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“Take your brother,” Papa says, changing his mind.

“Oh, college parties, even better.” I laugh.

“No parties,” he says firmly before walking out of the room.

I finally pick up my phone and read the missed messages from Connor.

Charming:

Breakfast in the library tomorrow?

Charming:

I’ll bring actual food.

Charming:

Or not?

Charming:

…

Me:

Sorry. My parents were talking to me. I’ll be there.

Charming:

You in trouble again already?

Me:

No, I’m the favorite child. I did have to promise my mom I wouldn’t ever run off to Vegas and get married, though.

Charming:

Damn, there goes my plans for next weekend.

I stare at the message. He’s joking again. I know that. But why is my heart racing so damn fast?

Me:

Funny you’d think I’d marry you.

Charming:

You will one day.

A stupid smile forms on my face and I toss my phone aside. Nope, I am not getting love-drugged. I’m not falling down that rabbit hole.

Chapter Eighteen

Iwalk downstairs and into the kitchen, where my dad is sitting with his second. My uncle, also Kenny’s father. You know when you enter a room and the chatter suddenly stops. Yeah, well, that just happened.

“What’s the crack?” I ask.

“Where have you been?” my father counters.