into him.
I point at them. “You two are adorbs.”
“Maybe one of these days, I won’t be a fifth wheel,” Bentley complains.
“Aw, baby, you can play with my balls any time you want.” Kingston coos. “Just name the time and place.”
Bentley flips him off. “Fuck you, dude.”
I scoot out of the way when Kingston pulls Bentley into a headlock. The boys are so busy wrestling, they don’t notice Headmaster Davis approach our table until he speaks.
“Enough, you two.” He waits for the guys to break apart before he turns toward me. “Miss Callahan, I’d like to see you in my office, please.”
“Right now?”
“Right now.” Kingston stands when I do, but Headmaster Davis holds his hand up. “Alone , Mr. Davenport. This doesn’t concern you.”
I’ll be fine , I mouth to Kingston as I follow the headmaster out of the dining room.
“What’s this about?”
His beady eyes narrow over his shoulder. “You’ll find out when we get to my office.”
We walk into the administration office and through the door leading to Headmaster Davis’ personal office.
He pulls out a chair before rounding the desk to take his own. “Have a seat, Miss Callahan.”
I do as he says and wait expectantly. I’ve learned over the years to never speak unless spoken to when dealing with authorities. Too many people incriminate themselves with nervous chatter. Not that I have anything to be concerned about, but considering I have no idea why I’m here, I’d rather be safe than sorry.
“Do you have any idea why I called you in here today?”
I shake my head. “None.”
Headmaster Davis steeples his bony fingers. “Your attendance has been quite concerning lately. You do realize class participation accounts for thirty percent of your grade, do you not? I’m under the impression that graduating is of the utmost importance to you. Is that accurate?”
I frown. “I’ve missed a few classes since the beginning of the year. I don’t understand how that’s concerning considering we’re into December.”
His lips curve into a cruel smirk. “Actually, according to my records, you’ve missed several weeks of class already.”
My jaw drops. “Are you referring to the time I was hospitalized and subsequently healing from significant injuries? The same time period in which I kept up with all of my assignments? ”
“That, among others,” he confirms. “Like, this morning. Your first and second-period teachers marked you absent. Care to explain?”
I fold my arms over my chest. “I slept in.”
He raises his eyebrows. “And did Mr. Davenport sleep in as well?”
“Excuse me?! ” I glare. “What exactly are you insinuating, Mr. Davis?”
“You will address me as Headmaster Davis , young lady, and I’m not insinuating anything. I was simply asking a question.”
“Well, you’ll have to ask Mr. Davenport about his whereabouts because I can only speak for myself.”
He considers that for a moment. “Very well. Now, normal protocol dictates that I call a student’s parents whenever they’re marked unexcused from a class. However... there are other ways you can make up for it.”
“Such as?”
“Such as... earning extra credit. Some students opt to help out in the office after school. Filing things for me and such.”
“What’s my other option?”