Page 83 of Palm South University: Season 2

Jess’ face is sheet white and her palms grip the edge of the table hard.

“We all know you’re still fucking your teacher, but guess what? We’re your sisters. And we know you’ll tell us whenyou’reready, just like Bo and I would have told you. It’s not our fault that website happened, but thanks for making an already shitty situation ten times shittier.”

“I think I’m going to be sick.” Jess gags into the back of her wrist and takes off for the bathroom, parting the sea of drunk parents on wobbly ankles.

Skyler’s shoulders sag and she lets out a long sigh. “I’m so sorry, guys.”

“It’s not your fault,” my dad assures her, running a hand through his thick hair, the curls bouncing right back into place. “She was hurt and upset and she acted irrationally. It happens.”

“She’s a bitch,” I correct him and he scolds me with his eyes, but I just cross my arms over my chest.

“You better go check on her, sweetie.” My mom motions toward the bathroom and Skyler nods, giving my arm a squeeze on her way.

Dad lets out a breath through his nose before crossing to me and pulling me into his arms. He wraps me in a tight hug, the one he used to save for the bad days, and I fold into him, squeezing my eyes tight against the pain.

“It’ll be okay, baby girl,” he whispers into my hair, rocking me gently. “Her parents will understand. That’s their daughter, and they’ll support her. No matter what.”

I sniff, shaking my head against his chest. “Nice speech. Now tell me what you really think they’ll do.”

Dad just pulls me closer and Mom rubs my back, her sad eyes connecting with mine. He doesn’t have to say a word.

The answer is in the silence.