Page 219 of Fighting the Forbidden

“At least one of us is,” Remy says, holding up his empty hands. “I brought myself and nothing else.”

Eraser slaps my brother’s shoulder. “That’s why I always say you’re as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle.”

“I don’t see you carrying anything.” Remy points his wide eyes at Eraser’s empty hands.

“Wrong. So wrong, bro.” Eraser pulls a white envelope out of his back pocket and hands it to me. “For our little graduate.”

“Aw, thank you.” I take the envelope. “You guys didn’t have to do that.”

“He didn’t,” Ella teases. “Open it at home.”

“Uh, okay.” I tuck it into the little purse at my side.

“Come on, Molly.” Hayden tugs on my arm. “We’re all headed to my house before we start hitting the parties.”

I glance at Remy, hoping he’ll save me. But he’s busy bullshitting with Vapor and Eraser again.

“I’m going to run home and change first.” I tug on my gown. “I’m all sweaty.”

Hayden pouts for a second, then nods. “All right. But don’t disappoint me, girl.”

* * *

Hayden was right to be skeptical. Once I’m home, the thought of leaving is intolerable. I just want to crawl into bed and sleep.

“Come on. You should go have fun with your friends,” Remy insists.

My heart’s not in it. “Honestly, I’m really tired.” I touch my forehead. “I think I got sunstroke out in the heat all afternoon.”

Remy cups my cheek and frowns. “You are really red.”

“Juliet already lectured me about sunscreen,” I warn, too tired for a scolding.

He chuckles and pushes me toward the kitchen. “Drink a glass of water, then I’ll let you go upstairs and sleep.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I smirk.

Hydrated, moisturized, and in my pajamas, I finally settle under the covers and stare at my phone. It buzzes in my hand and I drop it, the hard edge smacking my chin.

“Ow, dammit,” I grumble, picking it up and flicking open the message.

G: Congratulations, baby.

Me: I miss you!

G: Miss you too.

I stare and wait but nothing else comes through. I’d give anything to hear Griff’s voice tonight.

Did someone catch him texting on an unapproved phone? From the show, it looks like there are cameras stashed all over the house—even in the bedrooms.

Exhausted and sad, I set the phone down and close my eyes.

I’m finally done with school. I had friends and family there to see me walk the stage. More than some of my classmates had. I’m grateful. I am.

But the one person I needed the most wasn’t there. I know Griff said he was doing this show for our future. That it was what was best for us.

Without him here, alone in the dark stillness of night, I’m finding that harder and harder to believe.

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