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The pain in o,” I say suddenly

“Okay I understand” I hear hiht “Tell Charlie he’s an asshole for me”

“Will fucking do”

“Bye, Sul”

“Bye, Beckett” I hang up and rise to a full stance

Charlie stares from me to the cell in my hand like he can manifest his brother in this bait & tackle shop

“We’re even,” I say

Charlie’s lips press together, and then he says, “For every day I have to keep your secret, you have to call my brother”

Anger flares “That wasn’t the deal, Charlie”

“It’s a new deal” He pulls a sweater over his head, the color of winterberries While he fits his arh the holes, he adds, “Take it or leave it It’s up to you”

I have a feeling he’ll just find a new creative way to get me to talk to Beckett if I don’t

And anyway, this deal is in my favor I have more reassurance that he won’t tell anyone about the kiss Not if there’s so consistently in it for him

He has to know he gave me some power Maybe he even wanted that

I don’t try to descend inside Charlie’s head All I do is hold out er “Deal”

He stares at er

Rolling his eyes, Charlie locks his pinky with mine

33

BANKS MORETTI

Charlie Cobalt saw Akara and Sulli kiss

Fucklife

I’ll admit a seed of jealousy was planted sorew It was a sprout

My little sprout-ling of jealousy just ate fertilizer and grew into a giant beanstalk with the world’s longest thorns And soans

Green doesn’t even look good on me I prefer blue But I can’t help it I’m stupidly envious