Chapter 6 At Least She Still Has Jessie (Nina)

I let out a long, shaky breath.

I'd done everything I could. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough.

But I understood.

Jessie pulled me close to his side. "Don't let him get to you. Kane's always like that. Cold. To me, to Henry, to everyone."

"Yeah. It's done." I leaned into him.

Jessie brightened. "I know a great Spanish place near here. Let's go eat and forget about all this."

We ate. I got home at nine. The lights were on.

William Ellington was sitting in the living room, newspaper in hand. "Have dinner?"

"With Jessie. Spanish food." I dropped my bag and went to the kitchen for some water.

William turned toward the kitchen and raised his voice. "Nina, your birthday's coming up. What do you want?"

My chest tightened. I swallowed. "My birthday was last week."

Silence. Then, awkwardly: "What can I get you to make it up to you?"

I thought about the competition. "I'm going to Tampa next week. For a competition. Can you come?"

I'd been dancing for over a decade. The last time William watched me perform, I was twelve.

"Next week?" He checked his phone. "I have a business trip. I won't make it back in time."

I nodded. "Okay. I'll go alone."

"Maybe ask Michelle?"

"Sure. I'll try." I forced a smile.

They always had something going on. Their lives were full. Mine was an afterthought.

"Or Jessie can go. And Lily."

"It's fine. I can handle it."

I went upstairs. Tried Michelle. No answer.

The next morning, William was gone. A note on the kitchen island. Cash underneath.

Nina, I'm sorry. Dad forgot your birthday and can't make the competition. Buy yourself something nice.

After practice, I went to Michelle Carter's new house. My mother. Remarried. Two twin boys. Mark and... chaos.

I waited almost an hour before she pulled into the driveway.

"Nina, sorry. Mark was sick yesterday. I was swamped. Didn't see your call."

"It's okay." I smiled. It hurt.

She unloaded groceries while wrangling two hyperactive boys. "What's up?"

"Next Wednesday. Competition in Tampa. Can you come?"

"Wednesday?" Her face fell. "Mark has a doctor's appointment. Anthony's out of town. I can't leave the twins..."

"It's fine. I just thought I'd ask."

"I'm sorry, Nina. I... I'm letting you down." She hugged me. Quick. Distracted.

I smiled until my cheeks ached. "I'm an adult. I can manage. Don't worry."

"Stay for dinner?"

"No. I have a date with Jessie. He's waiting."

Michelle glanced at the boys tearing through the yard. "Okay. Good luck, sweetheart."

"Thanks. I'll call after."

I walked. No destination. Just walked.

My phone rang. Jessie.

"Nina. How'd it go?"

"Jessie. Can you pick me up?" My voice cracked. "I need to see you."

"Send me your location. I'm on my way."

I found a coffee shop and waited. Less than an hour later, his car pulled up.

I didn't wait for him to park. I ran out and threw my arms around him.

Jessie hesitated, then stroked my hair. "Babe, what happened?"

I pulled back. "No one can come to Tampa. William's traveling. Michelle has Mark's appointment."

"You have me." Jessie kissed my forehead, fierce and gentle. "I'm going with you. I'm going to watch you wear that headpiece I made and dance on that stage."

My eyes burned. My throat tightened. "Thank you, Jessie. Thank you for always being here..."

When William forgot. When Michelle disappeared.

At least I had Jessie.