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  “What—” Collin’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “No, please, you don’t need to bug my uncle. I don’t want my problems to add on top—”

  “There’s no excuse,” Keegan interrupted as he lifted an eyebrow. “You read the policy on the first day along with everyone else. You know the consequences for the infractions. You’re on number two. That means a phone call home and a meeting. I don’t want you to slide any farther down the rabbit hole. Understand what I’m saying?”

  Collin let out a sigh. “Yes, sir.”

  “Please don’t make things harder on yourself. I’m here to help you succeed along with all the other teachers. I’m sure your guardian is on the same page. We’re going to have a meeting with your guardian. Get to your next class.” Keegan twisted and jotted a note on a bright orange slip of paper. “This will excuse you from being late, but it doesn’t give you permission to dawdle.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Collin said and accepted the paper.

  Keegan nodded to release the teen then walked around to the desk to send in the request for a call to Collin’s guardian via the front office.

  * * * *

  This wasn’t a good morning. Not a good one at all.

  Wyatt returned to his studio after spending the morning with Jeremy. No matter what anyone tried, Jeremy remained in the deep dark well of grief after losing his partner, Patrick. If Wyatt stayed too long, he too felt the tendrils of depression wrapping around him. He wouldn’t leave Jeremy alone. Still, it really fucked up his day.

  Wyatt needed to get rid of the pent-up pain rushing through him. He picked up a bag filled with old bits of clay and a wooden board. He went to an empty corner of the workroom and leaned the board against the wall. He threw handfuls of the clay at the board, screaming. He lobbed and tossed the clay balls, heard the satisfying thuds, but it wasn’t enough. He banged metal pieces together and hurled them at the same corner. When he’d finished, he bent over at the waist, shaking as he tried to pull air back into his lungs, his face flushed and wet with tears.

  “Are you okay? I thought you were beyond this stage, Wyatt? What happened?”

  Wyatt spun to face Marissa. “Went to see Jeremy.” He collapsed on the floor, raising his knees to lean his elbows on them. He shook his head.

  “I take it he’s not doing any better.”

  “Yeah, I couldn’t do much other than helping his brother clean the house. He’s pulling into himself and I can’t reach him. I don’t know what to do.”

  Marissa crouched next to him and held out a box of tissues. “You have messy, angst-filled cry face.”

  “Is that a thing?” Wyatt tugged out several tissues and used them to wipe his nose and clean his face. “I don’t think it is. It’s something you made up.”

  “So true a thing. See it all the time on Facebook, especially after someone reads a romance full of angst and pain. It’s even worse. Lots of tissues. Wine and chocolate must be consumed.” She grinned. “I prefer the wine and chocolate remedies. Or a pint of rich ice cream.” She held up a finger. “You didn’t leave Jeremy alone. You told me Jeremy’s brother is in the house with him. The brother who used to be your boyfriend.”

  “Yeah, it’s the same Ethan and he’s still there. We broke up about five years ago.”

  “You didn’t break up, he moved his sorry ass to New York City.”

  “And I let him go. It’s done. Over with.”

  Marissa narrowed her gaze at him. “Did he make a move on you earlier?”

  “Yeah, but it wasn’t much of a move. We both needed the comfort. I’m over him. Honest. We’re both concerned about Jeremy. I’m not going to get back with Ethan. I told him that.” Wyatt snorted and blew his nose.

  “What set you off to come back and throw clay at a board?”

  “Got swept up in Jeremy’s grief and couldn’t get rid of it any other way. Comes and goes in waves.”

  “It’s to be expected. Patrick was one of your best friends, an artist you mentored since he was young,” she said, resting a hand on his shoulder.

  “Just tired of feeling like crap.” Wyatt let out a long, troubled breath. “What did you want? Other than to gossip about an old boyfriend.”

  “Oh, right. The other thing,” she said and snapped her fingers until she remembered. “Someone from the high school office called. Your presence is requested for a meeting with one of Collin’s teachers.”

  “Oh shit, what did that kid do?”

  “Not sure. The lady wouldn’t say, but you need to be at the high school around one-thirty for the meeting. Collin will be kept after school.”

