“He’s in the principal’s office. And Mr. Henry wants to talk to you.”

“Okay. Tell him I’m on my way. Thank you for calling.” I hit end, my fingers trembling just a bit.

Molly looked back at me with a worried expression. “Is everything okay?”

“I have to go to the school. Will’s in the principal’s office.”

“Will?” Molly asked.

I almost laughed. It wouldn’t be unheard of for me to be called to the elementary school because Mia was in trouble. She had a fiery temper and zero tolerance for bullies. She’d put someone in their place by any means necessary. But Will or Ava? Never. “There has to be some mistake. I need to go. Do you think you can convince Max to stay on a little longer?”

I didn’t think he’d object. Molly straightened. “You go. I’ll get him to stay.”

I grabbed my purse and squeezed Molly’s shoulder as I passed. “Thank you.”

“Anytime. If you need to take the rest of the day, just text me. I can handle things here.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” I hurried out of the store and towards my SUV but paused for a moment halfway there, staring down at my phone. I didn’t want to do this alone. I knew I could. I’d faced a million and one minor and major catastrophes myself. But now, I didn’t want to. Instead of letting that freak me out, I hit Griffin’s name in my contacts. He answered on the first ring.

“Are you okay?”

My lips curved just a bit at the genuine worry in his voice, the care. “I’m fine, but I’m wondering if you can meet me at the high school. It’s okay if you’re too busy and can’t make it. It’s not that important.”

“Caelyn,” he growled. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“You will?”

“Yes,” he said.

“You didn’t even ask why.”

“I don’t need to know why. You asked me to come, so I’ll be there.”

Emotion, swift and fierce, clogged my throat. I swallowed it down so I could get out two words. “Thank you.”

“Always. Wait for me in the parking lot.”

“Okay.” It was on the tip of my tongue to tell Griffin that I loved him. It was absolutely insane and would probably send him running for the hills, so I swallowed that down, too. But I held it inside me, the knowledge of that truth, the light of it. I’d hold it there for as long as I needed.

“I’ll see you soon.”

“Soon,” I echoed.

The line went dead, and I shook myself from my stupor. Heading for my SUV, I beeped the locks and climbed inside. As soon as the high school came into view, all thoughts of Griffin fled, my mind turning to Will and an endless stream of questions.