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Except, something happened that summer while I was moving into my new place. Paige grew up; no longer the little girl who I loved to pick on.
Bringing my attention to the tv in the corner of the boutique, I reminded, “The game is on in an hour. Get it, so we can go.”
He glanced down at his phone. “Yeah, you’re right.”
Cade and I weren’t close by any means, but there were times we hung out doing random shit and this was just one of those instances. For the rest of the day, I helped my mom who was throwing her a birthday party with some kids from school.
I wasn’t supposed to be in town, but I couldn’t miss her birthday. Especially since it was such a big deal to her. Her mom was working overtime at the hospital again. Paige practically lived at our house at that point. My parents adored her.
“You’re being awfully helpful, Adrian,” Mom said.
“I’m bored.”
“Since when do you help me with anything when you’re bored?”
Our eyes connected.
“It’s no big deal. Stop trying to make it one.”
She eyed me skeptically for a few seconds before she added, “What are you even doing home? You were just here last week.”
“Are you kicking me out?”
“Funny.” She rolled her eyes. “A mother is allowed to ask questions.”
I grinned. “So she’s allowed to annoy you?”
“Adrian!” She playfully smacked my arm. “I love that you’re home. I wish you still lived here. I’m just caught off guard that’s all.” She kissed my cheek.
I watched Paige from afar all day. The way she smiled, laughed, how if the sun hit her face just right, her eyes turned almost green. The way her hair fell around her face. I took her in like she was my favorite thing to look at.
From afar.
I never got too close until I couldn’t stay away anymore.
From the moment she opened my brother’s present, she beamed like a fucking beacon. Even at the age of sixteen, Paige was perceptive. In her innocent yet tempting way.
She baited me.
Probably knowing deep down what I hadn’t figured out.
“What do you think of the dress your brother bought me?” she questioned, walking out onto the porch.
Everyone was inside.
We were alone.
I smiled. “Looks good.”
“Yeah?” she enticed.
“Mmm hmm. How’s it feel to be sweet sixteen?”
She shrugged. “It feels the same.”
“You don’t look the same.”
“Really?” she remarked, giddy.
