Page 224 of Money Reigns

Curl into her, like I used to when the world felt too big.

And cry.

***

“Tell me when it’s gone, tell me when it’s gone!” Ella squeals, face buried in the collar of her sweater.

I laugh, toss another handful of popcorn into my mouth, and mumble, “It’s gone.”

She peeks out, blinking, then drops her sweater back down.

I shake my head. “I don’t know why you insist on scary movies when they scare the life out of you.”

She exhales dramatically, smirking as she grabs the bowl. “That’s the fun part.”

“What’sfun?”

We both scream, popcorn rains over us, kernels skittering across the blanket.

Dean chuckles from the doorway.

I grab the remote and lob it at him. He ducks easily, flicking onthe light.

“Not the big light!” Ella groans, yanking her sweater over her eyes.

I squint at Dean. “What do you want?”

“Pops asked if you could pick up the pies from Murphy’s.”

I frown. “Why can’t you do it?”

Dean shrugs, already halfway back into the hall.

“Busy with the renovations,” he says over his shoulder. “Murphy’s closes early, so hurry.”

He disappears, leaving my door open.

I glance at Ella.

My heart’s already tightening.

“War’s gonna be there, isn’t he?”

She doesn’t pretend otherwise.

“More than likely, yes.”

I nod once, already bracing for the sting.

Ella shifts, folding her legs under her. “Your family likes him, Liv. But if you don’t anymore, then tell them to respect your boundaries. You don’t owe them anything.”

Her tone is kind, but firm.

“But,” she adds softly, “if you do like him… then go. He’s probably just going to talk to you. That’s it. And it’s up to you if you want to talk back. Okay?”

I stare down at the box of macarons on the nightstand.

Colorful. Delicate. Stupid.