Chapter Seven
I groaned into my pillow, wishing I could hide under the covers. You agreed to this, remember? I reminded myself. You told your dad you’d meet them after breakfast today. No matter how unnerving the thought of facing them was, I wasn’t about to run away. Not anymore. I’d spent too many years accommodating my parents’ expectations, always trying to be the good girl, the one who never caused a fuss. But that was changing. I have a life of my own now—and it includes Knox Slater.
With a resigned sigh, I threw off the blankets and headed for the bathroom. My reflection stared back at me, hair a mess, cheeks rosy from sleep. I pushed aside the flutter of nerves in my stomach. You got this, Caroline. Letting the warm water cascade over my body in the shower, I mentally rehearsed what I’d say to them. Yes, I’m seeing Knox. Yes, he has a record. Yes, he’s changed. No, I’m not going to stop seeing him just because you disapprove. My heart hammered at the thought of actually voicing these words, but I knew they needed to hear them as much as I needed to say them.
By eight-thirty, I was dressed in a warm, fitted oatmeal sweater, plus dark jeans and ankle boots. I pinned back part of my hair in a loose twist, applying minimal makeup—enough to make me look awake, but not so much that they’d suspect I was putting on a show. While I ate a quick breakfast of hot oatmeal topped with sliced banana at my tiny apartment table, I allowed myself a moment to recall the last time I’d been with Knox. The memory made me smile despite my nerves: his strong arms, his fierce protectiveness, the shared warmth that left me feeling more alive than I ever had.
The clock ticked ominously closer to nine, so after I finished the last bite, I put the dishes in the sink, grabbed my coat, and headed out. As I drove through the quiet streets toward the neighborhood where my parents lived—"wealthy but tasteful,” as my mother would say—I passed by storefronts with windows decked in pink and red hearts, reminding me that today was about celebrating love. Just focus on getting through brunch first, I told myself, though the approaching evening filled me with excited anticipation. I was bound to be an adventure.
The house where I grew up looked as pristine as ever when I pulled into the driveway. The shutters gleamed white against the pale gray siding, and the lawn was meticulously trimmed, even in the midst of winter. I tugged down the visor mirror, taking one last check of my hair. Relax. You can handle this. They’re your family, remember? With a determined breath, I stepped out into the chilly air.
The front door opened almost immediately after my first knock, as if they’d been waiting behind it. Sure enough, I found my mother, face pinched with quiet disapproval, motioning me inside. Behind her, the warmth of the living room contrasted sharply with the frosty morning.
“Caroline,” she greeted, her voice clipped but polite. “You’re just on time. Come in; we’re having tea.” She stepped aside, letting me enter.
I spotted my father and sister Mira in the living room, each holding delicate teacups. The sight felt oddly formal, like a scheduled intervention. Well, that’s exactly what this is. Mira’s eyes found mine, and I saw a flicker of sympathy there. My father, on the other hand, wore his usual stern expression. He cleared his throat.
“Caroline,” he said. “Thanks for coming.”
I forced a small smile. “Morning, Dad. Mira.”
Mira nodded, lips twisting into a half-smile as if to say, Brace yourself. Mom slid the living room door shut behind me, then gestured to the couch. “Tea, dear?” she offered.
I took a seat. “Sure, I’ll have some.”
Mom poured the steaming liquid into one of her antique china cups, passing it to me carefully. The tension in the air was thick enough to strangle a horse. Finally, my mother set down the teapot, folded her hands, and pinned me with a pointed look.
“It’s come to our attention,” she began, “that you’ve been seeing Knox Slater. Ellen McInerny texted me a few nights ago, quite distressed, asking why on earth dear sweet Caroline would be consorting with a convicted criminal at the Skyline Bar & Grill.” She paused, letting the words sink in, her eyes scanning my face for a reaction.
My stomach twisted. So it was Mom’s friend Ellen from her alumnae association who ratted me out. I took a slow sip of tea, willing my hands not to tremble. “Yes, I’ve been seeing Knox,” I said, voice steady. “He and I have grown close lately.”
Dad cleared his throat, setting his cup down with a clink. “We’d like to know what exactly that means, Caroline Rose. Why are you with him? Does this have to do with his sister in your class? Or is it…more personal than that?”
I swallowed. “It started because of Linzie. She’s in my sixth-grade English class, and I noticed she was struggling. I reached out to Knox about it. But the truth is, we connected on a deeper level. He’s… he’s important to me.”
