I open my eyes and look at her. She handled that entire situation like a pro, never leaving my side, never making me feel stupid for being scared.
“Thank you,” I say, and I mean it more than I’ve ever meant anything. “I couldn’t have done that without you.”
She smiles, and there’s something in her eyes I can’t quite read. “That’s what I’m here for.”
Tobias appears from the kitchen, his eyebrows knit together. “There you are. Where have you been?” He comes closer. “Are you okay? You don’t look good.”
I swallow and drag in another breath. “Cricket helped me get through it.”
Tobias looks at Cricket. “Thank you.”
“Anytime,” she says, and I know she means it.
Tobias takes in a deep breath and scrubs a hand over his face. “There’s something we need to talk about. I called the school about something, but they said you quit. Is that right?”
I close my eyes, not wanting to have this conversation. “Yeah.”
I can practically see the steam coming from Tobias’s ears, even with my eyes closed.
Cricket loops her arm through mine. “Micah has social anxiety, which makes it nearly impossible for him to be at school. But Georgia University has an online program. I can help him get enrolled.”
My eyes fly open and I stare at her. “What?”
She elbows me. “Right, Micah? Online school would be much better for you.”
“Yeah, right,” I say, going with it.
Tobias looks like he took a hot sauce challenge and failed. “We can get you help for this. You don’t have to quit school.”
I straighten my spine. “I’m making a lot with my YouTube channel now. And a record company wants to talk to me. I want to focus on my music career.”
The seconds tick by as Tobias stares at me. He lets out a breath and shakes his head. “All right.”
My hope rises. “All right?”
Tobias pulls me into a tight hug. “I just want what’s best for you.”
I hug him back, emotion rising in me. I admit, I spent a lot of time resenting Tobias and his demands on me. He’s not my father. But I do love him, and he’s really trying here. I guess I can try too.
“Thanks,” I say, my throat tight.
CHAPTER 8
Cricket Jenkins
Monday, November 23
“Areyou sure you’re okay now?” I ask Micah for the third time. We’re on the couch in his family room while Tobias and Kiki finish washing the dinner dishes. Skyler is playing with Barbies on the floor in front of us.
“Yes.” He squeezes my hands, his gray eyes showing sincerity.
My heart flutters at his touch and the intensity of his gaze.
“You were a massive help.” He sighs. “I’m fine now. All the people went home. We’re good here.”
“Okay. Come over tomorrow and I’ll help you with your socials. I’m sure they’ve blown up.”
Micah groans and closes his eyes. “I don’t even want to look.”
