Page 213 of We Shouldn't Be Together
I open the app and my jaw drops.
There are no actual words, just a photo.
It’s a selfie, but Jamie’s not alone. She’s with Milo, which is unsettling enough, but next to them is Thomas Ashworth and his new girlfriend.
Thomas “Ash” Ashworth.
The billionaire’s son.
With my best friend and my twin brother.
And not me.
My fingers furiously type a reply."What! You’re hanging out with Ash? Without me!! How did this happen?"
As if she’s punishing me because I took two hours to reply, Jamie doesn’t send an answer. I can’t stop thinking about it the entire journey home. Okay, maybe it’s a good idea I didn’t drive my grandparents.
We get home just as Milo enters the front door.
My chest puffs out, needing to confront him about this injustice, but I’m sidelined by grandparents. They attack Milo with hugs and too many questions. It’s okay, I’ll get my chance later.
Once we move the luggage into the guest room, we all take a seat in the downstairs living area. Well, all of us except Grandma. She stands near where Milo and I sit, gaining everyone’s attention.
“Okay, boys,” Grandma says, holding two white envelopes. “We know we usually get you big gifts, but you’re sixteen now, so we opted for something small instead.”
Good thing I’m not still waiting on a new drone.
Grandma hands Milo and me an envelope each, while Grandpa comments he hopes we like it.
Milo and I exchange a look, and then we rip into the folded paper. Inside is a birthday card, and before I can look at the front cover, the card springs open with a wad of fifty-dollar bills spilling out.
“Holy cow.” Milo gasps, having the same rain of money happen to him. “This is a lot.”
“You’ll buy yourselves something nice with it,” Grandma says nonchalantly.
“Mom,” Dad says to Grandma. “This is too much. What were you two thinking?”
“Shhh,“ I hush him, quickly flicking through the bills and realizing I have five-hundred dollars in my hand. “Let the grandparents give.”
“Kai, be grateful,” Mom grizzles.
I bounce off my chair and fling my arms around Grandma. “I am grateful. Thank you so much.”
Grandma pats my back. “That’s quite all right, dear. You spoil yourself with something you really want.”
Milo hugs Grandpa, who says, “Yes. We don’t know what you kids are into anymore. And you’re both so different.”
Milo and I swap grandparents to hug, while Dad still complains that they were being overgenerous.
“We have the money to give away,” Grandma says, swatting a hand. “Why can’t we see our grandkids enjoying it?”
“It’s very sweet,” Mom says. “We’ll make sure they don’t blow it.”
“Let them blow it,” Grandpa says with a chuckle. He pats me on the back, adding, “I hear you’ve got yourself a little girlfriend now.”
Oh, Lord. Could this be any more cringe?
“He’s not spending his birthday money on a girl,” Grandma cuts in.