  Wyatt glanced at his watch and grimaced. “Got less than hour. I’ll go home, clean up and head to the school. Do you need me for anything here? I’m pretty much useless.” He glanced at the dolphin sculpture and pieces for the Charm. “Yeah, no creative energy whatsoever.”

  Marissa shook her head.

  Wyatt rolled back to his feet, tossing the tissues away as he left the workroom. After a quick pit-stop at home, he changed into dark-washed jeans, a button-down shirt and a light V-neck sweater with a pair of clean gray suede brogues. He tried to be somewhat presentable as an official guardian. He managed to make it to the high school with time to spare and located the main office. The secretary placed a call and motioned for him to wait in a chair. Too full of energy and worry about Collin, Wyatt stayed on his feet and wandered around the office. He checked out the different pictures and awards.

  “Mr. McBride?”

  Wyatt turned and stopped. Collin’s teacher was the visitor, Keegan, who had come to the gallery but had never appeared again. Wyatt looked around and cleared his throat. “Yes. I’m Wyatt McBride.”

  “Could you please follow me to my classroom? Collin is waiting for us there,” Keegan said.

  “Sure.” Wyatt followed Keegan out of the office and down the halls. He couldn’t get over how damn suave Keegan was in the crisp chinos, button-down lavender shirt and patterned tie. Even the way he fiddled with his dark-rimmed glasses was adorable.

  Keegan stopped at one of the doors and opened it for them. “Please go on inside.”

  “Is everything okay?” Wyatt stepped closer to Keegan, who lifted his gaze to meet his.

  “Yes, everything is well. My first meeting with a guardian of a student.”

  Without a response, Wyatt stepped inside the classroom. He found Collin sitting at one of the front tables, hunched over in his chair and his knee bouncing. He shook his head and walked across the room.

  “Collin,” he said in a low tone.

  Collin jumped in the chair. “Uncle Wyatt, I’m sorry, really, I didn’t mean to screw up so damn bad. I know we talked about not bringing you any more trouble. Things are rough for you and I’m so sorry. Please forgive…” He licked his lower lip and watched Keegan walk into the room.

  “Are you only in trouble with Mr. Donaghue or are there other teachers who will need to speak with me?”

  “I, umm—”

  “Collin, why didn’t you tell me something was wrong? I admitted I was lost in my grief, but we talked about it. About how you would come and tell me anything. No matter what, you said things were going smooth and fine in your classes,” Wyatt said then sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose and massaged it to work at the growing knot of a headache.

  “Perhaps we could all sit down and discuss the issues. I’m sure Collin is interested in having a conversation with us. Am I correct, Collin?” Keegan asked.

  Collin nodded.

  “Please take a seat,” Keegan said. He pulled the chair from behind his desk around to sit.

  Wyatt tugged out a chair from the table next to Collin and dropped into it. “Where do we start?”

  “To start the new school year and first day,” Keegan said and glanced to Collin, “I sent a contract and curriculum home with every student. I wanted a parent or guardian to review everything and sign off. It’s a way to make sure every student complies with the rules of the class.
Both the student and guardian will know what to expect for the year. I keep them in a personnel file.”

  “I haven’t seen this paperwork,” Wyatt said.

  Without a word, Collin dug into his messenger bag then handed over a blue folder. “I was supposed to give it you this the first week of class.”

  “It’s a couple of months after the first week of classes.”

  “I know. No excuse for it,” Collin said.

  Wyatt flipped it open to look at the paperwork. “Got a pen, buddy?”

  Another dig and Collin held out a pen. Wyatt took it, pulled out the papers, and read through everything. He took care to note what he needed to do to support the contract and signed off everything.

  “While I know this isn’t procedure and we need to work on this issue, here’s this piece,” Wyatt said as he pushed the paperwork over to Keegan.

  “True, it is out of the ordinary, but I’ll accept it,” Keegan said. He returned a piece of paper to Wyatt. “This is your copy for home.”

  “Should we put this on the fridge so neither of us forget?” Wyatt asked as he tapped the paper with a finger.

