#Chapter502A fresh developmentPaytonI let go of Markus and shook my head. Now, I felt like an ass. I walked over to the couch and sat down. Not only did I go after my cousin, who wasn’t at fault, but Josie saw my temper. I ran my hand through my hair in frustration.“Would this be an inconvenient
“There’s a first time for everything. Even the nicest people can lose their temper, and things can happen. It makes me wonder if I went out with him if he wouldn’t lose his temper with me one day. It’s one thing to have a crush; it’s another to have someone crush you,” I told her as she looked at me
#Chapter503AwkwardPaxtonSo, the current situation stuck me in a house with a guy I enjoy dating someone else, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. The only thing I can do is avoid him every chance I get.Payton took a break from his never-ending cycle of bullshit, which we referred to
I logged off and laid there. How is it I give advice to people, but with myself, I’m clueless? I like Josie. She’s funny, smart, kind, and has a good heart. I hated seeing her so down on herself, trying to hide the disappointment.With those thoughts, I drifted off to sleep.JosieI got up and got r
#Chapter504Friendships are strange, especially with the GraysJosieDo you know how people have friends? Some have those kinds of friends that you can’t imagine your life without them. Well, I don’t have either of those types of friends. I have Britt, Selena, and the Gray family.Markus told me he’
Markus hung out with us for a while, then left. Britt and I finished our treat and left to go back to the dorms.“You’re hoping Payton’s going to be there,” Britt mentioned as we walked.“It would be nice to talk to him even if it’s only talking,” I replied.“Is it only talking, or are you hoping fo
#Chapter505Apple orchard funJosieMarkus picked up Britt and me to take us to the apple orchard since I didn’t know where one is around here. We walked out to the car, and I saw the others in another vehicle, including Payton. I waved, and he looked at me but didn’t wave back. Okay, I guess I wave
I rubbed my chin as I thought about my next move. Then it hit me.“So, a birthday, huh? Shouldn’t we have a birthday party to celebrate?” I asked as Josie ate her donut.“Well, brother, a birthday party would be a grand idea,” Parker added as I gave him and the others a knowing look.I tapped Josie,
#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