Valorous(12)

Flynn’s hand on my back calms and steadies me. He is right by my side through it all, reminding me I’m not alone and I’m loved. I feel his love in every look, every touch, every word he says to and about me. I’ve known him for twelve days, and my life has changed in every possible way since then—mostly for the better.

I could live without the feeding frenzy currently unfolding online and in the tabloids, but Liza has assured him—and me through him—that the story doesn’t have “legs.” Most people, she said, are horrified by the violation of my privacy.

Hayden’s hashtag has apparently gone viral, with everyone who’s anyone in Hollywood jumping on board to denounce the media. I look forward to the opportunity to thank Flynn’s best friend and business partner for his support while we’re in LA.

“So what’re you going to do now?” Aileen asks me quietly.

“We’re going to LA tonight. Flynn’s friend has a house at the beach. The plan is to hide out for a while. And then I guess we’ll see what happens.”

“I know this is a nightmare for you, but I hope you’ll try to enjoy the time off and the getaway with that amazing man of yours.”

I force a smile for her benefit. “He does make the glass seem a little less empty, doesn’t he?”

“Um, yeah, he certainly does,” Aileen says with a dirty laugh that makes me laugh with her. She takes hold of my hand. “Let me give you some unsolicited advice. You have your health, Natalie. You have a man who’s crazy about you and friends who care deeply. Please don’t let this setback derail your life. Promise me.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“Remember what’s most important.”

Appreciative of the timely words of wisdom, I hug her tightly. “Do you promise you’ll keep in touch?”

“Always. Just so you know—a bunch of us parents are getting together with the Emerson board tomorrow night. We’re not letting this go without a fight.”

I’m stunned speechless. “You… you’re…”

“We’re fighting for you, Nat. Teachers like you, who care about the kids the way you do, should be given the benefit of the doubt, especially in light of what you’ve already been through. You should be treated like the hero you are and not vilified for making a new life for yourself. And by the way, as your friend, I’m truly proud of you for standing up to that monster the way you did.”

I wipe away tears that blind me. I haven’t cried this much in eight years. “I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. We’re on your side, and we’re not going to be happy until they bring you back where you belong.”

I hug her again. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had real friends.”

“You’ve got a lot of people pulling for you. Don’t get too comfortable out there in California.”

Laughing through my tears, I marvel at the show of support from the parents of my students.

After chocolate cupcakes and ice cream for dessert, the kids start to say their good-byes. I spend a few minutes with each of them, and I’m a weepy disaster by the time I say good-bye to Logan, Aileen and her daughter, Maddie.

“Thank you so much for everything you did for us this year, Natalie,” Aileen says as she hugs me. “Despite what’s happened, I want you to know that you—and Flynn—have made such a difference for our family.”

“That means the world. Thank you.”

Aileen also hugs Flynn and thanks him profusely for the huge donation he made to the fund we set up at school for their family.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says with a smile and a wink. He’s denied making the half-million-dollar donation we all know came from him.

“Sure you don’t. You’ll never know how much it means to me.” She glances at me. “Take good care of our girl. She means a lot to us.”

He puts his arm around me. “It’ll be my pleasure to take good care of her.”

Aileen fans her face dramatically and leaves us laughing as she escorts her kids from the room.

Sue, the admin from the office, hugs me. “Hang in there, kiddo. If it makes you feel any better, the entire faculty and most of the staff are pissed with Mrs. Heffernan over this. We all think it’s ridiculous.”

“Thank you for that and for being here. I appreciate it so much.”