Page 154 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

She takes another bite, and I look over at Lucas and Tessa.

Jade follows my gaze. “You think they're okay?”

“I think we're going to be eating while those two figure out whatever the hell they're doing.”

Less than five minutes later, we hear Lucas, “Pull your shirt down, or I’m going to get Jade over here, understand?”

That gets Jade moving and I close up the containers and head that way too.

By the time we get there, Tessa has pulled her shirt down, and Lucas is trying to catch his breath after nearly choking on the food.

“Are you okay?” Jade asks.

Tessa hands him a bottle of water. “Put this in your mouth and suck it down.”

Lucas takes it.

“Everything okay?” Jade asks again.

“No, not really.” Tessa looks at her. “He won’t touch my boobs, and Jade, they are great boobs. Look!”

“Tessa, enough!” Jade snaps.

“You need to lighten up. Have a drink. That’ll help. Look at me.”

Jade takes a breath and reaches for her hand. “Tessa, get up and come with me.”

“Are we gonna find the music?”

“Yes, we are,” Jade says, forcing a smile.

“Good, because I want to dance, Jade, and we’re gonna dance.”

Tessa stands and starts hurrying toward the music, but Jade catches her hand.

“These aren’t running shoes.” Jade huffs.

“Cool. Now let’s go find out if they’re dancing shoes.”

A few feet away, there's a sign that reads LIVE BAND with an arrow pointing to the right.

“Thank God, because a dead band would suck.” Tessa literally snorts.

Jade laughs, and I look at Lucas who looks emotionally zapped.

“You good?” I ask.

“I don’t even know what the fuck is going on right now.” He admits.

“Eighties music!” Tessa twirls around on the wooden dance floor, and when she stops, she looks pleased with herself.

She grabs Jade's arms. “Hot damn, Links.”

“Hot damn, Links?” Jade laughs.

Tessa looks at her arms. “Girl, you have some guns.”

“If I ever drink and act like this, please promise me you’ll hide me from all humanity.”