  Collin stared at the ground but nodded in agreement.

  “What else is going on?” Wyatt glanced from Keegan to his nephew.

  Keegan turned to Collin and lifted an eyebrow.

  Collin raised his gaze from the floor and said, “I’m late with assignments and haven’t had you sign off on the missing homework.”

  “Why didn’t you do your homework on time?” Wyatt said.

  “I don’t have an answer or an excuse. I didn’t do it,” Collin said.

  “I see. Are you going to change this problem?”

  Collin licked his lower lip and nodded.

  “Make sure you’re not lying to me to cover this up, Collin.”

  “I’m not, sir. This isn’t a cover-up or bullshit. I’ll get the work done.”

  “I don’t want another meeting like this to happen again. If there’s a second meeting with any of your teachers, I’m calling your father and will let him talk to you,” Wyatt said. “I promised him any trouble that occurs would be handled between you and me. I don’t want to break that promise to him.”

  “I understand, Uncle Wyatt.”

  “To make sure this happens, you’re turning over your iPod, Beats, and unplugging the PlayStation and Xbox at home.”

  Collin’s eyes widened with teenage horror.

  Oh yes, I’m hitting below the belt on this one, kid. No nice uncle. Not this time.

  Collin’s jaw dropped and he winced. Wyatt knew he’d found the right option. This wasn’t something Collin had expected him to do.

  Collin’s voice was soft and small. “Until when?”

  “Until I deem necessary and you consistently turn in your work to all of your teachers. This time, I’m checking in with your teachers. Got it?”

  Collin’s shoulders curled in defeat. He could only nod. “Yes, sir.”

  “If you can’t accomplish your work, I’m not going to approve a request to try-out or join the soccer team. Sports are a privilege you earn and you’ll have to keep a certain grade point average to remain on the team,” Wyatt said and looked to Keegan. “Am I correct with that assumption?”

  “Most teams require either a high C or low B average every semester,” Keegan said.

  “There you go. No grades, no soccer. No grades, no electronic stuff at home. You can use your laptop for homework, research and nothing else. Not even music or games.”

  Collin dropped his head between his hands. “I hear you, Uncle Wyatt. I do.”

  “There is more to this than simple distraction.” Keegan leaned forward, clasping his hands between his knees. “What is happening to make you do this, Collin? You transferred with excellent grades from your Maryland school. I know this must be a big change to start high school and in a different state away from friends and family. Are all of these changes causing you to lose concentration or focus?”

  “I’m used to changing schools. Done it since I started kindergarten. It’s part of being a military brat.” Collin kept his head ducked down.

  “Why are you doing this now? Are you trying to see how far you can push with me? I wasn’t there for you the last couple of weeks, but I’m changing that. That part is on me. I’m trying, kid, but I need a little help. The rest is about you. I know I’m not your dad, but we’re still family, Coll. You know I’ll support you in anything.” Wyatt reached out and placed his hand on his nephew’s knee.

  “I don’t know why I’m doing it, okay? I just am. I don’t care about anything. I’m alone in this school. All my friends aren’t here. I can’t play soccer,” Collin said and held his head tighter. He dissolved into sobs.

  Wyatt scooted his chair closer and pulled his nephew into his arms to hold him. “I gotcha, buddy. You’re not alone.” He pressed a kiss into Collin’s hair. “Do you want to talk to a counselor? It’s not a bad thing. Everyone needs someone to share secrets with and trust them to listen and not talk about it to others. Sounds like you’re dealing with some depression. You’ve been through a lot from coming out, to this big move, to not having your parents. A lot is hitting your shoulders.”

  “I believe the office has counselors they recommend for such issues,” Keegan said.

  Wyatt looked over Collin’s head to Keegan. He mouthed his thanks and Keegan nodded.

  Collin rubbed his hands against his face to wipe off the tears and pulled away from Wyatt’s tender grip. “Yeah. Yeah, I want that.”

  “We’ll help you through this. When you get some of this weight off your shoulders, perhaps you’ll find some friends and get back on track. Sound good?” Wyatt asked.

