Vicious wasn’t a word I’d ever used to describe Juliette, but he wasn’t wrong. “I’m hoping when she finally meets Anna, some of that will fade.”

Cain made a noise that wasn’t agreement or disagreement. “That going to happen anytime soon?”

“I doubt it. She’s focused on summer classes right now.” But, apparently, they hadn’t taken enough of her focus because she’d had time to look into Anna.

“It’s been the two of you for a long time. I know what that’s like. You become this team forged in the worst of times. She might not want that to change.”

Cain understood better than probably anyone. He’d had a sister he’d looked out for in much rougher situations than what I’d dealt with living with a neglectful aunt and uncle. But Cain had lost her, and it had marked him for a long time. Kennedy had brought him out of that dark place.

“I really do think that once Jules meets Anna, she’ll understand. She’ll see that Anna isn’t anything Jules thinks she is.”

“I hope you’re right. But you might need to give her a sterner warning.”

That wasn’t exactly my strong suit. Juliette had wrapped me around her little finger from the moment she was born. I knew I spoiled her. Especially after I’d sold my first video game. But she’d never been a bad kid. She’d gotten good grades, hadn’t been in any serious trouble. I’d rarely told her no, though. That might be coming back to bite me.

My phone buzzed again. But this time, it wasn’t Juliette.

Anna: Keisha got official word. My parents are filing for custody of Justin and Lyla. Their paperwork calls me unfit.

Some part of me had hoped the Foleys would simply slink off into the night, too scared of what their daughter might bring up in court to stay and fight. But, of course, we couldn’t be that lucky. And if they were going to fight, I knew it would be dirty.

16

ANNA

I drummed my fingers on my thigh and fought the urge to tear at my clothes. This suit had been Kennedy’s suggestion. One to wear if fancy donors came to Hope House or if we needed to have meetings with outside people. If it was just our board, jeans were more than acceptable. But as much as the fabric made my skin itch, I was grateful I’d had it.

Today, it would be my armor. A coat of impenetrable material that my parents’ scorn and hatred wouldn’t be able to sink beneath. “Tell me again why we’re doing this.”

Mason kept his gaze on the road ahead. “Because there’s a chance Keisha can get them to fold before we end up in court.”