“I think that’s what I heard back when they first came to town, yeah.”

“I heard it was a car accident.”

She nods. “Yeah. Now that you mention it, I remember hearing the same thing.”

“So why can’t I find anything about her online? No obituary. No anything. It’s like she never existed.”

“That’s really weird. What do you think it means?”

“You’re going to think I’m crazy.”

“I doubt it.”

“I think James did something bad and covered it up. I really think that.” It would explain why he freaked out when I mentioned her at dinner that one night. Why the guys are so guarded when it comes to her, telling me I could never mention her. If he did something to his wife, he wouldn’t want me bringing her up, even in casual conversation, would he? I’m sure he would rather pretend she doesn’t exist, just gloss over the whole thing. As if such a thing could be forgotten.

And if that’s true? No wonder his sons are the way they are. They never had a chance.

“Come on,” Piper urges. “Let’s get something to eat. You need to let this go for a little while. Be around people.”

I lift my eyebrows. “That’s an interesting choice of words.”

“Why?”

“Because I was invited to a party. One of the girls in my lit class lives off campus and is having a little casual thing. She must have repeated that part like a million times. They’ll order some sandwiches and some pizza, and we’re just going to hang out. I was thinking of going, and it would be really cool if you’d come, too.”

“You’re the one who was invited.”

“So what? I don’t think they’ll check a guest list at the door. It sounds pretty chill, but I would feel a lot better if you were there with me. No pressure,” I add at the last second. “I’m not trying to guilt you or anything, I promise.”

She scoffs, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t think you were. Yeah, if you don’t think it would be weird for me to go, I’d love to. Let me get changed and stuff.”

I need to do the same thing. This is the first party I’ve been to in… I can’t even remember how long. I don’t count the party the guys forced me to. That was more of a shit show than a party, one I’d rather forget about forever.

Back when I was popular, and people actually wanted to talk to me, I didn’t have time for parties because I was too busy training. Then I lost all my friends and all my social standing.