Page 120 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

I laugh, "Ten seconds?"

"Apparently."

Alex yells again. “Ry’s gonna help me set up, so you and Links⁠—”

Ryan cuts him off, “Have time to go grab your matching jammies, and a double sleeping bag so you can snuggle.”

Tommy looks over his shoulder toward them. “I could make it a triple if you change your mind, big guy.

“See you there,” Alex says before walking away.

That’s when it hits me. “Wait, does that mean…”

“We got an invite to the sleepover.”

“You what?” I laugh, and he smiles.

Well hell…

I look at Tommy, and he's still smiling.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He reaches for my hand, threading his fingers through mine like he's done it a hundred times.

I look down at our hands, then back at him.

“We're going to a sleepover.”

“Apparently, in matching pajamas.”

“Apparently.”

“With a double sleeping bag.” I grin.

He laughs, and I can't help laughing with him, then I realize I'm still holding his hand, walking through the crowd.

And I don't let go.

As we are about to the parking lot, I hear, “Tessa Ross, don’t you walk away from me!”

“It was only to put some stupid girl in her place, Mom!” Tessa yells back. “And, as far as how I was raised, actions speak louder than words. You’re the one who taught me how to walk away!”

“Shit,” I whisper as I see Lucas holding her hand, in front of Aunt Maggie.

Tommy drops mine. “Go.”

I grab her and hug her.

“I’m fine,” she says and then steps back.

“We’re going to shower. Will you be here when we get done?” Tommy asks me.

I look at Tessa, and she nods, “Yes, we will.”

As they walk away, I watch Tessa visibly struggle with the entire situation.

My heart breaks when Kendall turns back, confused.