Page 196 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

She turns toward me and God she looks wrecked. What the hell happened, and then Sadi’s voice cuts through the air.

“Buh-bye, farm trash.”

I take a step toward her and Tessa grabs my arm. “Don’t.”

I look at her. “I need you now, and this is done.”

Walking out, I glance back and glare at Lucas, who looks like a beat little bitch, but he hasn’t been; he’s been busted. I feel myself bare my teeth when I look at Sadi.

“Jade,” Tessa whispers, “Please, just let’s go.”

I open the gate, and Phoebe and Becca are standing just beyond the gate. Neither of them says a word. They heard everything.

I walk with Tessa and get her into the car. I almost run back there, but Phoebe shakes her head. “Nu uh uh, red and orange do not go well together.”

Fuck, she’s right…

The first thing Tessa does when we walk into the house is grab a garbage bag from the pantry. She doesn't say a word. She just heads upstairs, and I follow a few steps behind her.

She goes into her room and starts pulling things out of drawers, off shelves, anywhere she has something Lucas has given her. Pictures. Little notes. Gifts. Anything that has his name attached to it.

She doesn't cry. Not yet. She just keeps filling the bag.

When she's done, she ties it off and sets it beside the door.

Then she walks over to Kendall, leans down, and kisses the top of her head. “Goodnight, baby.”

Kendall looks up at her. “You okay?”

Tessa smiles. “I'm fine.”

She isn't.

I know it, and so does Kendall.

Tessa climbs into Kendall's bed and pulls the blankets up around herself.

I wait until Kendall settles back down before I climb in beside Tessa.

I don't say anything. I just wrap my arms around her.

“You're going to be fine,” I whisper.

Tessa lets out a little laugh against my shoulder. “I am.”

She takes a breath. Then another. “What a waste of a bikini wax.”

I laugh, and she does too. Just a little. Then she goes quiet.

“Oh, shit.” She groans.

“What?”

“I have to sing the National Anthem tomorrow.”

I tighten my arms around her. “Do you think they'll be pissed if I blow it off?”

“No.” She turns her head toward me. “But you won't.”