I’ve got Harper
Nico:
Silent night
Eli:
The house should be all clear for Saturday
Jack:
We can leave after flag football practice with Coach
I open the garage and head to my car. Tonight’s game is a home game, meaning Harper doesn’t need to ride with Coach Turner. I’m wary of any adult who wants something from any of us. Especially an adult Jack fucked.
I sink into the driver’s seat and open the garage door. Penny hurries over and climbs into the passenger seat.
“Thank you for the ride.” Her voice breaks onride.
I turn off my radio and back out of the garage before heading toward school. “This isn’t an olive branch. You’re doing us a solid for Homecoming, but you’ve also put yourself in the crosshairs by being my sibling.”
She nods and her gaze lingers on the passing houses.
“I don’t know what information you’re sharing with our father?—”
“I’m not.” She sounds horrified, but he’s giving her a lot and that comes with a price. Even if she doesn’t realize that yet.
“Our father isn’t a loving and giving man. Anything he gives you is tied to a bomb waiting to go off.” I brake at the stoplight and turn to look at her. She doesn’t drop her gaze.
“I’m not feeding our father anything. The only reason I agreed to this is because he threatened my mother and I wanted you to finally know.” She wrings her hands. “I don’t trust him.He’s an asshole, but he’s family. He’s the only other person I have besides my mom.”
I grunt as I drive toward the school. If I didn’t have the guys, my father would be the only one in my life, which isn’t saying a lot.
“You need to find somewhere or someone to spend tonight and tomorrow night with.” I pull into the school parking lot. “Don’t go back to the house.”
When I park, her eyes are wary. “Why are you telling me this?”
I blow out a breath and run a hand through my hair. “I don’t know his plans for you yet, but I wouldn’t trust anything he tells you. He’ll dangle what you want in front of you and then snatch it away.”
My eyes find what I want. Harper.
She stands, leaning against Caden, talking to Jack. If my father ever figures out what she means to me...
“I’ll stay with my friends this weekend.” Penny opens the door. Her eyes meet mine and instead of the usual fear or wariness, determination fills them. “You don’t need to worry about me. Spend time with your guys and Harper.”
Harper
Luke was quiet and somber when he joined us this morning. He slipped his arm around my shoulders and I fell into his side. We went to our lockers and then the shortened classes because of today’s pep rally. Anxiety hangs on me all day until the end of the last period.
The gymnasium bleachers are filled with students, chatting with their friends, waiting for the pep rally to begin.
It’s almost like a hush has fallen over the whole school as we wait to see who will be announced on the Homecoming court. I really hope Ashley was wrong. I don’t want to be on the court. I have no business being on the court.
The only claim to fame I have is fucking the most popular boys.
“Huh.” I sit next to Kenz on the bleachers. The guys are down front for the pep rally.
“What?” She turns and lifts an eyebrow.
