“It’s the nicest place in the county, Jess. Where do you think Eveline would host it?”

“I wasn’t thinking.”

She comes around to my side of the car. “Look, I know she’s a vile bitch, but she has money, and my charity needs it. You’re not with Grayson anymore, so there’s no reason for her to be a bitch. Not to mention, Stella won’t hesitate to say something.”

“Is Gray going to be here?”

She shrugs. “I doubt it. He never comes to stuff like this. Why? Do you want him to be?”

I give her a look that clearly says I want to kill her. “I’m wearing the dress I wore to the last event we attended together. No, I don’t want him to be.”

Winnie laughs. “If it was the dress you wore the first time you put out, would you want a repeat?”

Yes.

“No.”

Her hand rests on my forearm. “I know you’re nervous, but he shouldn’t be here. Grayson avoids his mother as much as possible.”

“Because she’s a horrible person, and she’s going to make me feel stupid.”

“Jessica, she can’t make you feel stupid. You’re not the same person anymore. Listen, tonight will be fun. We’ll go in, eat fancy food, dance, drink—well, you can’t have alcohol but I will—and have a good time on their dime. Okay?”

When did my little sister, who used to steal my clothes and rat me out for sneaking Grayson into the house, become this wise woman?

“Okay.”

“That’s my girl. Also, who cares what she thinks? She’s miserable and inconsequential in our lives.”

Winnie is right. There’s nothing that Eveline can say or do at this point that would really matter. I’m not a young girl, wishing her boyfriend’s mother would like me even after she’d made it abundantly clear it would never happen.

“I know, but there’s this young girl inside me who hasn’t figured that out yet.”

“I’m happy to kick her ass.” She winks and then loops her arm in mine.

Winnie and I were never close as kids. The relationship was always me taking care of her, not getting to be her friend, and then I left Willow Creek. I turned away from the people I loved as a way to protect myself from everyone. I won’t be that selfish now.

My sister asked me to come. She wanted me to see this—see her. I don’t care if I have to walk on glass, I’m going to stand beside her.

“I’m proud of you, Win.”

Her head tilts back. “Why?”

“Because you’re you.”

She smiles, a bit of moisture gathers in her eyes. “I missed you, Jess.”