Page 75 of Broken Ties (Rixon High 4)

Poppy

“Blueberry pancakes, your favorite,”Mom said when I entered the kitchen, following the smell of fresh coffee.

“Thanks,” I said, sliding onto a stool.

“I just got off the phone with Mya. Sofia is feeling much better.”

“Good, that’s good.”

Her eyes crinkled. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

“I’m fine.”

Except I’d barely slept, tossing and turning all night, unable to stop thinking about Aaron kissing me. The way we’d left things between us.

He felt something for me. You didn’t kiss people the way he’d kissed me without there being something there, but it wasn’t enough. He wasn’t going to fight for me—fight for us—and I couldn’t be the only one all in.

And maybe deep down, part of me understood where he was coming from. We were best friends. Practically family. Our lives were so deeply entwined together that if things did go wrong it would make things super awkward. Not to mention that I had my future at West Chester all planned out.

My cell vibrated and I dug it out of my pocket, smiling at my sister’s name.

Lily: How’s Sofia? Mom said she collapsed.

Me: Fainted, yeah. She’s okay, being treated for anemia.

Lily: I’m glad she’s okay. I’ll text her later. How are you? How’s Eli? Mom said the two of you went on a date last night…

I glanced up at Mom as she tended the pancakes, and texted back.

Me: She did?

Lily: Contrary to popular belief, she does care about your life, you know…

Right on cue, Mom glanced over and asked, “Sofia?”

“No, it’s Lily.”

“Oh, tell her I’m going to send her and Kaiden a care package next week.”

“Didn’t you talk to her just yesterday?” I said.

“Yes, but tell her, okay? I don’t want her to think I forgot. I said I’d send something.” She motioned to my cell phone as she flipped the pancakes.

“I’m sure she knows, Mom.”

“What’s wrong?” Her brows knitted as she pushed a plate toward me.

“Nothing.”

“Poppy, come on. You’re annoyed with me.”

“I’m not.”

“Poppy.”

“Just leave it, Mom.”

“Fine.” She held up her hands and backed away. “Sorry, I asked.”

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