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“My father sold the house,” he says angrily “I asked hiet, and now’s the time to sell, before they build more properties in Chesterton As if he needs the money!”

He gives a harsh, barking laugh

“This place didn’tto hi here”

I’lected only-child upbringing He told s, and no real friends either—just the schoolmates he was “supposed” to associate with He told me how jealous he was that I had brothers He never

“Well,” I say, trying to ot to see it, finally”

He turns to look at ht His face looks ained probably thirty pounds since we dated, which hasMore like his father’s He’s still big and ht makes it all the easier for hile on the beach I’et away froer and faster than me

“I wish you could have seen it how it used to be,” Oliver says “With all the pictures and books And couches It’s alright, though I brought this here, so we have somewhere to sit, at least”

He sits down on the ht

“Co the space beside him

“Uh, actually, I’ve got to pee really bad,” I say

It’s true My bladder feels like it’s about to burst, especially after Oliver body-slammed me on the beach

For a moment he stares at ht fro my discomfort

“The bathrooain

He leadsall over the walls and a shell-shaped sink I’m sure there were nautical-themed towels and soap in here when the house was furnished

When I try to close the door, Oliver stops it with one meaty hand