Page 151 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

Walking out onto the deck, I notice Jade's arms are crossed and her face is bright red.

“That doesn't look good,” I say.

Lucas nods his agreement, and we hasten our steps.

I sit down next to Jade, who doesn't even look at me. She just watches Tessa. I turn and follow her line of vision, and my eyebrows nearly shoot off my head when I see her slam a glass of wine.

“All right, you and I are going to the bathroom,” Jade says, and she rounds the table.

Tessa smiles as she stands up and murmurs, “Buzzkill.”

As soon as they're inside, I look at Lucas.

“What the fuck is that about?”

He nods to the now-empty bottle.

“I guess she was thirsty?”

I chuckle, even though I know he's not joking. I know he's concerned.

“I think you ought to go see what's going on. Go check on your girl.”

He stands.

“Yeah, I think I should do that too.”

I sit there for what feels like ten minutes, maybe twenty, but I'm sure it's not, wondering what the hell's going on and if they're okay.

Jade walks out onto the deck and smiles. It's not a sincere smile, and I know this because it's not something I've ever seen before. Every goddamn smile of hers is sincere.

When she gets to the table, the waitress and the busboy stop at the other end of the table.

Jade smiles at her. “Um, we are going to actually ask if you will wrap that up and we'll take it to go.” She hands her a black card. “Sorry about that. Something came up.”

As she sits down, I pull my wallet out of my pocket. “I've got this.”

“Same thing Lucas said. It's his card.”

They leave, and I lean in. “What the hell's going on?” I watch as she fights something inside and can tell whatever it is, it's not cool. “Just let me know what I can do.”

“There's nothing you can do. My cousin's buzzed.” She forces a little laugh.

“I wouldn't have taken her for a partier.”

“She’s not. This is the first time she has ever been drunk.”

“Do you ever drink?”

“I have nothing against it, but no. I've seen too many people not just mess up their lives but everyone around them when they let something like alcohol take over.”

“Yeah.” I sigh. “I've seen it too. It's not pretty.”

“Can't use it as a crutch,” Jade says, picking at her nails.

“So, something's going on. You can talk to me about anything, pretty girl.”

“It's just that it's not my story to tell, and she has held my secrets and me together.” She closes her mouth and her eyes at the same time and shakes her head.