Page 11 of Return Policy

Me

I don’t know his name

Seth

Oh, so you just always go around kissing random strangers?

Tell me who the fuck was talking to my baby girl last night.

Anger rolls off my body in waves. I’m so tired of him acting like he still has control over my life.

Me

We broke up months ago, Seth. I can talk to whoever the hell I want to talk to. I’m not and will never again be “your girl.”

I lock my phone, and it buzzes like crazy in my hand the entire way home.

* * *

“That was way too much food,” I groan, holding my belly after downing fifteen chicken wings in ten minutes.

“Well, next time slow down, speed racer.” Jake chucks a pillow at me from the other side of the couch.

“Says the guy who looked like he was trying to win Nathan’s hot dog eating contest,” Leah teases, curled into his side with a dopey grin on her face.

“Hey, I hadn't eaten sinceyesterday,” Jake counters. “So anyways, I was hoping to take you guys to the mall tomorrow for some last-minute shopping.”

My mouth falls open. “You’rewillinglyoffering to go shopping?”

“Yes.” He narrows his eyes at me. “Thought I might buy you two a few things worthy of a Euro trip.”

Leah’s taking me to Europe for a month as my graduation present.

Cue “London Bridge” by Fergie.

“That’s really not necessary,” Leah protests half-heartedly.

“Babe, I have more money than I know what to do with, okay? And I’m not here often, so just let me take care of my girls.”

“Fine,” Leah says, nuzzling her head into his chest as he plants a kiss on her red hair.

“Alright.” I roll my eyes in mock annoyance. “If Imustgo help you spend all of your money, then I suppose I can muster up the energy.”

“Good.” Jake beams with pride as he plays tonight's movie:Top Gun: Maverick.

After half an hour, Jake’s gaze burns into my face like a laser beam. He opens and closes his mouth, then returns his attention back to the TV.

“It’s a little hard for me to enjoy watchingMiles Tellerwith a mustache when you won’t stop staring at me, Jacob,” I grumble, and he and Leah both turn their attention to me.

He pinches the bridge of his nose and exhales heavily before pausing the TV. “Don’t get mad, okay?”

“No promises.”

“It’s just… I noticed Mom wasn’t at graduation yesterday…” He purses his lips with a sad smile.

“I mean… not being there for me is kind of her specialty.”

“I’m sure she would have come if you’d invited her, Bug.” He raises his eyebrows, giving me his signature “I’m disappointed in you” face, which isalmostworse than Dad’s. If he thinks using my nickname will soften the blow, it's not gonna work today.

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