“It’s that, or get back in that car with them and drive all the way back to Grand Rapids.”
She actually turns pale at the thought, and I wonder just how bad things have been at home since I left.
She takes a deep breath and then nods as her eyes meet mine.
“Do you know anywhere that’s hiring?”
“I might,” I say with a small smile and she gives me a tentative one in return.
“We’ll have to find an apartment or something. I’ve been staying with Madelyn and Flynn.”
She nods and then surprises me by stepping forward and wrapping her arms around me.
“I’m so sorry. I know that it doesn’t make up for any of it, but I promise that I’ll always keep trying to make it right.”
I squeeze her back and nod against her head.
“Let’s get rid of them.”
She nods and lets me go, and we head back to where my friends are still facing off against my parents.
“Callie is staying, but you can leave,” I tell them and I watch as their eyes widen and their nostrils flare.
They were not expecting that and they’re not happy with the news.
“Absolutely not. Both of you, get in the car. Now!” my father snaps, and I shake my head, my hand squeezing around Callie’s.
Gavin takes my free hand and squeezes, urging me on.
“We’re done with you.”
With that, I turn, taking Callie and Gavin with me. Hudson opens the restaurant doors and we all file inside, leaving my parents standing on the sidewalk, fuming.
As soon as the door is locked behind us, I turn to Gavin and wrap my arms around his neck.
“I’m so proud of you,” he says as I cling to him.
“Me too,” Madelyn says, and I smile as she wraps her arms around Gavin and me.
I laugh when Flynn, Sutton, Teller, Iris, Arlo, Lyla, and Hudson all join in. We pull back and I see Callie standing there, looking unsure.
I’m still not sure about all of this either, but I don’t regret inviting her to stay. Maybe we can finally fix our relationship and even be friends now that our parents aren’t here to mess it up.
I look over Gavin’s shoulder and smile as they slam the car doors and squeal off down the road.
“Guys, I want to introduce you to someone. This is my sister, Callie. Callie, this is my new family.”
Everyone grins at that, and I take Gavin’s hand again as we head over to the table that’s been set up.
“Hey,” Gavin says, stopping me before I can sit down.
Everyone else is still introducing themselves to my sister and so we have a moment of privacy.
“I’m alright,” I tell him before he can ask and he smiles.
“I know you are. You’re so strong. Your parents never stood a chance,” he says and I warm at his words.
“Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you.”