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“And rushing into things will magically fix all that?” Mom says.

“Can we not right now? Please?” Jasmine asks. “Forget I said anything. God.”

She shoves away from the table and stomps up the stairs. Mom shoots Dad a look and goes to follow her.

Dad sighs, then he gets up too, leaving his half-eaten cake behind. It’s just Amy and me. She gives me a sympathetic smile.

“Never a dull moment around the holidays, huh?”

“Guess not.”

“You ever think about doing a half-birthday thing in June instead?”

June 30th is basically July 4th, so everyone will be distracted with hot dogs and fireworks. But still, I say, “Maybe.”

Amy gives me a grin. The kettle is finally boiling, so she gets up to make tea, while my phone buzzes in my pocket. When I pull it out, I freeze.

It’s from Liam.

Happy bday!

My face heats up, and not from all the jalapeños I had with dinner.

He remembered.

Thanks!

You doing anything fun?

Had dinner with the whole family

I take it that's a no?

I snort.

“What are you laughing at?” Amy asks.

I look up, hugging my phone to my chest.

“Just texting.”

“Tell Bowie hi!”

I bite my lip but don’t mention it’s not Bowie.

I hope it's okay to text you

Why wouldn't it be?

I'm sure Jasmine told you we broke up

I hope you don't hate me

I don't. I'm sorry things didn't work out

We're cool

We were friends before and we're st