Mom’s lips thinned. “But Caroline, you can’t be serious—Knox Slater has a record. He was in prison. Are you certain this is the company you want to keep? Ellen says the rumors are flying around town about your involvement with him.”
I set my cup down firmly, meeting her gaze head-on. “I’m aware of his past. He served his time. He’s reformed. He’s opened a legitimate cycle shop, he’s caring for Linzie, and I see how dedicated he is to doing the right thing. Why wouldn’t I want to be with someone like that? Who has worked hard to overcome the obstacles in his life and knows who he is and what he stands for?”
Dad let out a heavy sigh. “You have a good heart, sweetheart, but frankly, you’re being naive. You might believe in him now, but you don’t know the potential consequences down the road. This man has already shown what’s capable of. It’s quite likely that he’s just taking advantage of you.”
Mira shifted, glancing at me before speaking. “Mom, Dad. Let’s not talk down to her. Caroline’s old enough to judge character for herself. And from what I’ve seen, she’s pretty happy. Maybe we should trust her instincts.”
Mom’s gaze darted to Mira. “And what do you know about any of this, Mira?”
Mira shrugged, eyes flicking to me. “I don’t. But my sister is a grown woman who seems more confident than ever. If Knox is part of the reason, then maybe he’s good for her.”
A flush of gratitude warmed me. I turned back to my parents. “Yes, he is good for me. I’m not a child anymore. I’m allowed to choose who I spend my time with.” My voice shook slightly, but I pushed through. “He’s not dangerous, Mom. If you’d actually meet him, see how he is with Linzie, you’d realize that.”
Mom inhaled, pearls shifting at her throat as she obviously tried to calm herself. Dad sipped his tea, silent. Finally, my mother spoke again, voice subdued. “We only worry because we love you, dear. But we…suppose you know your own mind. We still have our doubts, but we won’t forbid it if you’re truly certain he’s changed.”
I swallowed a mix of relief and lingering frustration. It wasn’t a full blessing, but it was more acceptance than I’d expected. “Thank you,” I said quietly. “I appreciate that.” Maybe, in time, they’d come around fully.
After the initial tension, Mom and Dad steered the conversation to safer topics—their dinner plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the upcoming school dance, and Mira’s new marketing projects with her boyfriend Colt. We made it through the next hour without any explosions. Then my mother, at least somewhat mollified, excused herself to check on something in the kitchen. Dad accompanied her, leaving Mira and me alone in the living room.
She arched an eyebrow at me once they were gone. “You handled that pretty well. Usually, you fold under their scrutiny. That’s a new look on you, sis.”
Heat rose in my cheeks. “I’m tired of them treating me like a naive kid.”
Mira smirked. “And I’m guessing Knox is part of that new confidence?” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I can see it. You’re…glowing, or something.”
I groaned softly. “Must you always pry?”
She laughed. “Hey, I’m on your side. And after seeing how you stood up to them, I’d say you’re definitely not the ‘little baby’ they keep imagining you are.” Her gaze softened. “For real, though—if he makes you this empowered, I fully support you.”
A wave of relief washed over me, and I impulsively hugged her. “Thanks. It helps, knowing you’ve got my back.”
We parted, sharing a grin, and that moment felt like a turning point—like I could breathe easier, no longer burdened by the weight of my family’s disapproval. Maybe this day will go smoothly after all, I thought. Knox, Linzie, the dance… everything’s falling into place.
Shortly after, I took my leave, politely declining my mother’s offer to “stay for more tea and chit-chat,” by citing the Valentine’s Dance preparations. Dad gave me a nod that could almost be interpreted as well-wishing, and Mom pursed her lips but said nothing further. As I slid into my car, tension seeped out of my body in a wave of relief. Done. Now I could focus on the rest of the day.
Knox had agreed I’d pick Linzie up around noon to take her shopping for a new dress—one she’d chosen online earlier in the week and had placed on hold at the store, but we’d planned to get final accessories and maybe a bite to eat. I turned up the radio, letting cheerful pop music fill my car, my nerves gradually replaced by excitement. Tonight I’d be a chaperone, but I’d also be there with Knox. The thought sent a flutter through my chest. I pictured him in a suit, maybe awkwardly adjusting a tie, and it made me smile uncontrollably.
When I arrived at Knox’s cycle shop, I found Linzie waiting outside. She wore a black hoodie, as usual, but her face lit up when she spotted my car. She hopped in with a grin. “Hey,” she said, buckling her seatbelt. “Thank you again for doing this.”
