Jessa

By the time I pushed my way back through the crowd and reached the bleachers, my chest felt tight, like I’d been holding my breath for a mile. The roaring cheers of the crowd faded into a dull, hollow buzz in my ears.

Mariah spotted me immediately, her face lighting up—until she got a good look at mine.

“Uh-oh,” she said, leaning forward. “Where’s the nachos, girl? Don’t tell me you ate them all on the way back.”

I tried to laugh, but it came out shaky, more ...