Before Together After Forever

Chapter 13 - Rexford Trent, Jr.

"She did WHAT?" Will's voice boomed over the phone.

"I wasn't there long, and I told you that I had to go and greet the new Vice Principal, Will. Quit being such an ass. I came home before noon," Ariel shouted back.

"Couldn't you have called? You're due any day now."

"You know your big fancy mixer? R.J. borrowed it and broke it."

"HE DID WHAT?" Will's voice rose even louder.

"Bye, guys!" I shouted back and ended my Bluetooth connection. I probably should replace that soon.

I sighed as I pulled into the visitor's parking lot at Riley's school. I should have known she would pull a stunt today. Walking through the familiar halls, I made my way to the administration offices. "Hey, Keith."

"Hey, R.J. Riley opened her mouth again, huh?"

I couldn't really say anything. I just sighed. "How's the husband and kids?"

"Riu was bawling his eyes out because Marley started kindergarten today, so I take her to school now. He was so distraught," he said, chuckling.

"Aw... no more life as a stay-at-home dad?"

"Nope."

"Well, his space on the Board of Directors is always there. A techy mind like his is an asset to me," I said with a smile.

Keith smiled back at me. "I'll make sure to tell him. Let me inform the new VP that you're here."

"Thanks."

"Let me warn you, Rex, she's a looker!"

I just shook my head and laughed. "Keith..."

"Man... I'm just saying."

"Ms. Lewis, sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Trent is here about his daughter." Keith said into the intercom.

"Um... send him in, Mr....?" A smooth, velvety voice responded on the other end.

"Mr. Isaac. Keith Isaac."

"Thank you, Mr. Isaac. Send in Mr. Trent."

"Gotcha!" Keith said, flashing his pearly whites.

"Thanks, man," I said to him as I walked into the office. "Good afternoon, Ms. Lewis."

I stared at the poised woman sitting at the desk in front of me. She smiled sweetly. "Good afternoon, Mr. Trent. Have a seat."

"Thanks." I pulled a chair close and noticed Riley's backpack on the floor. "I apologize for my daughter's mouth, Ms. Lewis. Ari—I mean Mrs. Jordon—informed me that it's your first day, and now I have to be here to do damage control for Riley."

She chuckled softly. "Please, Mr. Trent, no need to apologize. Ariel gave me a quick heads-up about Riley. Actually..." She got up and opened the closet.

"Ms. Lewis. Really?" Riley whined from inside the closet.

"Daddy, in my defense—" Riley started, but I raised my hands, signaling her to stop.

"Mr. Trent, Riley—"

"Please, just call me Rex. I have a feeling I'll be hearing from you often."

She smiled. "Then please call me Eva. As I was saying, Riley will just be placed on the tutor's list for this trimester. This would probably cover her for any other discretions that she may have. I do believe this won't be her last."

"Oh, trust me, it won't," I said, pulling out one of my business cards and writing my cell number on the back. "Don't hesitate to call me if she does or says something."

Our fingers brushed as she took the card. "I'll save these," she said, looking at the numbers.

"Riley let's go. I might as well take you home now. It's almost the end of the day," I said, grabbing her bag and heading to the door.

"Um... Mr. Trent... I mean Rex."

I glanced back. "Hmmm?"

"Would Trent Industries be able to set me up with permanent living arrangements?"

I gave her a side-eye and smirked. "Probably. Shoot me a text later, and I can make some arrangements."

She nodded and began to input the numbers into her phone. I left her office with Riley in tow.

She looked at me funny. "You never give your personal cell number. What gives?"

"Riley, it's you. Anything is possible."

"Right..." she said without looking at me. "To Taco Bell! I'm in need of food, Dad."

We got into the car and left the school.

Eva Lewis, huh...