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“Touché.”

“Oh, more burgers. See you inside.” Sebastian taps on my back.

I hearthe balcony door open and close again.

“So, what’s going on between you and Mary? After you wormed your way into the Wemptons’ lives as a ‘security consultant’, I thought you’d be making more progress,” Elijah says.

“Nothing.”

“Come on, we all know something’s up.”

“You guys are annoying. Who will be next? Bran?”

Elijah comes to stand beside me. “Yep.”

I let out a huff of irritation. “She’s still hung up on Chris.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Maybe you misunderstood her.”

“And what could I have possibly misunderstood?”

“I wasn’t there. I don’t know her exact words. You’re the one keeping tabs on her movements. But from what I can tell, you have a tendency to see red when it comes to her.”

“Meaning what exactly?”

“You’re quick to judge and make presumptions.”

I fall silent, stunned. When it comes to Mary, logic does fly out the window.

“You’d rather keep your distance than risk losing her because you don’t think you’re good enough. But you shouldn’t underestimate yourself or her interest in you. It’s up to you, cuz. But I think you’ve been on the sidelines long enough.”

“Why did you bet against me then?”

“Bran needs some boost since…”

I rub my temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Even if I follow your advice, what if she still doesn’t want me?”

“Why wouldn’t she want you?”

“Mary’s only ever dated posh blokes before. And instead of trying to set her up with me, her mom’s aiming to match her with you.”

“Is that so? Funny, because you said her father seemed rather keen on you.”

“I guess.” I can’t deny that small victory.

“If you really are interested in Mary, why wouldn’t you go after her?”

“Because I don’t want to lose her.”

“Lose her? To whom?”

To Chris, I almost say before catching myself. Instead, I mumble something incoherent.

“All this guessing and second-guessing is getting you nowhere.”

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