Chapter 41

Carly decided to call it a night early since there was nothing to do, and she brought Beth home about an hour after Michael left. She was glad for it, too. Knowing Halley was likely right next door made Beth sick to her stomach, but she hoped she’d have a chance to talk to Ryan at some point that night. Surely he wasn’t still mad at her over their conversation earlier that day, was he?

Loud music was playing in Shane’s room as she climbed the stairs. It was The Cure, and the whole tone was depressing. He’d never been grounded before, and she imagined it was probably devastating to him, the one who was usually the life of the party. She was surprised at herself that she didn’t think it was funny. Instead, she felt sorry for him, even though she knew down deep inside it was for his own good. He couldn’t keep acting the way he was without hurting himself or someone else.

Beth had left her blinds open, an