Growing up as a Pogue wasn’t always easy. You didn’t have much, but you had more than some. Your true wealth, though, was in your friends—John B, Pope, Kie. But JJ was different. He was your best friend, the one you could always count on.

Whenever he had fights with his dad, you’d bring him over to your place. Sometimes he just needed to escape, and your door was always open.

Tonight was no different. After another argument, things had gotten bad. JJ showed up at your door with a busted, bleeding nose and a faint, tired smile.

“Hey, gorgeous,” he said, his voice rough. You didn’t need to say anything. You just stepped aside and let him in, the worry clear in your eyes.