“Yes,” I said. “You should have.”
Ashley nodded. “I laughed because I was scared they’d turn on me.”
“If you’re here to defend Madison, don’t.”
“I believe you,” I said. “Madison made it easy to follow her.”
Ashley’s face softened.
“But that doesn’t make it okay,” I added.
“I know.”
“And I’m not going to comfort you for feeling guilty.”
She looked down. “I know that too.”
For a moment, we just stood there with the music humming behind the glass.
“I know that too.”
Then Ashley said, “You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“I mean, you changed so much.”
I turned to her.
“No,” I said. “I grew. There’s a difference.”
Ashley swallowed. “There is.”
I left before she could ask for more than I had to give.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
***
In the lobby, I passed the ballroom doors. Madison was near the wall, smaller than I’d ever seen her. Brielle wouldn’t look up. The organizer was taking down the video screen.
My phone buzzed.
Mom: How’s my girl?
I smiled.
Me: She finally walked into the room, Mom.
I passed the ballroom doors.
Mom: And?
