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“I’ to school my expression “You surprised me”

“Then I’ve done“I’d never want to be predictable”

“You’re definitely not that,” I h The sound was low and raspy, and I loved it

“You’re good for theabout you in the caht”

“I’m pretty popular with the tween crowd,” I replied “It’s because I swear so much”

“I’m pretty sure it’s , I heard Mack’s bike outside

“Dad’s ho room

“As if we couldn’t hear it,” Lou said with a chuckle

I smiled as I flipped pancakes, but my stomach exploded with butterflies Mack had left before we could spend any tis be different? Would he say it again? In front of his parents?

“Jesus, I’uys eat yet?”

“Your mom and Rose are cookin’ now,” Howie replied

“You’re not helpin’?” Mack asked Kara

“No, Grandpa said he wanted to kick my butt at checkers, so Nana said I could clean up instead”

“Alright,” Mack replied

Then, he was in the kitchen and I couldn’t stop the wide smile that pulled at my cheeks

“Hey, Ma,” Mack greeted as he caht in front of ive me a sweet kiss “You sleep okay?”

“Without you taking up most of the bed?” I teased “I slept like a rock”

Mack chuckled “Good”

“You get everything straightened up at the club?” Lou asked, watching us with an indulgent smile

Mack sent a guarded look my way

“I told her about the fight that broke out,” I said, keeping my voice even “No one’s hurt, I hope?”

“Nah,” Mack said, catching on easily “Just a bunch of drunk idiots”

“Sounds like any other party,” I said, turning back to the pancakes