Jessa

The air inside Daniel’s house is thick with heat and noise the second I step through the door. The bass thumps so hard that it vibrates up through my shoes, and the crush of bodies and smell of spilled beer almost makes me turn right back around.

Almost.

Mariah’s hand tightens on mine, keeping me rooted to the spot. “Breathe, Jess,” she whispers, leaning close to my ear so I can hear her over the music. “You look incredible. Just keep walking. Head high.”

I try. I ...