Page 133 of Against The Rules

“Because you loved cheer. You always said those were the best days of your life.”

“Savannah,” she says, pulling me up and into her chest. God, she smells like home. It makes my chest ache. “They were some of my best days. Trust me, we had issues too, big issues, and it’s a shame that they’re not fixed yet. But baby, raising you, watching you become this woman—these are the best days. These are.”

I’m crying again, just when I thought I was all cried out. My mom is too, fat tears rolling down her cheeks.

“You can tell me anything, Savannah. I wish you knew that. I’ll always be there for you, even when I’m in Georgia and you’re all the way up here. Or wherever you end up.”

She’s holding me so tight I can barely breathe.

“You okay, Savvy?” Presley asks, rubbing my back. “How you feeling? Need another Xanax?”

I pull apart from my mom, remembering the state I was in when I saw Tyler last.

“How… how did she find out?”

“Huh?” Presley asks.

“Rebecca. How did she find out about me and Tyler?”

Presley’s face falls, and I swallow hard, closing my eyes. “He told them, didn’t he?”

“What now?” my mom asks.

“I told him you needed help. Real help, from a therapist.”

“And he got them to put me on his insurance or something.”

“You gave her a Xanax?” my mom asks, clearly lagging behind our conversation.

“And I’d do it again,” Presley snaps. “She was having a massive panic attack, and she hasn’t been to the psychologist or psychiatrist for her anxiety meds since we graduated.”

“I didn’t know you were on anxiety meds,” my mom says slowly.

“I didn’t want you to worry.”

“Savannah. Please, that’s what mothers do.” My mom sighs.

“Mrs. Durand, Savannah is awesome. We both know that. But she also needs some help. So last night, when Tyler was here, I suggested he figure out how to help her, since they’re married.”

“And now I’m kicked off the team.” I stare at my beautiful mother, with her soft crow’s feet from smiling and sea-blue eyes. “I’m sorry you don’t get to see me dance today. I’m sorry you flew all the way up here only to watch me cry in bed.”

“Stop it,” she says. “Absolutely not. Do not. When was the last time we got to hang out?”

I stare at her, guilt flooding me.

“It’s been too long, Savannah. We’re going to have a good Thanksgiving, and that Rebecca can have a stress breakout and maybe even get turkey-related salmonella.”

“Ew,” I say, choking on a laugh.

“The worst,” my mom confirms. “How do you feel about not cheering today and hanging out with me and Presley?”

The question takes me by surprise, mostly because the answer is a shock.

“Relieved.”

CHAPTER 59

TYLER

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