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We stand there staring at each other for several seconds before his gaze drops first, which is definitely going to make him even madder at me. I’m finally starting to get a clear picture of what his personality is like, and it’s ugly and scary.
He spins on his heel and walks away.
I send Rowan a text. I’m coming over. See you shortly.
I just want to unwind and be around the person who cares about me most in the world, after my run-in.
She doesn’t answer, but she never says no to me coming over for a visit.
I stop off at a candy store and pick up a few packs of sour Razzles, our favorite childhood candy, and then take the subway to her and Mason’s apartment.
Rowan flings open the door for me and gives me a hug.
“My favorite sister. Sorry I didn’t answer your text. I was on the phone with the Rovers coach, setting up a charity thing,” she says.
“Your only sister.” I hand her a pack of Razzles.
“Oh my God. You’re the best thing ever. Well, except for my boyfriend,” she adds, glancing over at Mason, who’s got Puck on a leash and is headed for the door.
“So I have to fight you for first place?” I say to Mason.
“I will graciously concede. Ruby is number one.”
Mason and I exchange high fives. Then he and Puck head out, with Puck’s tail wagging eagerly. They live right near Central Park, which is so perfect for dog owners.
“So, tell me some good news.” She shuts the apartment door and tears open her pack of candy, then pops one in her mouth.
“I got an A on my British Literature final,” I tell her. I don’t mention the minus part. “So the GPA remains intact.”
She kisses my forehead. “My genius sister. Of course you did.” Then she leans back. “You looked a little funny when you said that, though. Like, you should be happy that you got an A. So what’s wrong? Did you... run into the ex?”
Damn her, she knows me too well.
I shrug. “I mean, the campus isn’t that big. It happens from time to time.”
“When you start avoiding my question, I take that as a yes. By the way, I didn’t get a chance to warn you—your favorite Rover is here. I think you guys need to work things out, though.” She points at the living room.
Making a face, I walk in, and Paxton’s there. Because it’s that kind of day.
He’s reclining on the couch watching a replay of the Stanley Cup final game.
“Glutton for punishment?” I ask him.
He shrugs. “I hung out with you more than once, so what does that tell you?”
Eff him.
Just to annoy him, I sit on the couch and throw one of my bags of candy at him. He catches it easily. “If you want to woo me, you’re going to have to do better than that. I may be easy, but I’m not cheap.” He gives me a smirk and rips open the bag.
“I’ll be right in. I need to take a quick business call. Try not to mutilate each other, okay?” my sister calls out.
“I’m not making any promises,” I yell back.
“She threw candy at my head,” Pax says in a tattle-tale tone.
“That means she likes you,” Rowan calls out.
“Does not,” I assure him. He drops several Razzles in his mouth. I do the same.
