Bitterroot Lake

“What? What did they do?”

“They knew who left the note—a boy who makes a habit of going after kids who are different. Kim got the story from the principal but confirmed it with Tempe. One of the girls lured the boy into a corner of the parking lot, where the kids formed a circle and Tempe confronted him.” Nic ran a hand through her close-cropped hair. “Same high school I went to. I never would have had the guts. Anyway, she told him he couldn’t talk like that. He said he could say whatever he wanted—free speech. She gave him a lecture about every right carrying a responsibility and how he had no right to say mean things.”

“Sounds like something Abby would say. How did the school find out? Any chance he’s the one who smashed the mailbox?”

“He says no about the mailbox, but Kim did make sure the cops knew. Anyway, big bully peed his pants. A teacher saw him borrowing a friend’s running clothes and pried the story out of him.”

Sarah covered her mouth with her hands. “I haven’t even met your kid, and I love her.”

“She is pretty great. And it is pretty funny.”

Sarah stopped trying to hold back the laughter, and Nic joined her. A few minutes later, they wiped their eyes, exchanging glances as the giggles subsided.

“Sounds like she handled it perfectly,” Sarah said. “You’re doing a good job.”

“Like you’re doing with Abby.”

But Abby was eighteen, not fifteen. Flying the coop, leaving the nest. Though to Sarah, she was still that little girl in the blue princess dress. “Text her. Tell her you’re proud of her. Tell her she did the right thing.”

“The principal wants to talk with all the parents—the boy’s, the trans girl’s, and us. Tomorrow afternoon. I could make it if I leave tonight, or the crack of dawn. But I don’t want to leave Deer Park while Janine is still under suspicion.”

“Can you reschedule?”

“Kim’s gonna try.” Nic leaned forward, almost pleading. Brave, smart, confident Nic. “Just don’t tell Janine.”

Then another voice interjected. “Don’t tell me what?”

22

How had they not heard Janine come in, Holly behind her?

“You have to go,” Janine said after Sarah poured fresh tea and Holly set out cookies they didn’t touch and Nic repeated the story.

“I do, but not tonight, and not for the reasons you think. Not because supporting my kid is more important than proving your innocence. No.” Nic held up her hand. “Don’t tell me I have to choose. I don’t. The meeting can be rescheduled.”

“Your kid needs her mother,” Janine said.

“My kid’s doing pretty awesome on her own. And Sarah’s right. Being a good mother doesn’t mean fighting your kid’s battles for them, or abandoning other commitments. Tempe needs to see me fighting for what I believe in. For her, yes, when necessary, and for you.”

Sarah was almost afraid to breathe, afraid she’d shatter the moment. She snuck a sideways peek at Holly, only to see the same uncertainty on her sister’s face.

“Thank you, all of you, for believing me. Believing in me.” Janine’s gaze stopped at Sarah. “But I need to be alone for a few minutes.” She pushed back her chair and headed outside.

What about that file of clippings? “We need to ask her …”

“Let me,” Nic said. “As a lawyer.”

Holly laid Sarah’s keys on the table. “I was too out of shape for more than a short run, so I took your car into town.”

“Did you see Mom? The studio?”

“Yes, and no. She was taking a break so we took a walk. I asked about her health. She says she’s fine.”

“I’ll let you two talk,” Nic said.

“No,” Holly replied. “Stay. I believe her. She may look fragile, but she walked my tail off. I also asked if she was planning to sell the lodge.”

Was she ready for the answer? “And?”