“I suppose because of my wealth and the extensive amount of fame that follows. Katelyn didn’t enjoy being in the spotlight and didn’t want that for our daughter.”
“To be honest, Mr. Luxenberg, I’m not sure that our school is the right fit for your daughter. We like parents who are involved in their education, their upbringing, and we can mold the proper values that we believe make our students worthy of success.”
“Are you seriously telling me my kid isn’t good enough for your school because I didn’t know that she existed until this past week?” I stand, the chair squeaking against the floor as it slides out from under me. “You know what, never mind. Amelia is too good for your snobbish academy.”
I bolt for the door.
Clare sits in the hallway with Amelia at her side.
“We’re leaving. Now!” I snap, grabbing Amelia’s hand and practically dragging her from the chair.
Clare’s brow is pinched, but she follows behind me. I open the door on our way out of the building as I stalk out in silence.
It isn’t until Amelia is buckled in the backseat and Clare slides in beside her that she speaks. “What was that about?”
“Nothing,” I say with a huff. “Amelia isn’t going to that school.”
“Okay.” Clare doesn’t ask any further questions, and I’m relieved, because that academy wasn’t a good fit.
Neither is the next one, which has me worried because we only have one more school to go.
“May I make a suggestion?” Clare says, her voice soft and calm.
“I’m sure you will, whether I want to hear it or not.”
These pretentious headmasters have put me in a mood. I thought they’d have been grateful for the chance to build a new science lab or add a wing to one of the classrooms. A million-dollar donation can go a long way, but apparently, when all the parents already offer massive donations, it doesn’t seem like much.
Or maybe it’s just me and has nothing to do with the money.
Doubtful.
I’m not Mr. Sunshine, but I can handle an interview for my kid.
“What if we go into the interview together?”
“What, like a couple?” I scoff at her suggestion.
We’re not a couple.
She can’t even kiss me back. Not that she should have. I was over the line last night, brushing my lips against hers. Wanting her is nothing more than a dirty fantasy. I’m sure it’s because she’s the nanny. She’s like forbidden fruit; I want what I can’t have. Or rather, shouldn’t have.
“No, like you’re her father, and I’m her nanny. I’ll keep you from whatever fuckery you’ve done to butcher the last two interviews.”
“Language!” I scold, not wanting my daughter to learn any new curse words, especially right before her exam.
“Sorry,” Clare says, and her cheeks redden. Is she embarrassed or angry with me? I haven’t made it easy on her the last couple of days that we’ve known each other.
I rub my forehead, considering her suggestion, as Douglas pulls up to the front of the school. “This is the last one for today,” he says. “Clare is right. Sometimes a soft touch can help.”
“And you think this one is soft?” I jab my thumb at the backseat. Clare is anything but soft.
The woman has been a pain in my ass since the moment we met. Am I really going to trust her that the interview will be a success? And that assumes that Amelia passes the exam. Neither school indicated to us if she had been a realistic candidate for enrollment. I had stormed out before the results returned.
“I think she offers a soft touch,” Douglas says. “You’ve already said you botched two interviews. This is the last school unless you plan on flying your kid via jet every morning to kindergarten.”
“It’s crossing my mind,” I say.
Clare unbuckles Amelia, and we head out of the vehicle. I hope Douglas is right and that Clare doesn’t royally screw up my daughter’s chance at getting into private school.