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She nods. “My dad talked with the DA He wants them to throw the book at Zach. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but we may have to testify in front of the grand jury about Friday night. Are you good with that? Or should I tell my father to back off?”

I take a deep breath. Friday night I can testify to. What will it be like to see Zach now? Will it trigger my memories or just more emotions? It doesn’t matter. He deserves what he gets. “I want him to go away for a long time.”

Ashley nods, her high ponytail bobbing. “Whatever it takes. Good.” She looks me over. “You doing okay?”

I’m not sure what this is about. We aren’t buddies, but I shrug. “I still don’t remember anything from that night.”

“Probably for the best.” She shudders. “The pyrotechnics at the dance were enough to give me nightmares.”

Part of me is glad I don’t remember. I’m adjusting to the idea that I might never have my account from that night.

“You might get an apology from Heather Parson. Possibly by Rachel Hayes, but I doubt that one.”

I furrow my brow and turn to her. “What?”

“Eli will explain.” She glances toward me, and whatever she sees past me makes her back away. “I’ll see you at the party.”

Whoever is behind me isn’t a threat, or she wouldn’t have left. Whatever animosity she had toward me is gone. Maybe fighting against Zach and Sidney gave us a common enemy. I’m just glad she’s no longer my enemy.

She’s definitely stepped into her role as queen bee at school. I appreciate that she asked me instead of going to my guys. I get it though. She’s smart and cunning. Her coming to me gives me power in the eyes of the other students, especially the girls. It’s no wonder Eli gravitated toward her.

I give her a nod before turning to face whoever is coming up on me. My mom walks toward me. My heart fills my chest. I love that she’s here. It just makes everything better.

She’s followed by the other parents. It’s still weird seeing my mom with the guys’ parents like this. Like they might be friendly. At least some of them.

Mom stops next to me and touches the sleeve of the jersey I’m wearing like she hasn’t seen it the entire game. “Jacobs, huh?”

I shrug and smile. Cameron stops next to my mom and nods at the jersey.

“Your daughter has excellent taste.” His eyes glance over me before returning to my mom.

“You have a good son.” She doesn’t turn toward him but keeps her focus on me. “What’s the plan tonight?”

“There’s a party.” I glance toward the locker room, wondering who will be the first out. I haven’t really been away from at least one of them all week. But somehow, tonight they’re feeling safe again. Or maybe they just know my mom is here, and she’d crush anyone who tried to mess with me.

I smile at that thought.

“You let her stay out all night with those boys?” Cameron’s tone is teasing.

Mom stiffens and arches her eyebrow at him. “You let your son stay out all night with those boys? I trust my daughter.”

Cameron runs a hand through his hair. “Sorry, Jenn, my bad.”

“Besides, those boys are a lot better than you guys were at their age.” Mom shakes her head and glances toward the locker rooms.

“They must be if they were able to capture your daughter’s attention.” Cameron lifts his hand in my mom’s direction but drops it at his side.

She doesn’t seem to notice since she’s focused on me. “Do you want to sit down while we wait for them?”

She gestures toward the bench. Robert holds Lucy in his arms. Her head rests on his shoulder and she’s already asleep. He and Sarah stand off to the side, talking quietly. Sarah smiles at me when she notices my attention.

I return her smile, but she doesn’t move in our direction. Nico and I played a game of cards with her yesterday after school instead of disappearing into his room. He cares about his mom and wants her to be happy. I get that.

Hands wrap around my waist and pull me back into a tall body. Cinnamon surrounds me, filling my lungs. I lean my head against Caden’s chest and release the tension from my shoulders. I didn’t even realize I was tense until he touched me.

“Jennifer. Cameron,” Caden says from above my head.

“Great game tonight.” Mom smiles and touches Caden’s arm. “You make it look so easy.”