Friday morning starts with Mom's suitcase by the front door and butterflies rioting in my stomach.
"You're sure you'll be okay?" she asks for the third time, adjusting her blazer. "I can cancel. Tell them I have a family emergency."
"Mom, I'll be fine. It's one weekend." I pour coffee into her travel mug, trying to look casual even though my heart is racing. "You've been planning this conference for months."
She studies me with that mom radar that sees everything. "You could stay at Mara's. Or invite her here."
"I'm seventeen, not seven. I can handle two nights alone." I hand her the mug. "Besides, I have homework and college applications. I'll probably just be boring and antisocial all weekend."
The lie tastes like honey on my tongue.
Mom pulls me into a hug. "Call me if you need an
