Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 110273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 551(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
I couldn’t talk. My throat was clogged up, but I hugged him back hard.
The hardest I could.
“God.” Another whisper from him. “I love you. If anything, I hope you know just how much.”
I did.
I do.
“I know,” he said. “Are you ready? Do you want to stay?”
“I’m good. And I want to go. A night out will be fun. I think we’ve earned that.”
His eyes darkened. “Definitely.” His head cocked to the side. “You haven’t seen your friends for a while. Are you sure you want myself and the guys there? We can do something else, or stay in the background? You can get your time with the girls.”
“I’m good. Things have been different since my mom…” I still have a hard time saying it aloud. “You know, being with family has been more important to me. Besides, the friend group has sorta dispersed.”
“If you want me to make myself scarce, give me a sign. I can always work.”
“Sign? What kind of sign?”
He shook his head. “You decide.” His mouth twitched up. “Any word you want to use.”
“Raccoon.”
His head moved back. “Raccoon?”
“Yes. Raccoon.” I gave him a look. “Do you not know how obsessed I am about those animals? Have you looked at my Instagram? Do you know how many raccoon Instagram accounts there are? They are little, furry, adorable, curious creatures who are quiet but hilarious and I cannot take how freaking adorable they are. One rolls down the hallways. Rolls. Down. The. Hallway. And don’t get me started on the YouTube videos of them, where they pick up snow to take and eat, and it melts by the time they put it down and they look for it. Freaking. Hilarious.”
“I had no idea.”
I shrugged. “I don’t just hack, you know.”
“Huh.” He grunted. “Raccoons.”
“I’m also a big fan of octopuses. Do you know that if you save them, they will come and hug your leg as a thank you?”
I was just getting started.
Kash needed to know about all things wondrous and adorable.
I had a photographic memory, so I had a lot to tell him.
THIRTY-FOUR
Bailey
Group text:
Melissa: Sorry, sorry, sorry, but I don’t think we should invite Liam tonight.
Tamara: Which one is Liam again?
Torie: The athlete one right? Or the one that looks like he could be an athlete.
Matt: Why am I included in this?
Matt: I’m down with No-Liam.
Matt: Is this supposed to be a chicks’ group chat? I don’t see any other guys included.
Melissa: I would’ve included Liam, but since this is about him, I thought that’d be not good. Anyone heard from Bailey?
Matt: Good luck. She’s with the Kashsters right now.
Matt:;) if you know what I mean.
Torie: He’s my boss, Matt. The wink wasn’t needed.
Matt: But it got my point across.
Bailey: I’m here! Hoda’s not invited as well.
Matt: WE ARE NOT DOWN WITH THE HODASTERS!
Melissa: I’m assuming. No one talks to her in class.
Tamara: Why isn’t Liam invited? And what’s going on with Hodasters? Matt, can I get a nickname?
Matt: You are now The Tam Tam.
The Tam Tam: ** thumbs up ** ** hands in the air **
Torie: I’m fine with no Liam, though if I remember right, he’s a cool guy.
Melissa: He’s roommates with Hoda now. Hoda is, like, somewhat of an enemy, isn’t she?
Matt: Hell yes she is! WE ARE NOT DOWN WITH THE HODASTERS!
Melissa: That’s what I thought! Okay. Bailey, are you okay with that? This is your night to hang out with everyone. Hoda’s gotten weird at school, and I know you’re not talking to her. But Liam is living with her and yeah …
Tamara: That’s weird.
Torie: Agreed.
Matt: Why have I not been added to this group text earlier? Can this be a regular thing? I’m loving it.
Melissa: Bailey?
Matt: Told you. She’s with the Kashsters. They’re probably groping in the shower.
Bailey: Shut up, Matt! I know where you live and I will piss off Marie and Theresa and sic them both on you.
Matt: I mean, this is actually Cyclone. He hacked my phone.
Matt: This is Matt now. I got control over my phone again. Wtf is Kashsters? That’s disrespectful and I have a respectable amount of fear of both my sister and Kash and I would never make a joke like that, now.
Torie: **handing you a wipe for your drool there**
Matt: Thanks. I’m handing it to Cyclone. Love you, B. A lot. Don’t sic anyone on me please.
Matt: I’m still grateful for my ass.
Torie: Moving on before Matt remembers he’s had too much to drink for this group chat. B, you okay with the no-Liam vote?
Bailey: I am. Thanks you guys for even thinking of that.
Melissa: Care about you! Also, I’m super excited for a Naveah night. Seems like forever since we had one.
Torie: Whoop for some drinking.
Matt: Whoop!
Torie: Not you, Matt. You’ve already been over served.
Tamara: ** snickering ** you just got served
Matt: I’m thinking I was added by mistake.