Page 17 of I Love You, I Hate You

A thought drew him up short. Was Victoria going to the wedding? Andy and Cassie were inviting half of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, it seemed, so she’d probably at least gotten an invite. But was she close enough to them to go? And why, now that he thought about it, did he desperately want to see her in a fancy dress, dancing and laughing? And why on earth was he imagininghimselfdancing and laughing with her? That wasn’t part of their deal.

He shook his head like Cat-Luke when he was faced with ear drops. His imagination was really out of control these days.

Owen Pohl

Guys, I think I need a bro date

Andy Lee

Is everything okay?

Mark Olsen

Something wrong?

Owen Pohl

It’s nothing major. But let’s do something soon

Andy Lee

What about Saturday afternoon?

Owen Pohl

Can’t. Sibling time with the girls

Mark Olsen

Give those little demons a hug from me

Owen Pohl

Will do

Andy Lee

What about the Saturday after that, then? At Lake Monster Brewing? 8pm?

Mark Olsen

Works for me

Owen Pohl

I’m in

Andy Lee

Then it’s a Bro Date.

Direct Messages: Luke @Lukethebarnyardcat

@Noraephronwasagenius

Here’s the thing about growing up poor: it never, ever leaves you. You can make as much money as you want, and your stomach will still drop into your feet when your landlord says rent is going up by 10% next year.

Never mind that you can easily afford it. You’re just . . . always terrified that the money will disappear, and never really, truly secure in having it.