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He was able to confirm she was put into a rehab facility a few hours away. His text was to the point. So was the invitation to dinner. He’s stepping up where I need him to.

I just need him and Mom to deal with their crap and leave me out of it.

Ashley’s at school. I didn’t get a chance to grab her this morning in the hallway to talk, but hopefully at lunch time. Wilder hasn’t texted anything more, and Ashley gave me a curt I’m okay text when pressed. I’m responsible for whatever happened, so I need to check in with her.

If I need to drive to CMU to have a talk with him or fuck him up, I will.

The assembly drones on for another hour until they finally release us for a long lunch to make sure everyone has time for drug testing, followed by our afternoon classes. When we stand, I draw Harper into my arms for a hug.

“I’ll see you in the cafeteria.”

Caden steps up behind her, and I know he has her. Her eyes follow me, but we all, including Harper, discussed this over breakfast.

I’m responsible if what I set up for Ashley went wrong. Not because of any lingering feelings. But because she’s been my friend, and honestly, I don’t know how I would have made it through the past few years if it hadn’t been for her.

I fight the flow of students down to the front where the cheerleaders sit. Ashley smiles as she talks to Emma. She glances up and sees me, then touches Emma’s arm and says something before making her way over to me.

“Hey.” She tilts her head to the side. “If you’re worried you have to go beat someone up, it was fine.”

I narrow my eyes. “Only fine?”

“Do you need a blow by blow, Eli?” She arches an eyebrow and shakes her head. “I got what I needed. You delivered. Thank you.”

“How are your people after Saturday night?” I glance toward Emma and Hannah walking out.

“My people, huh?” She smiles. She seems a lot more relaxed. Clearly, whatever Wilder did helped.

“You’re the queen now. The people have made it so.” I notice a bite mark on her shoulder that didn’t quite get covered up with makeup.

She doesn’t seem to notice my attention, and I don’t mention it. Our relationship isn’t about talking or even discussing our sexual adventures. It was a means to an end, and that part of our relationship is over.

“Emma and Mike are a thing and very solid. Hannah is still trying out guys, but she’s given up on Caden and the basketball guys. Honestly, she seems kind of into Brewster of all people.” Ashley shrugs. “My friends didn’t get kidnapped that night. I did, but it was arranged.”

I glance back at where Harper was, but they’re already on their way to the cafeteria.

“How is she?” Ashley asks.

I turn, and her line of sight follows mine. I press my lips together.

She sighs. “I got out early thanks to Luke and Mike. The rumor is, it was bad. I left with a wet dress and feeling pretty pissed at the guys, but someone said Harper almost died because of those assholes.” Ashley’s eyes meet mine, and I almost can’t stand the sympathy in them. “How are you doing?”

“She’s good. I’m...” I hesitate because I don’t know what I am. I’m dealing. I’m coping. Last night I woke up a few times to make sure she was still there. That she was still breathing. “I’m good.”

I’m not.

Harper’s not like Caden, Luke, Nico, and Jack. She’s soft and vulnerable in a way they’ll never be. Fuck, Harper is strong, but not in the kickass way. They got to her. One wrong move and she could have been lost to us forever.

I don’t know how to deal with that, so I’m not.

But I can’t say that to anyone. Especially not Ashley.

Ashley nods and looks at the ground uncomfortable with this. “Yeah? If you guys need anything, let us know. What Sidney helped with is fucked up. I confirmed she’s checked into rehab and will be gone for at least a month. She’s signed up for two. If she dares to show her face here, I’ll beat her ass. I don’t care about the consequences.”

“If you do, I’ll sell tickets.” I give her a cocky grin.

“If you do, I get a cut.” She smirks and walks away.

“Hey.” Harper’s soft voice sends a shiver through me.