Page 158 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

“Really? Is that how it went?” Tessa hiccups. “Because I distinctly remember you were sticking up for her and called me a bitch. Of course I slapped you! Call me a bitch again and see what happens next time.”

“Tessa, you’re drunk. Stop,” Jade pleads from the back seat.

Tessa turns toward her. “Jade, he loves her,” she sings. “He wanted to be her baby⁠—”

Lucas's hands tighten around the steering wheel. “Now you’re being a little bitch. Just shut up!”

The car goes silent.

I look at Jade, and she looks back at me. Neither of us says anything. Then Tessa starts crying, and Jade leans forward, hugging her and the seat.

29

SUNDAY

Jade

When I wake up Sunday morning, the first thing I think about is Tommy Lane. The date had been awkward and, at times, horrible at others, but it wasn’t all bad.

The whole Pretty Woman thing had gone sideways, and I knew my reaction to it probably hadn't helped. Then I'd caught him completely off guard with the porn question. I know he was as shocked as I was, but for different reasons, obviously.

We'd regrouped, we'd talked, and for a while it had actually felt good. Like we were finding our rhythm again. Then Tessa got drunk, and one disaster rolled straight into the next. How weird is it that meeting Tommy’s ex wasn’t an issue?

What was? Lucas passing the farmhouse and headed to the field, above camp. Alex was there; apparently Aunt Maggie had contacted them, and I hope, God, how I hope, Aunt Maggie didn't see her drinking. But then again, maybe she needs that. I know that's ridiculous. We are freaking seniors in high school and have never gone to so much as a party. I just wish she wasn't drinking because she was upset.

I worry about Alex and her relationship. Tessa freaked out when she realized that he knew their mom was on a date. We all basically slept in cars, Tommy and I in the truck with Alex, and Lucas and Tessa in Lucas's car, all leaving before the sun rose.

I wouldn't be up already if Dad didn't poke his head in and say, “You gonna stay out like you're grown? You better get up like you are too. Church is still on today, baby girl.”

Tommy, he was the best part of the night. Actually, he's the best part of pretty much every day. It didn’t escape me that he just sat and watched like he was learning a play. In a way, he was. She's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. That's not gonna change. I just don't know how that's gonna work if she and Lucas keep up with this love-hate thing they have going on.

When I come downstairs after my shower, Dad is standing by the front door, already dressed for church. I'm wearing my Sunday best too, mostly because I know better than to test him after staying out all night, and because somehow being eighteen doesn't mean I'm grown enough to skip church.

He looks at me, then at the clock.

“We’re running behind, so —

“I’m not hungry. We can go.”

I grab my purse and follow him outside, trying not to think about last night before I've even made it to the truck. I'm tired, but it's not the kind of tired that makes me want to sleep. My brain is still going, picking through every stupid thing I said and every look Tommy gave me, trying to figure out what he thought about all of it.

Dad hurries past me and opens the passenger door. I smile, but it falters when he slides in. “You’re getting your license, Jade Lillian.”

My jaw drops. “Did you just middle name me?”

“Gotta use everything I got in my arsenal. And last night, seeing you get in that Link’s kids sports car,” he shakes his head. “Being gone into the morning.”

“Dad, I⁠—”

“I trust you. I’ve seen you handle snowmobiles, and ATV’s, horses for God’s sake. I’ve ridden with you, and I know better than anyone why you will be a defensive driver. I’ve never used what happened to get you to do anything, but this? I need this, Jade.”

I nod up and down quickly as I round the front of the truck and climb in.

Behind the wheel, I grab my seat belt and bring it across my body. “Put yours on.”

When we walk into the sanctuary, I see Maggie, Kendall, and Jake. No Tessa, Alex, or John. They’re sitting on the opposite side of the family pew.

Dad mutters shit at the exact time I do, and he actually heard me.