But halfway through the night, the DJ stopped the music.
The lights came up.
The principal walked on stage, microphone in hand, face pale.
“We need to speak with Cassandra Monroe. Immediately.”
Cassie’s blood ran cold.
She looked at Jax, who’d been standing in the corner the whole time, arms crossed.
He wasn’t smiling anymore.
The principal’s voice cracked.
“There’s been… an incident. Cassie, your mother—”
Cassie’s legs went weak.
Jax was already moving toward her.
But before he could reach her, the gym doors burst open.
A woman stumbled in, mascara running, clutching a bottle in a brown paper bag.
It was her mother.
Drunk.
Again.
“There you are!” she slurred, pointing at Cassie.
“You think you can just leave? You think you’re better than me?”
The room went silent.
Cassie wanted to disappear.
Her mother staggered forward.
“You’re coming home. Right now.”
Jax stepped between them.
“Ma’am,” he said quietly, “you need to leave.”
