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Through the largefacing the hallway, I can see the crowd hasn’t dispersed Instead, the lory Al My mom said Eli’s family was psychotic, but thisthis is

The door squeaks open and the guy who caughtto the floor enters the room with a can of Sprite He’s rocked out in those loose jeans, a studded black belt and a black T-shirt "Olivia says it’s not officially a party until somebody pukes"

"Glad I added to the fun"

He perches on the edge of the folding chair across froet you this"

I keep ht and I’

"It’s Sprite, not crack," he says

"Thank you" I accept the soda and set it on the desk "Are you my cousin?"

He doesn’t reserown-out black hair The type of hair that’s not overly long, but long enough that girls would be drawn to hith for seductive rebellion The ends lick the collar of his shirt and hide his ears He has the type of hair Blake Harris was suspended froer What captivatesto his muscles He’s ripped in a very awesome way

"No blood relation," he answers

Good, because he has that alternative- someone I’m related to is sexy could send me into another meltdown

"Will you do all of us a favor?" he asks

I shrug, not exactly in the mood for conversation

"Play nice with Olivia, then leave"

"Excuse me? Play nice? With her? She freaked s out in a way thatclaustrophobic "Look, I know you’re going all prodigal daughter, but this ain’t the ti it"

"Prodigal what?"

"Daughter Bible The long-lost son returning hoives a short laugh "I heard that about your mom Gave up God and family"

No one speaks badly about uess what? It’s true"

"Why? Because Olivia’s enjoying her life?"