  “Thanks, Uncle Wyatt.” Collin glanced to Keegan. “I’m sorry for not doing my work, Mr. Donaghue. I’ll do better. I promise.”

  “I know you will. You’re an excellent student, Collin, believe in that. We’ll get you through this. I’m here if you ever want to talk,” Keegan said.

  Collin nodded again.

  “I believe this meeting is over and I’m pleased with the results. How about you two?” Keegan asked.

  “Yeah,” Collin said. “Other than the whole missing electronics part, but I’m okay.”

  “Not gonna change my mind on it, kid. You’re unplugged.” Wyatt ruffled Collin’s hair. He turned his attention back to Keegan. “Can I take him home?”

  “Yes and I’ll speak with the guidance counselors to see if they have a list of recommendations. If they have it, I’ll give you a copy, Collin. The two of you can decide how to proceed with it next.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Donaghue,” Collin said. He closed his messenger bag and locked it tight.

  Wyatt rose from his seat with Collin standing next to him. He shook hands with Keegan when he got to his feet. “Thanks for everything.”

  “This is one of the reasons why I love being a teacher,” Keegan said.

  “Isn’t it true you work for the sheriff’s station? I see you racing away at times,” Collin said.

  “It is. I’m a part-time crime scene investigator. I work the forensics of a case. The sheriff has called me in on a couple of recent cases.”

  “Epic,” Collin said.

  “It’s an interesting change of pace from being a teacher.”

  “Good luck with your work,” Wyatt said.

  “Thanks.”

  “Let’s get home. I’m sure you have work to do,” Wyatt said.

  “Yes, sir,” Collin said.

  “What I thought.” Wyatt turned back at Keegan. “It was good to see you again, Keegan.”

  “Same here,” Keegan said with a smile.

  Collin looked between them. His jaw dropped. “Oh-em-gee! Are you crushing on my teacher? Gross.”

  Wyatt stared at his nephew.

  “Shutting up,” Collin said.

  With a roll of his eyes, Wyatt smiled back at Keegan. “Don’t be a stranger at the gallery. Hope we can talk again.”

  Kee
gan smiled. “I would like that.”

  “Uncle…”

  Wyatt stared at his nephew again.

  “Still quiet,” Collin said.

  Wyatt lightly smacked Collin on the back of his head.

  Keegan cracked up laughing at their antics.

  Wyatt grabbed the back of Collin’s shirt and forced him out of the room. “See ya around, Keegan. Move it, kid, you have homework.”

  Collin waved to Keegan.

  Chapter Six

  Even with the high volume of rock pulsing and pumping through the studio, Wyatt couldn’t return to the emptiness of his mind. It continued to be filled with memories of both the good times and bad. The grief remained knife-edge sharp in his gut, but he managed to control the herky-jerky reactions as they ebbed and flowed throughout the day.

  There was the memorial to consider and finish planning. Without a word, he’d taken control of creating the finest celebration of life to be hosted here at the gallery. Where else could they remember a brilliant artist and friend?

  He blew out a long breath. He stared at the swirling lump of clay on the potter’s wheel. It wasn’t going to take shape anytime soon. There was too much happening around him to let his fingers form the clay.

  Not when there was something else he needed to finish. A special project for Patrick.

  He grabbed a wire tool then cut the hunk of clay from the wheel and wrapped it up to preserve it for a later time. He removed the clay and water-covered apron and replaced it with a soft cotton one. He picked up the wooden tray with two covered objects off a shelf and carried it to another workstation. He ended with a large urn for the majority of the ashes and a small memorial urn for Patrick’s mother, Erin, to take home or used to scatter the ashes. He figured Jeremy would want to keep the larger urn or inter it into a wall at the memorial gardens.

  Wyatt placed the largest urn on a clean wheel and spun until he saw the engraved wave splashing onto a fading sandcastle. These were two of Patrick’s loves since he’d moved to Florida from his cold hometown of Boston. Patrick had requested some glass and metal details to be added to celebrate his life as an artist. There was a small detail of his and Jeremy’s initials joined forever inside a heart on the castle to signify the memory of their love.