“My pleasure,” I replied, pulling away from the curb. “We’ll finalize everything for tonight, then you can get ready at my place if you want.”
Linzie’s eyes widened. “Really? Like…hair and makeup and all that?”
A warm rush of affection filled me. “Yes, if you’d like. It’ll be fun.”
She nodded, excitement shining in her eyes. “I’d like that. I, uh, never had anyone show me how to do fancy stuff, you know?”
My heart squeezed. “Then we’ll do it together.”
After picking up her dress at the Juniors section of the department store, we made our way to accessories, and she zeroed in on a sparkly barrette that matched the subtle shine on her dress’s bodice. For shoes, she chose simple low-heeled pumps that wouldn’t kill her feet.
Watching her light up as she tried them on melted my heart. I thought about how she’d rarely had a nurturing figure in her life, and the honor of helping her in this role buoyed me. She seemed more relaxed, more open. Maybe all she needed was someone to believe in her—like Knox did, like I do now. It was a reminder that no matter how small an act might seem—like shopping—it could mean the world to someone who’d gone without.
After we’d collected all the items on Linzie’s list, we went to a cozy diner for lunch. The place was abuzz with couples grabbing midday bites in the Valentine’s spirit. Linzie devoured a burger and fries, and I treated us both to milkshakes. The conversation flowed easily—she chattered about her friend James Chen and how she thought he might ask her to dance, but only if he could get over his own shyness. I teased her gently, enjoying the way her cheeks turned pinker than her strawberry milkshake.
Before we left, Linzie hesitated, fiddling with her straw. “Caroline,” she said softly, “thanks for all this. I mean…I never thought a school dance could be fun. But with you and my brother cheering me on, it feels…I don’t know, like I finally belong.”
Emotion lodged in my throat. “You do belong, Linzie. We’re rooting for you. Always.”
She ducked her head, smiling. “Thanks.”
We arrived back at my apartment around four, armed with shopping bags and a couple of last-minute items from the drugstore—nail polish, extra hairpins, a bit of subtle eyeshadow. The dance started at eight, but we needed to be there by seven-thirty to help finish set-up. That gave us just enough time to transform.
I led Linzie to my bathroom, rummaging through my limited arsenal of beauty products. “All right,” I declared, “who goes first?”
She grinned nervously. “You do your stuff. Let me watch, so I can copy you.”
Laughing, I showed her how I curled the ends of my hair, then applied a smoky hint of eyeshadow. She observed carefully, asking questions about mascara wands and lipstick shades. It felt surreal, me stepping into a big-sister role. All my life, I’d been the baby in my own family, overshadowed by Mira’s boldness. But now, with Linzie looking up to me, I realized more than ever how rewarding it was to be the mentor, the caretaker.
Once my own hair and makeup were finished—a romantic updo pinned loosely at the sides—I turned to help Linzie. We curled her hair into gentle waves, pinning the sparkly barrette above her ear. She asked about eyeliner, and I suggested a soft brown pencil instead of a harsh black, to keep it age-appropriate. She giggled while I steadied her chin, carefully drawing a thin line.
By the time we finished, the transformation was breathtaking. Linzie wore her pink dress, the chiffon fabric swirling around her knees. Her hair glimmered under the overhead light, the barrette adding a sweet touch. She gazed at her reflection, lips parted. “I look…like a different person.”
“No,” I corrected, smiling. “You look like yourself, just more confident.”
She gave me a tentative grin. Then I slipped into my own dress—a deep purple number that hugged my waist but flared modestly below the knee. I layered on a simple necklace, and then Linzie and I admired each other’s final looks in the mirror. My heart thrummed at how far we’d come in such a short time. Knox is going to be speechless.
Right on cue, a knock sounded at my front door around six, prompting us to share an excited glance. I grabbed a robe and threw it on to not spoil the “big reveal,” then hurried to the foyer and grabbed the doorknob, while Linzie stayed in the hallway. I opened it crack, where Knox was waiting with a large pizza box in his hands. “We want to surprise you,” I said with a smile before darting back around the corner.
“Caroline and I are, like, finishing up,” Linzie called, barely stifling a giggle. “Wait in the living, no peeking!”
I stepped into the bathroom along with Linzie, where we both did a final check. Then, with a wink, I led Linzie to the living room’s entrance.
She counted down, “Three…two…one…” and we emerged, side by side. Knox stood by my couch in a dark suit that fit him beautifully—though I could tell he was self-conscious, by the way he was tugging at the collar. His eyes widened at the sight of us.
