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He was thoughtful for a minute, but I noticed the pride that flashed over his face.“You needed a car and I wanted your first car to be from me. In fact, I want as many of your firsts as I can have so...”he pulled me across his lap,“Getused to me spoiling you.”
What a thing to say. My heart rolled in my chest. Feeling playful, I gave him a saucy smile.“I can totally get behind that.”
“Brat,”he whispered before his lips captured mine.
***
Poppy, Sophia and I were having our girl time at the local coffee house. With Caden staying at the Wrights, the tension between him and Poppy had grown undeniable. Sophia and I had discussed it, since she had picked up on it too, whenever she came to the house. I was going to ask Poppy about it when I noticed the twins and my Aunt Kim climbing from their car at the curb. As soon as Deena and Carol saw me, they hurried over for hugs.
“How are you guys?”I asked after we detangled.
“Good. We were just spring clothes shopping. Forever 21 has some really adorable skirts.”
Having never shopped there, I'd have to take Deena's word for it. Before we could catch up any more, Aunt Kim stepped up next to them.
“Girls, there's a line. Why don't you get into it, so we aren't late getting home to start dinner for Daddy.”
“Okay. Bye, Lark. Stop by the house and I'll show you my new clothes.”Carol called and Deena waved as well before they disappeared into the cafe. I was aware of Aunt Kim's focus even before I turned back to her. Poppy and Sophia, as usual, refused to acknowledge my aunt.
“Larkspur.”Suspicion began to unfurl at my aunt’s addressing me directly. Something she practically never did, even with me in her own house.“I heard about Brad. Are you really going to let that boy stand trial?”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, seems like an awfully big price for him to pay for a dalliance gone wrong.”
“Dalliance? He tried to rape me.”
“Did he though? Looking the way you do, your boyfriend being out of town and you not being a virgin, are you sure you weren't giving off vibes?”
Before I could process the flood of emotions stirred by her vile accusation, Poppy jumped up from her spot at the table and had Sophia not grabbed her, I think she would have slugged my aunt.
“You bitch,” screeched Poppy.
“No call for that kind of language, young lady. I'm merely holding the mirror to Larkspur's face. Whether she chooses to look is entirely up to her. Excuse me.”
She disappeared into the cafe and as much as I would have liked to have hurled a scathing remark at her retreating form, I wasn't capable of forming one. Had I not had people in my life repeatedly telling me that I wasn't at fault, her words would have done some serious damage.
“What a fucking bitch,” Poppy snarled again.
“You can say that again.”Sophia, I realized, was also steaming mad. The sight of their outrage brought a smile to my lips. “I love you, guys.”
Poppy's outrage turned to confusion at my words,“Aren't you pissed?”
“Sure, but not surprised.”
“I'm glad you're out from under her roof,” Sophia said.
“Me too. Let's finish our coffee and I'll treat for donuts.”
“Deal.”Poppy added.
Settling at our table, I caught Poppy’seye.“Thanks for defending me to her.”
Her smile came in a flash.“That's what families do.”
***
The next day at school was the dreaded lottery. When the lottery cage was wheeled out, you could have heard a pin drop in the gym. Bastian, who was watching the events unfold with a blank look on his face, leaned into me and asked,“What's up with everyone?”
