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Long after-class parties where ht in cupcakes or invited everyone to a kids’ play place with invitations stuffed in our lockers—I hated my birthday for all those bad ot closer and the new ones had been piled on top

“No, we don’t have to I’d rather just spend the day with you We can go grab a movie or I can have Marisa make another pitcher of these drinks and you can have your ith me”

Jules peered up at ry desire naked in her eyes My sweatpants were a second away fro tent “Who said I need a pitcher of drinks for that?”

“That’s a one-way ticket toyou out of this room for the next twenty-four hours”

“Your sister’s here!” She pushed atI loved that she called Alexis my sister There was never a question in her voice or one of the strange looks everyone always gave us, and that made me love Jules even more

That slahtened my hold around her waist I loved her And it would only be a matter of time before I lost her

32

Jules

“I’ it like a kid’s party”

“Berk never got to have those parties ere growing up, so the sillier the better” Alexis had war instead of texting to talk about Berk’s party

“You’re thinking streamers, balloons, party hats?”

“The works He’ll love it” She actually sounded happy; s were slowly turning around

“I hope I don’t accidentally let anything slip I’ secrets”

“You’ve been pretty good at it so far” There was a weird tone to her voice, almost accusatory

“I’ain, Alexis”