A plate of wings had arrived while she was singing. The savory aroma of chicken in teriyaki sauce made her stomach knot. She glanced at her friends and swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Shane pushed the food in her direction. Her fingers trembled as she lifted a hot, sticky wing and took a bite. Slow, Baylee. Don't gobble. Don't rush. She forced herself to nibble the food. Shelby gave her a sympathetic glance. Baylee looked away. Don't pity me, she urged her friend silently. You have no idea how blessed I am.
Another hour passed. The tension eased, and the three friends chatted and listened to the singers, rating them as though they were reality TV show judges. For Baylee, it felt like stepping back in time, back to when things had merely been a little difficult. Shane was treating her like
