Saint-Rock High Book 3: A Second Chance To Move On

“Happy birthday, Sky,” Scott greets me, entering our room with a breakfast tray in his hands.

I asked him once why he called me Sky, and he said my eyes reminded him of the sky. So, just to mess with him, I started calling him Sunshine. I thought it would annoy him—but somehow, it stuck. Now, I can’t imagine calling him anything else.

“Is this all for me?” I question, still amazed at his unwavering affection after all these years.

He sets the tray before me, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on my lips, careful not to upset the food.

I marvel at the fact that we’ve been together for six years. I love him more than words can express.

“So, what’s on the agenda for my birthday?” I ask, taking a bite of his heavenly pancake.

“Nice try, but I’m not spilling any secrets. Just enjoy your breakfast and leave the rest to me,” he teases, leaving a kiss on my forehead as I continue to devour the pancakes.

Once I finish the delicious meal, I head for a shower. Predictably, as I start to lather my hair, the shower curtain swings open.

“Yes, can I help you?” I ask, feigning innocence.

“Don’t act coy. You know exactly what I want!” he exclaims.

“Do I? Really?” I reply, raising an eyebrow.

“Sky, don’t play games with me. You know you’ll never win,” he says, stepping closer.

“But this time, I think I have the upper hand. If you want some of this,” I gesture toward myself, “you have to spill the beans about today’s plans, Sunshine.”

Seeing his silence, I start to close the curtain with a smirk.

“You don’t play fair, Alice,” he mutters.

“Oh, but I do. I learned from the best,” I retort.

“Fine! You win! I booked you a spa day for the afternoon,” he admits.

“Well then, I think you’ve earned your reward.” I pull him into the shower.

I probably shouldn’t have teased him because once he joined me in the shower, let’s just say he showed me what teasing him really meant. And I was more than happy to play along.

My spa afternoon was pure bliss. The hot stone massage, the head, face, and neck massage, the hot water pool—everything was perfect.

I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift. But Scott outdid himself.

When I finished at the spa, a limo driver was waiting to take me to our next destination. We’re not wealthy, so this must have cost him a fortune.

Now, I find myself waiting at the restaurant where we had our first date. I’m relieved it’s not a fancy place, or I’d feel out of place in my casual attire.

Except for the limo, I remind myself. Suddenly, my phone rings.

“You’re late, Sunshine,” I say, assuming it’s Scott.

“Am I speaking with Miss Alice Green?” The voice on the other end sends a chill down my spine.

“This is she,” I respond, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Miss Green, this is the hospital. You’re listed as Mr. Scott Fuller’s emergency contact…”

“Is he okay? What happened? Where is he?”

I hang up as soon as she answers, bolting out of the restaurant like a woman possessed.

It’s been two years since I lost the love of my life. From what I gather, Scott was on his way to meet me the day of the accident.

I’m angry at the world, at the cruel twist of fate that took him from me. If only things had gone differently, if only Scott had made it to me—he would still be here.

He wouldn’t have left me alone in this world. I know I sound selfish, but I can’t help it.

Two years later, I decided to change my life. I couldn’t stay in a place that constantly reminded me of my loss. It wasn’t good for my mental health.

So, I moved to a town called Saint-Rock and found a job as a high school librarian.

I’m in the staff room, trying to focus on what Miss Creek is saying when the door opens, and Mr. Rheims walks in, accompanied by a woman.

“Everyone, I’d like to introduce our new substitute teacher, Miss Tory Summer. She’ll be filling in for Miss Sutherland for the rest of the year,” Mr. Rheims announces.

She waves at everyone, but I can see the pain in her eyes. She’s trying to hide it, but I can see it.

Maybe losing Scott has made me more attuned to others’ pain.

“Tomorrow morning will be her official welcome. I just wanted to give her a heads up of what she’ll be dealing with,” Mr. Rheims jokes.

“You know I’m just messing with you. You’re all wonderful to work with,” he adds, his gaze lingering on me.

“Miss Tory, meet Mr. Levi Salazar, our football coach.”

I hope she knows he’s a player. He tried to charm me when I first started here, but no one can ever replace Scott.

“Tory, this is Mr. Levi Salazar. Levi, meet Miss Tory Summer, our new substitute teacher,” Mr. Rheims says, introducing them.

Levi extends his hand to greet her. “Miss Summer.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Salazar,” she responds.

So, they don’t know each other.

“If…if you’ll excuse me, I have to go now. It was wonderful to meet you all,” she says, leaving the room.

Levi follows suit, leaving without a word.

I should head back to the library. There’s a lot to be done.

As I walk toward the library, a painful memory resurfaces.

Scott’s lifeless body on the hospital bed, covered with a sheet as the doctor asks me to identify him.

I pause, trying to push the memory down and hold back my tears.

“Miss Green, are you okay?” Mr. Rheims asks, concern etched on his face.

“Yes, thank you, I’m fine,” I assure him, trying to sound convincing.

“Here, sit for a while. You seem disoriented,” he insists, offering his hand to guide me to a nearby chair.

I was about to comply, but the moment I touch his hand, sparks shoot through my body.

Oh, no. This can’t be happening. There’s only one man who’s ever made me feel like this, and he’s not here anymore.

I turn my back on him, not uttering a single word.