“Wow,” he breathed, gaze flicking between Linzie and me. “You both look incredible.”
Linzie blushed. “Thank you.”
Knox chuckled softly, stepping forward. He kissed Linzie’s forehead, pride glowing in his expression. “Like a princess,” he teased. Then he turned to me, lowering his voice. “And you…you look breathtaking.”
Heat pooled in my cheeks, a delighted warmth curling in my stomach. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I teased, eyeing his broad shoulders in that jacket. “Very handsome.”
He tugged at his tie, flushing. “I’m trying.” Then he cleared his throat. “I brought pizza—figured we could get a bite before we head out.”
We shared a quick, informal dinner over pepperoni slices, careful not to dribble sauce on our formal clothes. By the time six-thirty rolled around, we were finishing up the last slices, all of us keyed up with eagerness for the ensuing event.
At seven-fifteen, we climbed into Knox’s truck—Linzie in the middle, me in the passenger seat. The drive to the middle school felt electric with anticipation. Linzie’s thumbs tapped nonstop over her phone. Knox shot me a wry smile. “Kids these days, huh?” I laughed softly, remembering the carefully folded paper notes my friends and I used to surreptitiously pass each other in the school hallways. Times definitely had changed.
We arrived to find the parking lot filling with other students, teachers, and volunteer parents. Colored lights lit up the main entrance, giving the school a festive aura. Inside, the auditorium was transformed: red and pink streamers draped across the ceiling, heart-shaped balloons bunched in corners, and a DJ station in one corner pounding out pop music. A buffet table offered snacks and drinks, and rows of chairs lined the walls for those needing a break from dancing. Some parents manned a ticket station at the entrance, collecting the nominal admission fee the school used for events like this.
Linzie’s friends squealed upon seeing her, immediately pulling her toward a group by the far end of the dance floor. She shot us a quick grin, cheeks glowing. My chest swelled with pride—she looked thrilled, not a trace of her usual surliness in sight. This is all she needed—support, acceptance, a place to belong.
Knox took my arm lightly, guiding me toward the other chaperones. A few teachers nodded politely, scanning the scene for any trouble. “I’ll help keep an eye on the kids,” Knox murmured in my ear. “Make sure no one’s sneaking out behind the gym or anything.”
I snickered. “You’d be the expert on that, huh?”
He gave me a mock hurt look. “Hey, I did my fair share of sneaking out. Gotta watch these young rebels.”
The music shifted from an upbeat pop track to a slower ballad. Some of the braver students ventured onto the dance floor, swaying in pairs, while others giggled from the sidelines. I spotted Linzie and James hovering near each other, faces flushed. The sight was beyond adorable.
Knox, noticing, chuckled. “Think he’ll ask her to dance?”
I shrugged with a grin. “I hope so. Everyone deserves a little romance.”
He turned to me, eyes warm. “Hear, hear.” Then, without waiting, he took my hand, leading me toward the dance floor. My pulse fluttered at the boldness.
We slipped among the students, ignoring the stares of a few onlooking teens who found it hilarious to see a teacher dancing with a tattooed “ex-con.” The slow melody washed over us, and Knox slid an arm around my waist, pulling me gently closer. My pulse quickened in response—the thrill of being in his arms, our bodies swaying in sync.
“Thank you,” I murmured, resting my cheek against his shoulder.
“For what?” he asked softly, voice rumbling against my hair.
“For stepping out of your comfort zone—wearing a suit, coming here tonight. It means a lot.”
He pressed his cheek to my temple. “Anything for you, Caroline. And for Linzie. I just…I want tonight to be perfect for her. And for us.”
Emotion welled in my chest. I slid my arms around his neck, relishing the gentle swish of the music. We rocked slowly, oblivious to the chatter around us. I caught a glimpse of Linzie guiding James onto the floor. She shot me a small grin, giving me a thumbs-up from behind James’s shoulder. I nearly laughed out loud, returning the gesture. This night is magical, I thought, a pleasant hum in my veins. Nothing can ruin it now.
Eventually, the song ended, and we broke apart, the auditorium buzzing with applause from the kids. Knox excused himself to talk with a cluster of volunteer parents near the refreshment table—likely coordinating chaperone duties—while I weaved through the crowd to freshen up. The hallway outside the auditorium was lit dimly, and I walked to the bathroom, my heels clicking over the tile.
