So I do, because I think he needs some space. It’s Jayla calling to talk about what happened. She says it’s coming from a place of love—and I know it is, but still—and we talk until we both feel better, until things are as resolved as they can be. She reluctantly agrees to support me and Ridley, even though it kills her, and I promise to go to her away game on Saturday and cheer the loudest.

And when I hang up, feeling better than I have all day, I realize that Ridley left.

CHAPTER THIRTY

PEAK: Can this week be over? I feel like it’s lasted foreverrrrrrrr.

BATS: Technically, after today it’s the weekend, so.

PEAK: Still too long. Make it go faster. I can’t believe I won’t see you until Sunday because of “mandatory family time.” Beam me up or whatever.

BATS: Wait, is there a portal? Because if you’ve found a portal through time and space and have been holding out on me, I’m going to be pissed. And family time sounds nice.

PEAK: Family time is only nice when they don’t say “no outside visitors allowed.” Otherwise it’s like being in jail with two overly affectionate wardens. And no, no portal here. I was hoping you had one, Dr. Strange.

BATS: Then we’re screwed.

PEAK: Damn.

BATS: Hey, you’re the one going to the away game after your parole tomorrow instead of coming here, not me.

PEAK: I promised Jayla! And you could come. I invited you!

BATS: No, I’m good on that.

PEAK: Come on, it’d be so fun.

BATS: Jayla hates me.

PEAK: She does not. She likes you.

BATS: Liar.

PEAK: Come onnnnnnn.

BATS: I miss you, but no.

PEAK: Please?

BATS: No.

PEAK: *pouts forever*

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Ridley

“I DON’T PAY you to not write the reports,” Dad says, dropping down into a seat at the kitchen table, where I’m slurping up Frosted Flakes. Technically, this is the first time we’ve had breakfast together. In my life, probably, but definitely since I got here.

I’d give anything to already be skating over to Peak’s house, but after her “family only” time last night, she’s spending the day at Jayla and Nikki’s away game, leaving me to fend for myself. I’m trying hard not to bother her, but trying not to text her just makes me want to text her more.

“Are you even listening to me?” he asks, the corner of his eye twitching.

I tug my hoodie lower over my head, shoveling in another bite of cereal. “There wasn’t anything to put in it this week.”