A girl steps forward, pushing through the back of the group and dragging someone behind her. I don’t know why people aren’t moving aside for her, since they seem like they don’t want to get inside, anyway. I recognize the hazel eyes as soon as I see them. Brie.

“Oh my God.” I’m five seconds away from squealing. “You guys came?”

Jack is behind her—they’re actually holding hands like complete nerds, but whatever—and he has flowers. I have to force myself to blink back tears.

“Of course we did.” I’ve never been so happy to see Jack’s dimples. “Hope it isn’t too late to buy tickets. We sort of brought friends.”

He gestures behind him. Ralph’s actually here, wearing a button-down shirt like this is the opera, and Julie is talking to some kids I don’t recognize. Alicia stands next to them, bouncing a little kid in her arms. She catches my eye and winks.

“Well,” I say. My voice is all choked up. “Thank you for—for all of this. You really didn’t have to. Really.”

“Thank you.” Brie grabs my arm. “You don’t owe anyone anything, but you still came out here. You’re so badass.”

Shit, I’m crying now. She and Jack head toward the door, the rest of the group trailing behind them. Julie and Alicia pull me into hugs, promising to catch me after the show, and Mr. Palumbo opens the door for them. They’re loud, laughing and talking like they’re excited to be here. I can see the crew kids rushing toward them with pamphlets, racing to be the first to give one out.

“Well said,” a gruff voice comes from behind me.

I turn to see Mr. Austin, standing way too close. I take a step back, glancing up at him. He’s tall, even taller than Miles. It’s weird to see him without dress clothes on; he’s just wearing a school jersey. He and Miles look like they’re matching. It’s some Twilight Zone shit.

“Thanks,” I say, scrunching my mouth to the side. “I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

He glances at Miles, not even bothering to hide it.

“Oh,” I say, blinking a few times. “That makes sense.”

He walks into the building without saying anything else. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that. It makes me wonder how many more people Miles asked to come. At least his dad would do that much for him.

“I didn’t think he’d act like that,” Miles says apologetically as he glances back. “I just told him to show up.”