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He works on tying the perfect Windsor knot and nods. "Well, I just want you to know that I'm on your side. No matter what comes out. No matter what the verdict comes back as. I'm on your side, and nothing is going to change that."
"That sounds really assuring, Dad," I tease. "Thanks."
Pulling the tie tighter than necessary, he huffs. "You know what I mean. Just know that if for some reason this doesn't go how we want, the fight isn't over. We'll file every appeal and injunction possible. You're not going down for a crime you didn't commit."
I don't say anything as he pats me on the shoulder and leaves the room. I fix my collar and stare at myself in the mirror, wondering where my life is going to go from here. Feeling the anxiety starting to build, I go over to the nightstand and grab my phone.
As soon as it comes to life, I dial the number and put it to my ear.
"Hey, Jace."
I take a deep breath, trusting that she can help me. "Talk me through it again, Doc."
AS WE DRIVE THROUGH the streets of Tallahassee, I feel on edge, but it's nothing compared to before. Dr. Litman has been working with me on different techniques so I can control my anxiety with
out immediately reaching for a pill or two.
My dad and Finn stay alarmingly silent, and when we pull up, the reporters that swarm the courthouse are no surprise. Finn walks in front of us to dodge all questions while my dad stays by my side. I keep my head down and just focus on getting inside.
As soon as we step through the door, I see them.
Grayson.
Savannah.
Wyatt.
Hayden.
Emma.
Becca.
Delaney.
Zayn.
Carter.
Paige.
They're all dressed up and looking like a dream team. Carter spins around, and when he sees me, his smile grows. I shake my head as I walk over to them and focus on my best friend.
"I thought I told you to stay the hell home," I say as I pull him in for a hug.
He scoffs and rolls his eyes. "We stick together man. Always."
Each of my friends I haven't seen in months approach to say hello and wish me luck, except Grayson. He makes some joke about me being voted the least likely to commit a murder, but that crazier shit happens every day. Savannah elbows him in the stomach, and we all laugh. I knew I liked her.
There's only one person left to talk to when Mr. Trayland comes over and tells us it's time to go in. But as everyone starts walking toward the courtroom, I grab Paige's wrist to hold her back. Carter glances back at me, but when he sees who I'm standing with, he chuckles.
"I'll meet you in there," I tell him.
He once again makes a circle with one hand and shoves a finger from his other hand in and out of it. We both laugh at his antics, expecting nothing less from him.
Man-child.
Once they're gone, I turn to Paige, who looks every bit as good as I expected her to. She's got her hair pulled back into a bun, and the skirt she's wearing is teacher-hot.
