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That was because Garret was too busy chasing after things that didn’t last Like popularity and the latest fashion He lived his life t

hat way, in the fast lane But as much as he’d hate to admit it aloud, there were times when Joseph wished he were s slide off his back like oil His carefree lifestyle was so Joseph could never have

No matter how much he wished in that moment that he didn’t care about Michelle

“Just treat her well,” he said, patting his brother on the shoulder “She deserves to be treated with respect Don’t break her heart”

He took a step toward the door when his brother’s voice halted him in his tracks

“I know she’s special, Joey I’ to ruin this”

He turned, his expression pained “I’lad”

Garret atching hiood for me I know that”

“I never said that—”

“She’s sround” He shoved his hands in his front pockets and sucked in his cheeks “To tell you the truth, I ad to be ten years from now and I have no idea where I’ll be ten hours from now She’s beautiful, and kind, and perfect Don’t think I don’t know these things I’m not as clueless as you think”

Joseph grunted “I don’t think you’re clueless”

“Right” He turned his head away and harrue raduate? Or that I repeat every mistake you’ve ever made? Come on, admit it”

Joseph chuckled and shook his head Apparently, his kid brother had grown up without telling him He’d underestis about Michelle, then maybe he would treat her well It was the least Joseph could ask for

“All right, I admit it,” he said in a low voice “I’m sorry if I didn’t take you seriously It’s an older brother flaw, I’”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of ioofy grin on his face He took a sip of his Coke “And plenty ofolder brother just yet I’ve still got o”