Heir Born

8 | Nate

There was a time when being called to Reynolds' office would get me on edge a little bit. And then a suspension would follow immediately after, resulting in my having to explain myself to Charles and Eleanor. And endure them for an entire week as they punish me with their glares of disapproval while they drag me to the office to be of 'some use' since I can't be at school until I've done my time.

Until I realised Reynolds can't help himself. He always has to pick somebody. Okay. Maybe I also deserved it with all the shit I caused all over school. I can't help it if boredom randomly hits me and I have to release all that excess energy of mischief.

But lately, I've been such a model student, so the targeting doesn't really make any sense. I think my parents might have a lot to do with that though. Personal vendettas and what not and I just happen to be collateral damage.

As soon as I enter, I take a seat as he looks me over above the rim of his glasses. I decide to readjust my glasses with my middle finger. He frowns at me, then motions for me to sit down. Old people.

"Sir, I—"

Before I can get a word out, someone else enters the office.

"Sorry I'm late, Dr Reynolds."

I don't look behind me, but I immediately know who it is. That voice. That potent fruity magnolia can only be one person.

Fuck me.

I don't make eye contact, as Reynolds motions for Summer to take a seat next to me.

"Good. Now that you're both here." Reynolds begins, leaning back in his chair.

Summer sits down, and only then does she realise that she's sitting next to me. She and I both stare blankly at each other, looking way too puzzled for two of Chaucer House's top students. She starts to look worried.

"Mr Vanderbilt, Miss Lennox, the Fundraising Committee needs a member of the soccer team and music ensemble to assist with their next event. The Masquerade Ball for this semester's benefit event. I volunteered both your services for the duration, seeing as you're the captain and you're the chair." He points to us as if he's doing some kind of show and tell.

"Please make yourselves available to Miss Van Loren at her next team meeting." He doesn't look at us as he says this, but keeps paging through the Fundraising Committee's proposal folder on his desk.

"And Miss Lennox, this is for you. The paperwork from last year's recital, as discussed."

He picks up another folder from his desk and Summer reaches out to grab it. She nods. No smile. No reaction. She just takes it. That can't be a good sign. Does Summer know something?

Then her eyes dart at me. She doesn't want me to see, but I notice. She shifts uncomfortably. She doesn't look shocked at the news. Just uneasy. Might be because she's sitting right next to me, actually.

I sit up. I'm not sure what words to utter first. It's obvious I don't like this at all.

"Dr Reynolds, I'm sorry, but I have my hands full with the championship. I don't think—" Reynolds doesn't let me finish.

"I have already spoken with Coach Walker, this will not disrupt your training. As the hours do not clash."

You've got to be kidding me?

"What?" I try not to completely lose it, as I censor myself. I need to be careful with my words right now, especially with Summer sitting right here next to me.

"I beg your pardon, Mr Vanderbilt?" Reynolds tilts his head. Almost like he didn't quite catch the insolence. You heard right, old man.

"I'm sorry, sir." Don't be disrespectful. Last thing I need is Eleanor on my case.