I sit up and grab my bag to study for this final. I’ll be done with Bradford, but then what? College, I suppose. It doesn’t feel like I have much of a choice. I should be excited, but all I can muster is anxiety.

Opening my textbook, I start reading over some highlights. Before I know it, there is a knock on my door again before it cracks open.

“It’s time for dinner, honey,” Mom says.

“Sorry. I lost track of time.” I glance around my desk for my phone and remember I shoved it back into my bag. I stand from my desk. Mom has changed into a pretty, flowy spring dress. “Do I need to change?” I’m in yoga pants and an oversized sweater. I pull it back up from my one shoulder it slipped off of.

“No, you’re fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“This is your home, Molly. You can come to dinner however you want.”

“Right.” Except this isn’t my home. If anything, it feels like a hotel that I’ve been staying at far too long. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this place. I follow her out of the bedroom and down the hallway.

“How did your studying go?” Is she really making small talk? I grab her hand and give it a squeeze.

“It’s going to be fine,” I whisper to her. I know people say your mom shouldn’t be your friend, but in a way, we grew up together. It was always the two of us, and I know this is scaring her. She let herself fall in love. Growing up, I never saw my mom go on one date. Tomas swept her off her feet once she let him catch her.

I can hear Emily chattering away before we make it to the dining room. Tomas stands from his chair as we enter the room. Emily gives me a warm smile. She’s still in her cheerleading uniform. I can’t find the will to glance toward Asher.

Tomas gives my mom a kiss before pulling out a chair for her. I debate where the hell I should sit. I don’t want to be across from Asher, but I also don’t want to be next to him. Not having a ton of options, I go sit beside him. This way, I don’t have to make eye contact. For some reason, that seems safer to me.

“How was your day, Molly?” Tomas asks as the food starts to be brought in.

“Thank you, Richard,” I say when he puts a plate in front of me filled with steak and asparagus. “Classes were the same. Everything is wrapping up,” I answer Tomas.

“I know. Graduation is so close I can taste it.” Emily bounces in her chair.

“Are you ready to be done with school?” Asher asks her.