“I know.I sound like a brochure,” she says in way of explanation.“We came up with an agreement.He has to attend anger management and therapy.I’ve decided to go too.I’ve been talking to a therapist already.And classes start next week.I want to be better.Choose better.”
I blink in surprise.And then smile—I can’t help it.“That’s good!Getting help and everything.I’m so proud of you!”
“Thanks,” she says, smiling meekly.“Man, this is weird.Right?”
“Which part?”
“All of it.Senior year has become an entire documentary about teen drama and how to keep your friends from becoming a statistic.”
Oren should be in jail for what he did to Danika.But she obviously doesn’t feel the same.I can only hope he never harms another girl.And that she learns to choose herself.
I sigh.“Can the rest of senior year be about making memories that we’llwantto remember?Can we please havefun?”
“Yes, please.But first, I need to graduate, so ask me questions.”
I pick up the study guide and search for where we left off.
“Are you and Jonathan…”
So much for studying.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Iknow watching votes being updated is boring, but why do you look like you’re having the worst night of your life?”I ask Jonathan.We’re hiding in the theatre room, watching the New York State special election creeping toward some sort of result.
The house is filled with what feels like half of Hollis.Mom wanted to rent out the Rileys’ barn again, but my father reminded her he’s running for district attorney, not mayor.My parents said I could invite friends over, but it’s a school night, and no one was that excited to stay up late with a house full of adults.
Gavin came home.With a girl.We were all too busy with last-minute logistics to make a big deal over it.I’m sure he planned it that way.I think her name is Heather.Or Heaven.I feel horrible that I don’t remember.But it’s so loud in the house—I couldn’t hear her very well.She has a very quiet voice.She seems on the shy side—first impression anyway.
Makes me worried for her, dating Gavin.He needs someone to put him in his place.Constantly.
Jonathan and Collin are the only ones who showed.Jonathan seeks any reason to be out of his house lately.It helps that it’s swim season, and he’s in the pool, gym or at meets much of the time.The upcoming month is big for him as they try to qualify for the state championship.
He’s never worked for his dad during swimming season.It’s too important for even Hal to mess with, especially after everything he’s invested to get his son to this level.Which is a relief beyond the obvious because Reeves Construction has been renovating the Holisters’ house for the past couple of weeks.
I don’t know if the family had to move out while it’s being worked on, but I’m sure Livvy would find any reason to be there if Jonathan and Collin were on-site.Collin is still working for Hal.He goes wherever he’s assigned.He hasn’t mentioned being at Livvy’s, thankfully.Sometimes, he knows when to keep his mouth shut.
“Is your brother here with agirl?”Collin asks, balancing a stack of plates filled with hors d’oeuvres and canapés.
“Did you leave enough for everyone else?”I ask, relieving him of the top plates before they fall.“I think he did it to get out of not having to introduce her at an awkward family dinner.”
“What does that mean?”Collin asks.
“It’s what my parents do as a form of torture.Make us invite whoever we’re dating to dinner that’s really an interrogation of worthiness and intentions.”
“I haven’t been invited to dinner,” Jonathan says.I didn’t realize he was paying attention.He’s been so distant most of the night.
“Thank god!”Then I realize he looks disappointed.“It’s a good thing.I promise you.Besides, they already know you, so… no night of sweating over a five-course meal to gain parental approval.”
This doesn’t make him feel better.
“Do you want to have dinner with my parents?”I ask delicately, not sure how to erase the disappointment deeply etched between his brows.
“I’ll come too!”Collin adds.
“You’re not dating her,” Jonathan says a little too firmly, stilling us both.He lets out a breath.“You probably should though.They don’t wantmeat their dinner table.”
Where is this coming from?I shoot Collin a look filled with concern.He shakes his head, not understanding it either.