Inside the restroom, I found Linzie standing at the mirror, carefully reapplying her lip gloss. “Hey,” I greeted, stepping next to her. “Everything going okay?”
She caught my gaze in the mirror, face alight with excitement. “Better than okay. It’s a little weird though, dancing with a boy. I had no idea what I was doing.” She fidgeted, unclasping her barrette and putting it back again. “Ugh, is it normal to feel this nervous about everything all of a sudden?”
My heart warmed. “Extremely normal. First dances are always a little awkward, but that’s part of the fun.”
Linzie glanced at me. “You had a crush on my brother when you were in school, right? And, like, now look at you two. Do you think maybe me and James could end up like that someday?”
I blushed, recalling how I used to peek at Knox over the top of my textbooks. “It’s possible,” I said softly. “Life can be funny like that. Sometimes you circle back to people you cared about when you were younger and find out you’re perfect for each other. Or you might just stay friends. Either way, enjoy tonight for what it is.”
She nodded, a tender smile curving her lips. It struck me then how close we’d become, and my heart warmed. “Thanks, Caroline,” she said quietly. “Really. This is the best night I’ve had in a long time.”
I felt tears prick my eyes. “I’m so glad. You deserve it.”
We were just stepping out of the restroom, our arms linked, when a dark figure loomed at the end of the hallway that made my blood run cold. The man wore a worn leather jacket with an old motorcycle patch, and in his hand—my heart lurched at the sight—was a gun. My immediate reflex was to push Linzie behind me. How did he get in here?
“Don’t move,” he growled , his voice low and threatening as he quickly approached. The overhead fluorescent glare cast harsh shadows on his unshaven face. His eyes were bloodshot, and his forehead was beaded with sweat. My pulse roared in my ears.
Linzie’s hands clutched at my dress. “W-what…?”
He sneered, stepping closer to me. “Yeah, you’re Slater’s girl, ain’t you? And she’s his sister.” The gun leveled toward us, my stomach twisting in terror. “He owes me, and I figure taking you two will draw him out.”
I forced calm into my voice. “Listen, you don’t want to do this. This is a school dance, kids everywhere—”
He cut me off with a vicious laugh. “All the better. He’ll come running.”
One of the teacher-chaperones must’ve glimpsed us from the auditorium door, because suddenly the heavy doors slammed shut, and I knew lockdown protocol had been initiated. My mind whirled with fear. Knox…where is he? Could I stall until he arrived? The man brandished the gun again, his eyes narrowed.
“Move, or I shoot,” he snarled, as if reading my mind.
Linzie let out a stifled sob behind me. My heart hammered. God, please let us get out of this.
As if on cue, pounding footsteps echoed. I twisted my head to see Knox charging down the hallway. The gunman swung around, but Knox slammed into him with a full-body tackle. The weapon clattered to the floor, and a deafening crack split the air—a shot fired wild, reverberating off the walls. I screamed, ducking instinctively, pulling Linzie with me. But no bullet struck us.
Knox and the man grappled, their fists colliding. The attacker roared in fury, attempting to scramble for the gun, but Knox kicked it away. He pinned the man’s arms, every muscle in his body straining. I saw a flicker of raw rage in Knox’s eyes, a swirl of old violence threatening to surge forward. The gunman sneered, trying to provoke him.
“Do it,” he spat. “Shoot me. I dare you!”
Knox trembled, glancing towards the weapon a few feet away. For a breathless second, I thought he might lose control. But then his gaze flicked to me and Linzie, huddled behind him in terror, and something in him shifted. He drew a shaky breath, forcing his anger down. He pressed his knee into the man’s back, holding him in place, and shouted over his shoulder, “I’ve got him!”
Principal Matthews rushed in, picked up the discarded gun and aimed it at the intruder with trembling hands.
Moments later, police sirens wailed outside. The hallway lit with flashing red-and-blue from the windows. I staggered to my feet, dragging Linzie with me. She clung to my arm, tears streaming down her cheeks. Knox kept the attacker pinned until two officers sprinted in, taking control. They cuffed the furious man, dragging him to his feet while he spat curses at Knox. My head spun, adrenaline scorching my veins.
As soon as the attacker was hauled away, Knox stumbled upright. Linzie threw herself at him, sobbing. He hugged her fiercely, and I fell against them both, tears pricking my eyes. My heart thundered, chest tight with relief and lingering fear. Knox’s arms wrapped around me as well, forming a protective cocoon.
“You’re safe,” he breathed, voice hoarse. “You okay? Either of you hurt?”