#Chapter38Cayson GrayPattyI pulled into the driveway, grabbing the plastic bag from the back seat. I got out, slammed my door, and released a frustrated scream as I kicked my tires.I wasn’t aware that someone was watching me until I noticed Danny and Cayson staring at me.“An enormous spider.” I
#Chapter39Life Is Crazy Then There’s LucillePattyI had waited years for senior year. It was the last year of high school, and I was applying to colleges and graduating and couldn’t wait.I was standing at my locker when Liz walked up and opened hers.“You don’t seem happy,” I said.“It’s school.
“I’m fine.” “No, you’re not. Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up.”“I won’t win this argument, will I?”“Nope.” I sighed. “Okay, but I need to call Mom. The last time, she shook my head off.”He chuckled. “I remember that was some funny shit.”“Yeah, for others, it wasn’t so much for me.”We walked
#Chapter40Car ProblemsPattyI walked out to my car, climbed in, and tried to start it, but it wouldn’t start. It wouldn’t even turn over. Damn it. I didn’t have time for car problems.I glanced at my wristwatch. I could walk, taking a few more minutes longer than it would with a car. I debated for
“It doesn’t mean that you can’t like her.” He shrugged.“She’s seventeen.” “And she’ll be eighteen. What’s your point?” “My point is, she has these plans.” I waved my hand in the air.“Yeah, so?”“So, it’s not happening.” I walked away. *****CaysonJonas walked up. “What’s up with Nathan?”“He w
#Chapter41Late Night ChatsPattyAfter sharing a Slurpee with Nate, I went about with my business. That meant school and my part-time job since I was trying to save for school. A scholarship and grants help, but I needed to make up the difference.Each evening, someone tapped on my windowsill, only
“Look at me, Liz. Are guys beating down my door? No.” “Well, they would if you weren’t so picky.” She giggled.“Be serious.”“Okay, so you and Nate hung out every evening this past week. Was there any spark?”“I doubt it. The dude is way older than me, and I doubt he sees me more than as a sister.
#Chapter42Life Is Full of LemonsNateI fumed at what happened to Patty and knew who had done it. I’m sure of it, but I had to wait. Age had been a significant consideration. But the minute I got a chance, I would show Brian not to mess with Patty.*****PattyI plodded to the bathroom, stripped of
#Chapter654Happy anniversary, Patty and NateMaggieWe got back, and everyone got settled. The boys went to pick up family members from the airport. The girls and I checked the hall to make sure everything is ready. Lyric and Larkin brought the cake and desserts. Lakin and Luna helped Lex and Nash
“That’s why I became a pastry chef,” I said, surprising Dad. “You taught me you could love what you do and make people happy. You were patient with me and never raised your voice while encouraging me.”“You had this shyness to you that people didn’t understand. It didn’t matter because I did,” Dad s
#Chapter653GraduationPresleyIn the next few weeks, we spent studying for finals as Payton, Parker, and Markus finished school. Our parents were coming in along with the brothers and sisters. They had to pick up their caps and gowns for graduation.After my last final, I came home and collapsed on
Pax looked at me and arched an eyebrow.“Okay, we had a lot of issues, but it’s time to put those issues to rest,” I reasoned.“I didn’t understand why we didn’t get along growing up,” Pax said to me.“Because brothers fight, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t protect you if someone else hurts you,” I r
#Chapter652ResolutionKayleeWe returned from our trip, and Caleb called us down to the station. I didn’t know what to expect coming into the station. Presley and I entered and stopped. I looked at the station, remembering what happened.“Are you okay?” Presley asked me.I sighed. “I didn’t underst
Markus walked as he dragged me behind him until we were out of earshot from everyone. He released my arm.“If you want to redeem yourself, then you and I are working together,” Markus informed me.“Redeem me with what?” I asked.“Nora,” Markus told me.“I apologized to Nora. We’re good,” I replied.
#Chapter651Spring break funPresleyWe spent the rest of spring break kicking back and having fun. We needed it after the few years we had. My brothers and I faced off against our cousins, Shaun, and Hayden in beach volleyball.The girls hung out and talked. Now, here is the issue with our girls. T
I looked at Josie, who talked to Selena. I ignored a girl because I had issues, and it turned out to be the best thing for me.I almost lost my chance with someone incredible because I didn’t see Josie. It took her to open my eyes before I lost my chance.Josie looked at me, and I smiled. “What?” Jo
#Chapter650Spring breakPresleyWe went to Myrtle Beach for spring break since our family owns a beach house. Plus, I thought Kaylee could use the distraction. Jaime was still working on the case with Martinez. His lawyer wasn’t budging.Caleb thought it was best if Kaylee didn’t return to work unt