Page 59 of The Amendment

“That’s no excuse.”

“You did all you could. You listened to her—”

“Yeah, and that’s all I should’ve done. For all we know, she’ll never tell me anything again.”

“That’s not true.”

“You don’t know that—”

“I do,” he said firmly. “Ains, you love her. She knows that.”

“But is that enough? When I just keep failing her?”

“You’re not failing her. She’ll never know that you did this, of course, but you’ll know. You’re protecting her now. Just like you always have. She’ll see that someday. No, maybe you didn’t do exactly what you hoped in that moment, but what you said was what any other parent would’ve said. It’s whatIwould’ve said.”

Somehow, that did little to make me feel better.

“Anyway, let’s just focus, okay? Should we go over the plan one more time?”

We did—rehearsing and rerunning the plan over and over as we made our way toward the tiny dance studio at the edge of town. To my relief, only one car was there when we arrived. The forest green hatchback was parked on the far side of the lot, leaving room for the parents who would arrive this evening.

“You ready?” he asked, eyeing me from the passenger seat.

I pushed open the door and stepped out. “As I’ll ever be.”

“Be careful.”

I shut the door, leaving him waiting in the car, and closed my hands into fists, breathing deeply as I counted my steps on the way to the door.

Calm down.

Calm down.

Calm down.

I tugged at the shirt I was wearing, lowering myneckline and praying it would work in my favor. No amount of preparation could’ve made this easier. Not when there were so many variables. It was easier at home, but this couldn’t be done at home.

It just couldn’t. There was no way to get the coach to our house without seeming suspicious.

I wore a ball cap, though there were no cameras in the studio. It had never seemed odd to me before, though now I had to suspect Coach being cheap wasn’t the only reason for that.

I opened the glass door, the bell above it chiming to announce my presence, and listened for his footsteps. His office was just down the hall and to the left.

I moved slowly, heading down the dark corridor and toward the door I’d entered so many times before—to pay tuition or purchase the newest costume.

Once I’d reached it, I placed my hand on the small silver handle and pulled without warning, easing my head inside.

Coach was at his desk, his brow furrowed as he stared intently at something on the computer. When he saw me, he glanced up, then did a double take. “Ainsley? Hey, whoa. I didn’t hear you come in.” He checked his watch. “Was I expecting you?”

Clearing his throat, he closed out of whatever was on his screen, then stood.

“No,” I said softly. “Sorry to interrupt. Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all.” He gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk. “Come on in. It’s great to see you.”

My smile felt more like a grimace, but I knew it wouldlook dazzling to him. That was my superpower, after all, and the reason I’d been the one to come inside. I could hide my emotions—my rage—like Peter never could.

“So, this is kind of embarrassing, but I’m actually here because I just discovered Maisy had dropped dance.”

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