Chapter 108

Summer’s POV

“Come here!” Jared’s mom practically launched herself at us the moment we hit the last step, her arms flying wide like a greeting committee on caffeine. I ended up wedged between her and Jared, clutching his hand like it was a lifeline. Physical affection was not exactly my love language—my mom’s hugs had been rarer than a solar eclipse, usually delivered with a side of slurred words or an eye-roll so dramatic it deserved its own emoji.

I squeezed Jared’s hand harder. He’s calm; I’m melting into a nervous puddle. My brain ping-ponged between “Don’t embarrass us” and “Is she going to crush my face?” The answer arrived fast.

“I was worried when you disappeared,” she chirped at Jared, peering at him with All-Seeing Mother vision. Then she zeroed in on me. “Damn, you’re beautiful.” She cupped my cheeks with both hands—no subtlety here—and gave them an approving squeeze that almost made me wish for protective goggles. I braced myself for a flinch, bu