page9 (1/2)

I stomped down the stairs and picked upI knew but it didn’t take long for me to look it up

7

Hope

I opened the door The bright, cheerful smile that hadn’t been there for weeks fell offat

“This is your house,in the doorway asked

A fe into the house My blood felt like ice as it h my veins

“Yes,” I said “Can I help you with so?”

“We’ve had some coroup of people gathered inroom “About the noise”

“You’ve had so a good guess who had made the complaint

The officer ignoredto have to ask you to turn it down I really don’t want to ht, understood?”

“Yes, we’ll keep it down,” I said, gesturing at Tori to turn down the music “I’m really sorry about all this”

“Mht”

Once the music was at an acceptable volume, the officers turned slowly and walked down the front yard toward their police car I closed the door and drew in a deep breath before turning to face the group Tori had invited over She’d been trying to give Olivia and ht

Tori had invited several single et dressed up and dance a little, but after what had happened, ht was ruined

I still hadn’t caught up on all the sleep I missed

“Guys,” I said “Thanks so ht”

“What? No!” Tori whined

“I’m sorry, everyone,” I said

Tori puffed out her bottom lip “Aw, come on, Hope!”

“Sorry,” I said “Another time, okay?”

“Let’s just go soree room

A tall o stood He held up his hands as if he were trying to get a high school class to shush

“We can all head over to my place,” Erik said “It’s not far”

“Sorry, everyone,” I said as everyone grab their bags and coats

Erik stopped in front of e your mind Or maybe coffee another time Call me”