“Like I said, I didn’t steal your grandmother’s ring. I’m sorry you lost it, but I don’t have it. So I’ll sleep very well, thanks.”

His top lip curls as he looks me up and down. “I’m glad I didn’t end up sleeping with you. You getting sloppy drunk actually did me a favor.”

“The feeling is mutual.” I spin on my heels but whip back around when I reach the door. “And I’d like my shoe back tomorrow.”

“You’ll get your shoe when I get my—”

I slam the door on my way out and whiz past the girls waiting for me in the hallway. Their flip-flops smack the floor behind me as they try to keep up with my pace.

“What happened?”

“Did he touch you?”

“Does he believe you didn’t steal anything?”

“Why does he have your shoe?”

I push through the double doors at the main entrance and inhale the sweet scent of lingering summer air. Closing my eyes, I collect my thoughts and try to slow my rapid heartbeat.

“He thinks I stole his grandmother’s ring. He said it was in his bedroom the night he brought me home, and that it was gone when he woke up the next morning.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Kerry says. “He obviously misplaced it and now he feels like an idiot so he’s blaming you.”

Becca chews on her bottom lip. “This is crazy. Maybe the guy’s not right in the head.”

“He’s too good-looking,” Andrea says. “Something was bound to be wrong with him.”

I shrug. “I’ve said my peace. There’s nothing I can do to prove that I didn’t steal his ring.”

“What are you going to do now?” Sammi asks.

“First, I’m going for a run. Then, I’m going to enjoy a nice dinner with my mother.”

“And what about Principal Fuckwad?”

“He’s just going to have to get over it.”

This is my school.

Days Left Until Summer Break: 179

Jaxon

“Yes, Mrs. Zuckerman. I am positive it was your son who smeared feces on the bathroom walls.”

There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say.

“We have video surveillance of Andrew exiting the bathroom at the time of the offense. Yes, I’d appreciate it if you spoke to him about the importance of bathroom hygiene at home. Thank you. You have a wonderful day.”

I place the receiver down and massage my scalp with my fingers.

“The first day is always the hardest,” Beth, my secretary, calls from the main office.

“Somehow, that doesn’t comfort me.” I step out of my office and dangle a mini Snickers bar in front of Beth’s face. “Want one?”

She snatches it out of my hands and devours it within seconds. Not completely sure she didn’t inhale the wrapper with it.