Page 105 of For Emery

“You’re really trying to justify this?”

He shook his head. “All I’m saying is, it all worked out in the end.”

A sardonic laugh shot out of me. “So, you’re looking for thanks?”

“No, man. I just needed you to know the truth.”

“Why? So, your conscious is clean?”

“So, we can start over. I need you as much as you need me this year. And somehow that got fucked up.”

“You fucked it up,” I assured him.

“I did. And I’m taking the blame. Just tell me what I can do to make everything right?”

I thought long and hard. I hated him. That I knew for sure. And when I hated someone, I usually never got over that shit. But he was right. I needed him to make me look good out there. And if I learned anything during this whole ordeal, it’s people are stronger as a unit. Nothing good comes from working against other people. The guys had single-handedly gotten me back on the team without resorting to evil methods. They chose a way that would enlighten and help the cause Emery would one day pledge her life to helping.

So, what were my options?

Embarrass him?

Make him to do my dirty work?

Or even better…

“Fine,” I said. “I know what you can do for me—and Em.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Emery

Raquel had lent me her car, which was a lifesaver since Jordan was nowhere to be found. The big game was that weekend, so I knew he was preoccupied.

I drove off campus, pulling down the visor to protect my eyes from the brutal setting sun as I drove through town. My mom was moving into her new place the following day, and I promised to go shopping with her to help decorate to make her condo feel like home.

The sun had set by the time I pulled onto my old street and parked in the Gradys’ driveway. I hurried up to the door, knocking once on the side door to let them know I was there. I stepped inside the kitchen. “Hello?”

“In the living room,” my mother called.

I made my way through the kitchen and into the living room. My mom sat in the corner chair while Mr. and Mrs. Grady sat on the sofa. “Hi.”

They all greeted me.

“You ready to go?” I asked my mom.

My mother smiled. “I changed my mind. I think I’ve got everything I need.”

I let out an incredulous laugh. “You do, huh? Why didn’t you call me then?”

They all smiled, almost too happy I’d driven from campus for no reason.

“Am I missing something?” I asked, feeling like I was the last one to the party.

“Maybe,” Mrs. Grady said as she stood from the sofa and wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Come with me.”

I glanced to my mother as Mrs. Grady led me out of the living room and to the back door. I stilled as soon as I saw it. My insides became light and airy. “It’s so beautiful,” I whispered as I took in the tiny white lights twinkling like stars in the big tree out back.

“It’s for you,” she said.

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