Jace’s expression was practically predatory. “I’m here for all rubbin’ activities.”
CHAPTERFORTY-FOUR
POLLY
“Her name was Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathynius. And she would not be afraid.
Sarah J. Maas,Kingdom of Ash
Even though it was ninety degrees outside, it was freezing in the high school’s main conference room that Friday. The room looked sleek and modern with a SMART Board at the front. I rubbed my hands together for warmth. Brad Goldenstein would be here any minute. I’d met with Rose yesterday and practiced what I wanted to say with Jace last night. I felt ready. I could do this. I’d spent a lifetime talking to intimidating men who wanted to use me as a pawn.
I was practically a professional.
Though, I regretted my outfit choice. Not because it wasn’t fabulous—I’d worn a lavender blouse that matched the fading tips of my hair, linen pants, and peep toe wedges that I had bought but never yet worn. I felt fresh and light and . . . freezing. My only regret is that I didn’t pair my outfit with a jacket. I inched closer to Rose to huddle for warmth. We’d tried to change the thermostat but apparently it was programmed to a certain temperature.
“Guess this is what they mean by hell freezin’ over,” Rose whispered, making me chortle just before the door opened and two men walked in.
The taller of the two men with deep-set eyes and a kind smile wore a green polo shirt with the school logo on it. He must be Mr. Sievers, the guidance counselor I’d talked to and heard so much about from Rose.
The other man was shorter and a little older, I’d place him around mid-fifties, with unnaturally black hair. He wore a white golf shirt and black slacks. This had to be Brad Goldenstein.
Rose gestured between us. “Reggie, Mr. Goldenstein, welcome. This here’s Dr. Polly Alberton, the new school district medical director.”
The man in the white polo tsked as Rose. “Future medical director, you mean. It still has to be approved by the school board.”
“Indeed. How do you do?” I abruptly held out my hand to the man, wanting to shield Rose as much as possible. His stare was assessing as he grasped my hand. I tried not to shudder; his hand was cold and clammy.
“Brad Goldenstein. President of the school board. I own a manufacturing company called Goldensteel. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?”
“Unfortunately, not.”
“Wait, did you say your last name was Alberton?” He looked dubious, like he was just learning my last name right now even though he’d sent me an email which had my last name as part of the address.
I nodded and tried to extricate my hand from his sweaty grip.
“Any relationship to Judge Alberton?”
I sighed inwardly. “Yes, he’s my father.”
Instantly brightening, Mr. Goldenstein smiled disingenuously, then covered our shaking hands with his other one. It was equally cold and clammy.
“In that case, please call me Brad. And if you ever want a tour of the Goldensteel, I’d be happy to oblige. Your father has been there before. I’m surprised you haven’t heard of it.”
I suppressed another shudder. I’d met these kinds of people before. The ones that liked to suckle at the power teat.
There would be no suckling atthispower teat for Mr. Goldensweatyhands.
Happily, Brad dropped my hand when the man in the green polo next to him extended his own toward me. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Dr. Alberton. I’m Mr. Sievers, but please call me Reggie. Everybody here does. If someone yelled out Mr. Sievers, I’d probably start looking for my grandaddy.” I smiled, instantly liking him, his soft twang and smile putting me at ease.
I glanced at Rose as Reggie spoke and did a double take. Her cheeks were pink as she stared with heart eyes at “Call me Reggie” Sievers.
“Thank you, Reggie. I look forward to working with you.”
“Should we sit?” Rose asked, gesturing to the conference table.
I took my place next to Rose, thankful when Reggie sat across from me. I wanted to stay as far away from Brad as possible.
“Mr. Sievers and I wanted to be here for this meetin’ because, as y’all know, our school district received the Mill Grant last year. With Dr. Dixon retirin’, I’ve been workin’ with Dr. Alberton here, and I can already tell that with her experience as a pediatrician, she’ll be able to help us so we can use the grant money to its best advantage. You were so proactive, Mr. Goldenstein, to want to meet with Dr. Alberton here, and I couldn’t agree more. I thought it’d be a great opportunity so we could all go through the new grant proposal together.”
