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Shaking her head, she walks by me and signals for Bailey and Payton to follow. Payton briskly strolls out of the store, making me wonder what the hell she’s up to, whereas Bailey refuses to budge.
“I’m not leaving without my guitar.” She folds her arms and gives me a defiant look.
I lower my voice. “I’m going to get the guitar, but I need to make a bargain with this guy, and it’ll be easier if you’re not in here, okay?”
Her gaze drops to the guitar then back up to my face. “You swear you won’t walk out of here without it?”
“I swear to the moon and back,” I utter the words our mom used to whisper whenever she made an unbreakable promise.
With a small nod, Bailey walks away, giving me one final glance before pushing out the door.
Letting a slow exhale ease from my lips, I face douchebag McGee. “All right, here’s the deal. I don’t have two hundred and fifty bucks on me, nor am I planning on giving you that much cash for something that’s worth about a hundred bucks.” I don’t bother mentioning the sentimental value is worth way more than that. He’d just use that against me. “I will, however, give you this in exchange.” Gently setting the guitar down, I fumble as I reach up and unclasp the necklace hanging around my neck.
On the end of the chain is a silver heart-shaped locket that has a small diamond in the center. My mom gave it to me for my ninth birthday. She said her mom gave it to her when she turned that age. It’s not extremely valuable in terms of dollars, but it’s priceless to me.
“I’m sure you can get at least two hundred bucks for it.” I hold up the necklace for him to see.
He squints at the locket. “Is that a real diamond?”
“Yeah,” I manage to say in an even voice.
“Hmmm …” He runs his finger along the diamond before looking back at me. “I’ll give you fifty bucks for it.”
I clutch the chain. “You’ll give me the guitar for it. And I know you will because the necklace is worth more.”
He studies me for a moment before he snatches the necklace from my hand then rounds behind the counter. “I’m going to make sure it’s a real diamond before I make the trade.”
“Sounds good.” I lean against the counter and wait, tears burning my eyes. I suck them back, knowing if I ever let those tears out, I’ll probably drown in them.
* * *
Ten minutes later,I’m climbing into the Chevelle with Bailey’s guitar, feeling pretty shitty about the whole necklace exchange. But when Bailey’s eyes light up for the first time in months, it makes me feel a bit better.
“Thank you, Hadley.” Bailey leans over the seat and gives me a hug. “You’re the best big sister ever.”
I hug her back, ignoring Londyn’s accusing gaze boring into me. “You’re welcome. I just want you to be happy.”
“I am right now. I promise.” She gives me one final hug before sitting back in the seat and plucking the strings.
“Your necklace is missing,” Londyn mutters under her breath as I start the engine.
“I packed it up. Didn’t want to risk losing it while we were hauling out boxes. You know how I’m always losing things.” I shift the car into drive.
She rolls her eyes. “Sure you did.”
I just shrug and steer out onto the road. She may be upset with me now, but she’ll get over it. She always does.
Silence stretches between us as I drive toward the gas station, hoping Dad is waiting for us there. Since he hasn’t texted me back yet, I’m feeling pretty doubtful.
“That guy was a real asshole, wasn’t he?” Londyn absentmindedly twists a ring on her finger.
“Yes, he was,” I agree, cracking my window. “I seriously about punched that smirk right off his face.”
“You should’ve.” She slips off her sneakers and props her feet on the dashboard.
“Since when do you encourage fighting?” I question.
She shrugs. “You’re my sister, and he was trying to take advantage of you. He needed a good punch in the face.”
