She’s quiet again, and I think that’ll be it for the rest of the short ride, but then she says, “Why do you even care? You didn’t seem like you wanted to help me.”

“Because I’m not an asshole,” I say flatly. “But if I’m being honest, it’s also because I’d like to be captain of the squad next year, and I’m betting on being able to make peace between you and the team to be proof that I know how to lead. And if it keeps being a shitshow, then the team is gonna pass over me to go with someone who hates you, and I’m gonna be pretty pissed.”

“So, this is actually, like, ninety percent selfish.”

“And? You approached me yesterday being one hundred percent selfish. We want the same things.”

There’s a pause, and I think she’s about to lay into me, but instead she says, “Plus, you think I look very fucking cute in my glasses.”

I groan, wishing I’d left my long waves down so I could hide behind them, but I’m stuck avoiding eye contact as I pull into the parking lot of Maggie’s instead. “Please forget I said that. I am a terrible flirt and I wasn’t thinking, okay?” And in a flash but still way too late, I realize what I’ve just said. “No, wait, forget I said that.” Jesus fuck. I pull into a spot, park, and bury my face in my hands. “Just kill me.”

For the first time in my life, I hear Jack Walsh truly laugh, and it’s low in her throat and coated with honey and it sends pom-poms waving through my insides, or at least that’s how it feels. Definitely less gentle than butterflies. “Actually, Cheer Girl, you’re not that terrible at it. Now let’s go get some pancakes.”

I don’t need to be told twice.

The look on Jack’s face when we exit the car and she gets her first real viewing of Maggie’s run-down exterior is skeptical, but she joins me anyway, tugging her hoodie tightly around her body as if it’ll protect her from whatever lies ahead. I’m praying she’s got nothing to worry about tonight, that one of our favorite traditions will remain delightful and celebratory no matter what, but truthfully, I’m almost as anxious as she is.

I just hope Miguel’s already there.