You'd Be Home Now

Emory returns to school and asks Noah, the person who gave Joey Oxy at the dance, if he’s seen her brother. Noah hasn’t seen or heard from him, and no one at school can offer any leads. Mr. Stanley kindly tells Emory that he will be watching out for Joey, and she tells him that she can’t perform in the variety show. After school, Emory asks her father to linger at school in case Joey comes there looking for her. They wait until it’s dark, but Joey doesn’t come.

Neil makes more flyers, and Emory repeatedly texts Joey begging him to return home.

Gage is in Arizona rehabilitating his right arm. He sends Emory a letter apologizing for the leaked photos and leading her on and signs the letter, “[y]our friend” (310). Emory remembers the intoxicating way that she felt when Gage touched her and wishes that she could experience it again to help her forget her pain.