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Jason’s parents blinked and shared a glance His mother said, “That…man?”

Robert added, “He’s a fair bit older than you, isn’t he?”

Jason gritted his teeth, all the old resent “I’er A lot has changed in the last eight years, and you don’t get to sit there judging et to tell me who I should date” He tossed his napkin on his plate “This was a bad idea We should go”

“Just like that?” Tiain That’s what you do”

“What?” Jason scoffed back, self-righteous indignation straightening his spine “That’s not true”

“Sure,” Tim bit out “Did you run away from this Ben dude too? I bet you did”

He wanted to scream, “I did not!” but snapped his jaw shut He breathed shallowly, guilt stinging with every inhalation He couldn’t think about Ben Not now

He had to deal with this first It was long overdue

After another long breath, he said, “Maggie, come with me” He pushed his chair back

“Are you really going to leave?” his father asked incredulously

“Of course he is” Tiht

Maggie looked at hily at her He kept his tone even “I’s, you can watch TV while you finish your dinner, okay?”

“I’ry”

“Okay Let’s just take your plate andto talk in here We won’t be too long”

“But I want to stay!”

He used his “that’s enough, young lady” tone “Maggie Please do as you’re told”

Huffing, she carried her glass and napkin as Jason took her plate and utensils and led her out of the dining rooer than he remee from the suede he and Tim had scuffed up