Page 113 of What Goes Around

As I stepped away, I felt his gaze follow me.

I didn’t look back.

Chapter 35: Applause and Ambush

I was just starting to move toward the tables when someone appeared at my side.

“Ashley!”

Payton wrapped her arms around me with her usual, unfiltered enthusiasm, nearly knocking me over.

“Oh my God,” she said, pulling back just enough to look at my face. “I can’t believe we actually graduated. High school is over. We’re adults now.”

I smiled. “Apparently. Terrifying, isn’t it?”

“Terrifying but good.” She grinned. “And you look incredible.”

Before I could respond, my father approached us. He greeted Payton politely and asked about her family and her plans. Then his attention shifted to me, and something softened in his expression.

“You look very beautiful tonight,” he said quietly. “I don’t know when it happened… but you grew up without me noticing. You’re not my little girl anymore.”

“Thank you,” I replied, unsure what to do with the sudden tenderness.

Behind him, Marissa was already moving toward the microphone.

“If everyone could take their seats,” she called brightly, tapping her glass. “Dinner is served. Our wonderful staff has everything prepared.”

Payton leaned in close, lowering her voice. “Why did she seat me all the way over there?”

I followed her gaze to the neat place cards waiting on the tables.

Small, round tables. Six to eight people each.

My parents were seated with Juilliard contacts and my father’s business associates. It wasn’t just a graduation party. It was a stage.

Apple’s table sat close to the stage. She was surrounded by her friends, radiant and animated. Nick and Payton had been placed there too.

Marissa’s fingerprints were all over the seating chart.

My own table was further to the side. Amy was already there.

I felt my shoulders loosen as I walked over.

“Ash,” Amy said immediately, standing to hug me.

I returned it. “You made it.”

She smiled. “Wouldn’t miss this.”

“Wouldn’t miss this.” She smiled and gestured to the man beside her. “This is my brother.”

He stood to greet me.

He was tall, around six-two, with black hair cut neatly at the sides and brown eyes that were steady and observant. A short trimmed beard framed his jaw. There was something unmistakably grounded about him.

“I’ve been wanting to meet you,” he said. “Thank you for helping my sister. It means everything.”

“You don’t owe me anything,” I said honestly. “I’m just glad she’s okay.”