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“I’m Jennifer, Harper’s mom.” Jennifer smiles back at me. “This is Cameron Jacobs, Eli’s father, and a lawyer who’s going to help prosecute the guys who did this tonight.”

Cameron walks in with a smile that freezes when he sees my father. “William.”

My dad’s smile is cold, but he doesn’t look at Cameron. His gaze zeroes in on Jennifer. There’s a look I’ve never seen on his face before. But I recognize it because I’ve had that look before. When I’ve wanted something I couldn’t have. For me, it was family.

Jennifer’s eyes narrow on him like she’s about to rip him a new one. Cameron quickly steps in front of her protectively, blocking their view of each other.

“Obviously, Penny should have a parent present when talking with anyone. As a minor,” Cameron says. “I’m glad you’re here, William.”

My father lifts his eyebrow and studies how Cameron is trying to block him from seeing Jennifer.

Jennifer crosses her arms and rolls her eyes at Cameron’s back. I don’t know what to make of this dynamic, so I sit back down in the chair and study them. She glances away from the men to me.

Her look softens, and she comes over and takes the chair next to mine. Her hand touches mine, and I’m a little startled, because my mom isn’t a touchy-feely mom.

“Sorry,” she says softly and takes her hand back.

“How do we make this go away, Cam?” My father is already working for me. Good.

Jennifer draws my attention again. She looks so much like Harper. Even that kindness is there. “How are you?”

I shrug. What’s to say? I stabbed a guy multiple times because I thought he killed someone I could fall in love with. I got drugged and kidnapped from a high school dance, but somehow that doesn’t seem like the big takeaway from the night.

Luke called me his sister. Epic. I have family that genuinely cares for me. And a guy who wants to be with me not because of who I’m related to. Just because of me. It’s everything I ever wanted, wrapped up in a neat little bow.

“Glad to be clean.” I hold out my hands and look down at them. But I can still see Tanner’s blood, feel the warmth as it splashed across my skin.

Jennifer nods. “There’s a therapist here at the hospital that I trust. I’ll make sure you have her name before you leave. You don’t know me, but Harper’s only had good things to say about you.”

She glances toward the men, talking quietly. Something hardens in her eyes when she looks at my father.

“If you need somewhere to stay, my door is always open.”

I search her brown eyes and see that openness that Harper shares. She means it. She would open her door to help me. Someone she barely knows. I reach out and touch her hand, not lingering though.

“Thank you.” I won’t need it, but I’m grateful all the same.

She smiles. “Harper said she stayed with you when I was working thirds, so thank you for helping my girl.”

I almost forgot about that. I smile and nod. “Harper is great.”

My father clears his throat. I meet his eyes and harden my insides again.

“We should be able to leave soon.” He gestures to the door.

I stand and meet his eyes without dropping my gaze once. “I need to stay here. Will’s getting treatment.”

My father nods. “I expect you for dinner tomorrow night. If your boyfriend feels up to it, I’d like to meet him.”

“Of course.” This is my life for the rest of senior year. But it’s better than what I had before. Better me than Luke any day.

Jennifer stands next to me. Almost defiantly, she meets my father’s eyes. “I’ve offered Penny a place to stay, if she needs one.”

William smiles. “Of course you have. Do you think everyone needs saving from me, Jenny?”

She flinches but doesn’t back down. “Yes.”

He chuckles and moves forward a step. Cameron steps in the way.