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“Because I love you, Zach ”

“But I love you, too ”

She sighed Zach’s view of love had been painted by his family; hers was a little darker She kne it felt to be abandoned by someone who’d clai deeper into his arms

As they lay there, she stared at the floor A single rose lay on the industrial gray carpeting, stepped on, its bright red blossom tattered and torn

With winter break cae deadlines By the time classes ended on the twenty-third of December, Lexi had aht, with her heart pounding, a night in the back of her mind Zach and Mia were stressed out, too, but it wasn’t so bad for them Sure, they wanted USC, but there were no bad ansaiting for theo to a four-year school; it hich one they would choose The only one who seemed totally whacked out about the process was Jude, who couldn’t seee reference

Tonight, Lexi was at the ice creaave business a shot in the ar frohts

She was ringing up a quart of fig and goat cheese ice crea the well-dressed woister, she answered, “Amoré Ice Cream Shop This is Alexa May I help you?”

“Lex, it’s Mia ”

“You’re not supposed to call me here ”

“The Ottoone for the weekend ”

“So?”

“Ki a party We’ll pick you up at nine, okay?”

“Lexi,” Mrs Solter said firmly “That’s a business phone ”

“Okay,” Lexi said

Mia said, “Later,” and hung up