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“Sure I will”

“Good”

She squeezed ed on it lightly, pulling my attention back to her The smile on her face had faded, replaced with a small frown

“Talia…” She pursed her lips “I heard a rumor that there was a party at the end of the se there I also heard that you were present Is that true? Were you partying? Drinking?”

I slipped free of her grasp, grippingmy hands in my back pockets The memory of what Philip had said about s flickered through my mind

Your grandmother wouldn’t abide by it

“U, but I don’t really do that I try to be really careful, with my dad and all…”

I shrugged, glancing away

Her dark hazel eyes regardedThen she nodded “Good Good I’lad to hear that Your acadeet a call about your attendance once Re you do or don’t do reflects on your character—and it reflects on us Reputationson you to respect ours”

“Right,” I aze

Jesus No pressure though, right?

Was this what Mason had been talking about when he’s said they all had it rough too? It did suck, though I couldn’t see hoas as bad as working fourteen-hour shifts to support an abusive, alcoholic father

I hoped Jacqueline couldn’t tell I was lying about the party, but I’d spoken with confidence because my words were mostly true I really didn’t drink o to never end up like my dad

Or, I guess… like my mom

The lines on Jacqueline’s face s the matter settled She patted my shoulder “Go