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“Look at you, sounding like Mom. All self-righteous and stern. And with selective hearing, ignoring obvious jabs from me.”

“I’m not ignoring anything. It’s just late and you’re being annoying.”

“I thought I was being charming.”

“Charming, annoying. It’s a very thin line.”

He chuckles. “You know, I’m not due back at the shop till Monday,” he says. “I thought I would help you move back.”

“Bobby, I’m not going back.”

“I know, I know. I was mostly teasing. It was clear you weren’t coming the minute I saw you walk down that hallway. You looked so relaxed, Lizzie. Like when you were a kid. I haven’t seen you this happy in years.”

I take a deep breath. “So you’ll be okay telling Mom and Dad I’m not coming home?”

“Yeah, I will. But don’t be surprised if one of them comes next, intent to drag you back.”

“Can you tell them I’m doing well here?”

He nods. “I just hope you get a job soon. Once you do, it will he harder for them to claim that you need to return.”

“I’ve been to a bunch of interviews. Some of them went really well. I am hopeful, and I’m going to keep interviewing until I get something.”

“And you’re not lonely?” he asks.

“I promise I’m not lonely.”

“You’ve got Roxie.”

“I do.”

“And not just Roxie.”

I lower my gaze. “Something like that.”

He grins. “Okay. I get it. Good for you, sis.”

“You don’t think I’m a terrible person for moving on so fast?”

He looks shocked. “What? No! Why?”

“I don’t know. I should be mourning the engagement.”

“Fuck that. Jake did you a favor, Lizzie. The fact you’re so happy now shows that beyond the shadow of a doubt. Fuck his pompous ass.”

I wrap my arms around my brother again. “Thank you. It really means a lot.”

“It means a lot that I hate Jake?”

“No. It means a lot that you’ve got my back. That you don’t think I’m awful for moving on so fast. That you don’t hate me for moving away.”

“Of course I don’t.” He squeezes me tighter. “I want you to be happy. I’d love it if you were closer, but that doesn’t mean I won’t want what’s best for you no matter where you live.”

“You could also move here, you know. People drive cars in Wisconsin, too.”

“I just might,” he says. “Especially if you and your dating-apps wizard friend hook me up with someone here. Although Dad might come and murder us both.”

“He won’t. Then he’ll be stuck with Mickey and his tiresome ass.”