Page 202 (1/2)

"It's weird to know ain,” I tell hiht"

He laughs "I bet”

I’ Even as I feel like shit abouthim, to be soothed by him

I inhale, scrunching my brows "What's that smell?"

"It’s Christmas cookies You want?"

That rear is bad for you I re to detox ar"

"Fucked that up for you," Mills says

"You did All those da Since I remembered, I could see your mom and Carl, and I wouldn't have to explain why I don't knoho they are now Because…now I do know"

Josh laughs "That's right Shit, we're slow on the uptake”

"Maybe I should tell hiet it off my chest"

"Maybe you should,” Mills says “It's up to you"

"What are they doing tomorrow?" I ask

"Seeing Ezra Masters in the flesh The football star The beautiful angel I’onna love you up Feed you cookies That's the whole plan"

"They ht not feel how you do,” I say quietly

"They're gonna feel exactly how I do Listen, Ezra Dinner's co up, like in an hour Don't stay up here for it Let me unveil you as my new boyfriend They're not mad They'll be thrilled to see you Plus, it’ll be sort of funny"

Josh

Beer battered chicken It was always one of Ezra’s favorites, so I'ot on her Christmas apron—deep red with "We whisk you a Merry Christ out of the oven It's that pineapple, ritz, and cheese casserole she does for the holidays

"Um, hey Mom?"

She sets it on the island and blinks up atjust from nerves

"Yes, Joshua?"

I try to hide rin "Uh, where is Carl?"