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Kinda like all the baristas at the coffee shop.

She stares at the cup, then at me. Nothing comes out.

“You’re welcome. Enjoy,” I say, knocking my knuckles on the wood, then taking the stairs.

As I climb the stairs, my phone vibrates. All I can do is laugh.

Wendy

You have to tell me how you knew. Did you ask Josie? The girls at the coffee shop?

Banks

The day I checked in, you were drinking it. I noticed.

Wendy

That’s actually kinda cute.

Banks

Thanks. The bare minimum is easy, Wendy. If someone wants to, they will.

Wendy

Who are you?

Banks

Your summer crush.

I enter my room and step onto the balcony. The air smells fresher,and the sun seems brighter, which is a ridiculous thought, but I can’t help it.

Wendy

Thanks. I needed this. All of it. You make me feel special.

Banks

That’s because you are.

I hit send before I can think about what I just said.

The three dots appear and then disappear again.

Maybe I should’ve kept that shit to myself.

14

WENDY

Banks

That’s because you are.

Iread those four words.

I think about sending a heart emoji and a simpleyou are too.But we agreed to no feelings, and going from five years with the same guy to fooling around with Carter gives me whiplash.