WE HEAD OVER to the table to dump our purses and then grab the guys, pulling the rest of them out onto the dance floor. The song is upbeat and happy and despite everything going on, the fact that everybody in the circle is probably mad at somebody else, none of it matters. This might be the last time we’re all together, one big messed-up group, and I think we’re all feeling the pull of time.

The song changes to something slow and we break apart to dance with our dates. I wrap my arms around Dean’s neck and feel his skin, damp and sticky. He passes me the flask and I take a quick sip. I’m so used to the taste of whiskey at this point I almost like it. Or maybe I’m just trying to convince myself I do.

A fast song starts up and we’re all together again and I throw my arms up in the air and I’m spinning and dizzy and happy. The music slows and we all put our arms around each other so that we’re rocking back and forth in one big circle. And then before I know what’s happening, Chase has snaked an arm around Danielle’s shoulders and they’re dancing alone. I expect her to pull away from him—after all, hasn’t she been pulling away from him every day since my birthday?—but she doesn’t. She’s laughing and pulling him closer.

It’s like we’ve all been waiting to follow her lead, because as soon as she accepts Chase’s dance, we break apart in different directions. Hannah lunges for Dean, pulling him into her, and before I can change my mind, I reach for Andrew. I nod my head in thanks to Hannah, knowing she’s doing me this favor on purpose. She nods back, and in that moment I know that she knows. I don’t have to tell her she’s right.

“Hey,” I say, placing my hands on his shoulders.