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Shock sla, my shock turns to horror "Why would I make that up?"

"I don’t know…" She tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear, her discomfort obvious "It’s just…you know, he’s older, and hot, and you didn’t exchange nu?" I shoot to my feet, beyond insulted

"No, of course not" She starts to backpedal, but it’s too late I’ for the door "Where are you going?" she wails from behind me "Aw, come on, Gracie I believe you You don’t have to stor out" I toss her a cool look overo"

"Really?" she says skeptically

"Yes" I have to force myself not to scowl at her "But that doesn’t ht now"

She darts over and throws her arh to iive Me hugs, which I’ve been on the receiving end of more tis "I’m sorry I asked that I know you wouldn’t et back, I want to hear all the details, okay?"

"Yeah…okay," I et out of here before I smack her in the face

She pulls back, relief etched into her features "Awesome Then I’ll see you lat--"

I’m out the door before she can finish that sentence

6

Grace

My dad hasn’t arrived yet when I walk into the Coffee Hut, so I order a green tea at the counter and find us two co, and the coffeehouse is deserted I have a feeling ht

As I settle on the plush armchair, the bell over the door chi his trademark brown blazer and starched khaki pants, an outfit my mom refers to as his "serious professor" look