When the last wave of explosive diarrhea simmers down, I head to the kindergarten wing. I catch Raegan just as she’s slinging her lunchbox on her shoulder. The kids have left for recess, and her friends are nowhere in sight. I’ve got her cornered.

She smiles when she sees me. “Enjoy your coffee this morning?”

“I did. Just came to thank you.”

She leans closer, looking up at me with false innocence gleaming in her eyes. “Are you feeling okay? You look a little green.”

I cage her in, pressing my palms against the whiteboard so I don’t wrap them around her neck and strangle her instead. “I feel wonderful. Never better.”

“Just be careful. Newbies always get sick at the start of school. Their bodies aren’t used to all the germs.” She reaches out and runs her fingers along my tie. “Wouldn’t want to see you catch a bug or anything, sir.”

“I’m touched at your concern for my health, Ms. Donahue.”

“Just looking out for our amazing new principal.”

Her words are laced with venom. My gaze lowers, taking in her heaving chest, her satin skin, her lips less than an inch from mine. The proximity is too much. I need to get away from her. Get her out of my head. I drop my hands and stalk out of the room.

I’m going to get her back. Two can play at this game. And I’m going to hit back twice as hard.

Raegan

“He ran to that bathroom like a bear was chasing him. I wish you could’ve seen him!”

The girls and I are eating lunch, laughing about my successful laxative prank. Andrea caught Jaxon in a mad dash to the restroom this morning, and she has reenacted it several times. My stomach muscles ache from laughing so hard.

“I can’t believe he actually drank it,” Sammi says. “That’s one of the oldest tricks in the book.”

“Guess he’s not as smart as he thinks he is.” I flip my hair over my shoulder and grin.

Becca shakes her head. “I don’t like this, Rae. This tit-for-tat game is only going to get worse. Who knows what that man is capable of?”

“She’s not wrong,” Mary says. “I’d hate to see you lose your job over this petty bullshit.”

“I just wanted to send him a message.” I stab the air with my index finger. “I’ve been pushed around for too long. If I wanted to be mistreated, I would’ve stayed with Andrew. I will not let Jaxon walk all over me.”

“Atta girl.” Kerry slaps her palm against mine.

“You’re playing with fire,” Becca warns. “Just be careful.”