Page 124 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

“Actually, no. I’m going to break things off with Eli.”

“What? Nooo.” She pouted. “I thought you were all team Eli.”

“He’s nice and kind but he deserves a girl who isn’t thinking about another guy every minute of the day.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s a bit of a mood killer if you’re kissing Eli and my brother’s ugly face pops into your head. But what about Homecoming?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure I’ll go.”

“Oh, hell yes, you will. It’s Homecoming. You’ve got to be there.”

“And watch Zara all over Aaron? It isn’t exactly my idea of fun, Sofe.”

Because I had no doubt he’d still go with her.

“Maybe we can sabotage her outfit or something. Oh, I know, we could slip her some ex-lax on Friday at lunch.”

I chuckled. “You are so bad.”

“Just looking out for my girl.” She winked. “But seriously, we can go together.”

“What about Cole?”

“He doesn’t want to go with me, Poppy. And I sure as hell don’t want to go with him. So this is perfect. I can tell Aaron he’ll have to deal with Zara’s wrath over the Cole thing.”

“Did something happen with the two of you?”

“No.”

“Sofia…”

“Just leave it, yeah.”

“Fine. We should probably head inside.” Shouldering the door, I climbed out. Sofia joined me and we made our way toward the building.

“Poppy, wait up,” Eli called after me. He jogged up to us. “Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good, thanks.”

“So, I’m going to go,” Sofia said with a knowing smile. “Eli.”

“Hey, Sofia.” His eyes crinkled with confusion.

“Don’t mind her,” I said as she walked off.

“So Friday…”

“Actually, can we talk?” I motioned toward the benches in the front of school.

“Ah, is this where you let me down gently and tell me that it’s not me, it’s you.”

“Will you hate me if I say yes?”

“Poppy, I could never hate you.” We sat down, guilt weighing heavy in my chest. “But can I ask, is it because of Aaron?”

“Yes and no. It’s—”

“Complicated, yeah. I’ve heard that one before.”

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