Page 105 of Return Policy

“Starting route to 763 Parker Lane, Longwood, Florida,” Siri says through the speakers after Elijah starts the GPS.

An uncomfortable feeling settles in my stomach. In Crystal Bay, I don’t have to drive by the spot the accident happened, causing memories to pierce me like bullets. Being back in Longwood, especially after my panic attack last week, might slice the wounds open with a dull butcher knife. It also increases the risk that Seth could show up…

“You okay, babe?” Elijah asks.

“Yes.” I scrunch my nose at him, shoving all negative thoughts into the “remember never” drawer.

“You sure?” He tilts his head. “I promise I’ll drive carefully.”

I lean over, and he meets me halfway, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “I’m fine, Honey Bee. I trust you.”

“Good.” He smiles wide and goes back to sifting through his playlists. I’m just about to ask if we’re ever going to leave the parking lot when “Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minaj flows through the speakers. He performs the song word for word, shimmying in the driver’s seat.

“Why do you know this entire song?” I ask, shouting over the music.

“I’ve heard it at least a hundred times since I watched you shake your ass to it at Noah’s party.” He smirks at me and continues today’s episode of carpool karaoke. I know he’s mine, but it still makes my heart soar into the clouds by how much he notices me. How much heseesme.

By the time we’ve reached the highway, Elijah has moved on to performing “Despacito,” surprisingly nailing the Spanish verses, and fuck me is it sexy. His phone rings through the speakers, interrupting my private concert.

“It’s Mark, I should answer it.” Elijah smiles wide, accepting the call. “Hey.”

“Hey, buddy…” Mark says before exhaling heavily.

“What’s wrong?” Elijah asks.

“Cole and I have to work today.” The disappointment in Mark’s voice echoes through the car. “Too many people called out, and we just… we’ve gotta be at the station.”

“Oh…” Elijah drums his fingers against the steering wheel. “I—I’m already on the way.”

I reach toward him, running my fingers through his hair.

“I left you some money for pizza at the house. We can get breakfast tomorrow,” Mark replies hopefully. “I’m really sorry. I wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t absolutely necessary.”

“Yeah… sure.” Elijah’s shoulders sag, deflated.

“I was really looking forward to spending our first Thanksgiving together.” Mark’s tone is sad and sincere. “I mean it.”

“Me too,” Elijah says quietly.

“I’ve gotta go. Love you, Eli.”

“You too,” Elijah responds before the line goes dead and his music starts back up.

“I’m really sorry, baby.”

“I just… I didn’t even ask to come. He offered since I couldn’t visit home and said it’d be our first Thanksgiving. Now, the only first is that I’m spending it alone.” He lets his head fall against the seat, keeping his gaze on the road.

“Why don’t you come to Thanksgiving at my house?” I offer even though the thought terrifies me.

“Really?” He grins like a golden retriever.

“Yeah, sure… It’ll just be my dad and Diane, they won’t mind.” I squeeze his thigh, then pull out my phone to let Dad know about our extra guest.

PAPA BEAR

Me

I’m on my way home

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