Emily's POV
The bar was dimly lit, the kind of place where the air smelled like stale beer and the faint hum of classic rock played in the background. I wasn't much of a bar person, but when Tessa called and said, "I need you, Em. Now," I didn't hesitate. I grabbed my coat, told the triplets I'd be back soon, and headed out into the chilly night.
Tessa was sitting at a corner table, her usual fiery self replaced by a slumped posture and a half-empty glass of something strong. Her dark curls were a mess, and her eyes were red-rimmed. My heart sank. Tessa Brooks didn't cry. Not unless something was seriously wrong.
"Hey," I said softly, sliding into the seat across from her. "What's going on?"
She looked up at me, her lips trembling. "I got rejected, Em. The law school. They said no."
I
