Page 134 of I Don't Need Your Romance

“I always knew that brain of hers would get her in trouble,” Dad mutters.

“Oh, stop,” Mom playfully slaps his chest. “Tell me all about yourself, Damian. You seem like a nice young man.”

Damian seemed super nervous when I first called my parents, and maybe he’s still slightly frightened of my dad, but as they talk, I sense the nerves floating away. He seems really comfortable with my parents, like he’s finally talking to people from his world again. I know the only other parents he interacted with were rich people’s.

Despite my dad’s overprotectiveness, I can tell he likes Damian a lot. Dad knows I go to a school with stuck-up rich people, and I know he was worried a rich dude would knock me off my feet with all his riches. But now he sees that I never had any intention of running off into the sunset with a rich guy. Damian is the perfect guy for me. Even though he technically is rich, I don’t think he’ll ever truly embrace that part of himself.

“It sounds like you two are having a grand time together,” Mom says. “And I must say you make a cute couple.”

“Thanks,” we say.

“I hope you’re still keeping up with your grades,mija,” Dad says. “You know the rules—schoolwork always comes first.”

“I know, Dad.”

We talk for a little bit longer, and then Mom says, “We have some good news for you, Sophie.”

“What?”

“You can use your credit card again.”

“What? Really?”

“As long as you promise to be responsible,” Dad stresses. “We understand your love for books, but please set limits for yourself. Instead of buying ten books at once, why don’t you start with three or four?”

“Five?” I ask, hopeful.

Mom and Dad exchange a glance.

“All right,” Dad concedes. “Five. But only once every few months. If we see you’re spending too much money again, we might have to take your card away permanently.”

I quickly nod. “Understood. I’ll be more responsible and set limits for myself.”

Mom and Dad smile. “Okay, sweetie,” Mom says. “Have fun with your books.”

“Thanks! I’ll talk to you guys later.”

“Nice meeting you,” Damian says.

“You, too,” they say.

After I end the call, I beam. “Did you hear that? My prison sentence is gone! Back to buying books again.” I get up and do a victory dance.

“Just remember what you promised your parents,” he says with a laugh.

“Oh I won’t forget, believe me. Having to rely on the library for new books wastorture.”

“Okay, let’s go.” He gets up and strides to the door.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“The bookstore? Let’s celebrate the return of your credit card by buying exactly five books.”

With a smile, I race over and throw my arms around him. “How are you so perfect?”

“I am?”

“Oh stop being so cute. Yes, you are perfect, Mr. Non Bad Boy.” I stand on my tiptoes and press my lips to his. “But let’s get going before the store closes.”