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Me.
So, I pull my phone back out and dial the number I’ve had memorized before I bring it to my ear. The ringing comes from Hayes’s pocket, and I can’t tell if he’s amused or fed up with my shit.
“Are you going to answer that?” I tease.
He rolls his eyes, reaching into his pocket. When he finally takes it out, he presses to answer the call. He puts the phone to his ear but says nothing as he stares back at me.
“Now you have my number,” I tell him sweetly.
There’s a hint of a smile on his face, but as if my mind is playing tricks on me, it disappears with a blink and is replaced by the same emotionless look I got from him last night.
“Only until you change it again.”
He hangs up and walks around me, heading downstairs. And all I can do is hope that one day I’ll get him to believe me when I say I’m not going anywhere. If he wants me, I’m here to stay.
It’s as simple as that.
ONE OF THE HARDESTthings I have ever had to do is talk sense into my brother. You’d think, at twenty-three, he would know that he’s not the world’s greatest detective. Mali and I have spent years becoming mini FBI agents, background checking almost every guy who ever looked in her direction. If we couldn’t find out who this is, Cam doesn’t stand a chance.
Thankfully, Hayes ended up agreeing with me and suggested he and Cam go find the hacker they used years ago, when they needed to get the sex tape Monty illegally filmed of us deleted. Cam agreed, and they both decided they’ll go tomorrow morning.
I was hoping to get another chance to talk to Hayes alone. There’s still so much left to say, and it feels like there’s never any time to say it. But before I could, my mom called and told me that a package came for me, and I need to come pick it upright now. Not that I understand why—it’s just clothes.
Maybe my dad is mad that I had something sent there. He’s been so hot and cold lately, just like Hayes has been. One minute I think everything is okay, and the next, they both hate my guts. They say girls are most likely to marry someone just like their fathers, but I never thought it was true until now.
Lord help me.
As I pull up to my parents’ house, I see Nolan’s car parked out front. I can’t help but laugh when I notice the massive box on the porch. The one big enough to hold a person. Jesus, she really is one for the theatrics. Just mailing me some outfits would have been perfectly fine.
Now, I have to worry about someone else getting caught up in all of this.
Getting out of my car, I walk up the walkway to see my mom smiling at me from the door.
“Hey. Your package is here,” she says, and a giggle comes from inside of the box.
“Thanks,” I deadpan. “I wonder what could possibly be inside.”
As I shake the box a little, making it seem like I’m going to open it, I get a better idea.
“You know what? I think I’ll just leave it here for now,” I tell my mom. “I’ve been wearing Mali’s clothes anyway, and they look cuter on me.”
Nolan gasps and stands up, forcing the box open as she shoots out. “You take that back! I helped you pick most of your wardrobe!”
I cross my arms over my chest and smirk at her. “Hi, babes.”
She pouts. “You ruined the surprise.”
“You’ll get over it,” I say with a laugh as I come over and hug her, helping her out of the box before she breaks an ankle.
Seriously, who drives three hours in heels that high? Does she know sneakers and flip flops are a thing? Because if not, someone needs to tell her.
“This is a nice surprise,” I half lie. “But you didn’t need to drive all the way out here. You could’ve sent them UPS.”
She shrugs. “I know, but I missed my best friend.”
Ooh.Don’t let Mali hear her say that. The last thing we need is to give our stalkeranotherdeath to hold over our heads.
“I missed you, too.” I glance in the box she was just in and notice my clothes aren’t inside. “Youdidstill bring my clothes, right?”
