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Prologue

Past 8 years ago

“I’ to marry you one day, Blakey”

I turned ust as she sat next toher eyelashes

“Quit calling ruh she only tightened her hold

“Well, I a her silver braces

“I told you, Tayia, I’et a wife, it ain’t gonna be you" She looked sad iut”

W-why not?” she stuttered, her voice sounding small

“Because”—I shoved her in the forehead with the palo ofaway

Annoying, that was an understatement

Tayia and her dad had o, and I would see her outside by herself alhborhood Her dad’s car was always gone, which meant she was often left home alone My mom went over to speak to Tayia’s dad and found out that he drove the ferry between the island and Key City, which ht she could stay horee and insisted Mr Jones let Tayia coain, Moree with—a real ball buster, as my Uncle Ronnie would say

It had always just been Mom and me I didn’t see uy who brought ht when they thought I was sleeping, I overheard Grand about him It was then I found out my dad had a different ho didn’t know about ht he was married to my mother I also didn’t understand why I had to be a secret Grands I needed, and the next day, Mo Dad to send more money or she would talk to his wife

Not long after that, we moved into this house, which I liked h, the space started to feel cra around She latched on to ht away We walked to and from the bus stop, and if her dad wasn’t home after school, she had to co pretty , they still ate dinner at our house because Tayia’s dad wasn’t a very good cook

If I was doingacross fro rooht her inwith my stuff, and I would have to push her into the hallway and lock the door so she didn’t come back in The only place I was safe was the bathroo to go, too

I knew she had a crush on me, but Tayia elve and I was fourteen She was just a kid, and I’d be going to high school soon

“When willirritated as I glared out of theto check the driveway Our parents had gone to dinner together, which felt kind of weird It was fine that they were friends, but I wasn’t sure I liked that they’d been spending so ether “Shouldn’t they be back already?” When Tayia didn’t say anything, I turned around to find her sitting on the couch, staring down at her hands “Tayia?”

She lifted her head as tears rolled down her cheeks Instantly,in her direction

“Tay?” I dropped down on my knees in front of her “What’s the matter?” When she turned her face up to look at me, my heartbeat quickened Man, her eyes were pretty

“You called ” She pouted and used the backs of her hands to wipe away the tears I felt bad hearing her repeat what I had said

"I’m sorry” The words flew out of my mouth before I even kneould say them

The sadness instantly left those green eyes I couldn’t look away froain “It’s okay I can’t stay ht “Can I have a hug?” She grinned hopefully, and I knew I’d been duped

“Sure” Slowly, I wrapped ainsther wet and snotty face to

I waited a fewher away