SOPHIE
The high school auditorium smelled of floor wax, radiator dust, and damp coats.
At six-forty-five on Thursday evening, three folding tables draped in navy cloth sat beneath the stage lights. Behind them were five school board members, Superintendent Vance, and Ms. Albright. Around a hundred and fifty people filled the maroon seats—parents, teachers with folders, administrators, and a scattering of students.
"Shoulders back," River murmured, adjusting the lapels of Chloe’s charcoal blazer around my neck. "You look like a junior partner about to bill this district five hundred dollars an hour for existing."
"My pulse is in my teeth," I whispered.
"Which means you're alive," Avery said, handing me her metal water bottle. "Drink two ounces. Don't drown yourself."
I took a small si
