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,
#Chapter506Selena and Josie turn 18JosieParker threw a birthday party for Selena and me. He invited some people, including our parents. Markus came to pick me up, but I hesitated. That is a lie. I tried to figure a way of not going.“Josie, we’re going to be late,” Markus told me.I sat on the be
I set the two-liter down and turned to see Payton standing there.“Did you want a cup of pop? I can pour you one,” I offered as he stepped towards me. I backed until my back pressed into the countertop. Payton placed a hand on each side of me on the countertop, trapping me.“I don’t want pop,” Payto
#Chapter507QuestionsPaxPayton and Josie were sucking face in the kitchen. I looked for Shaun to talk to him, but I didn’t see him. I asked Park.“Have you seen Shaun? I wanted to talk to him,” I mentioned to Park and Matthew.“Not lately, and I thought he would be at the party,” Park answered as
PatPark came into the room and didn’t look happy; neither did Pax. They talked while I talked to Britt. I missed her and wanted to tell her, but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship.“How are things back at home?” Britt asked me.“They’re okay. One more year, then Pax and I will go here to school,”
#Chapter508A date on HalloweenJosieI didn’t know what Payton planned for our date, but I felt excited. He told me to dress warmly. So, I did. I wore jeans, a top, sneakers, and a hoodie. I heard a knock at the door and answered it to find Payton standing there in jeans and a hoodie, holding flowe
#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