Page 17 of Legal

My brother was just nailing it in harder and harder. Maybe I would end up in that funeral home after all. He wasn’t saying anything incorrect, but that didn’t help me feel any less shitty.

“God, Stephen. Lay off. She’s not marrying the guy. And your parents are not Jills and Chase.”

“There is no me and Chase.”

“He’s cute. He seems nice.” Perry ticked off her fingers. “He’s obviously into your sister. He’s polite, according to Jills.” She smiled at me sweetly. “He plays guitar. He was in a cool band for a night. It’d probably be more often if he weren’t still in school. He’s—”

“Wait, say that again,” I said. Stephen shook his head as he plunged his hand into the icy cooler.

“Which attribute do you want me to repeat?”

“What’s the school thing about? Perry, you promised me you wouldn’t go digging.”

“Probably high school,” my brother said, still shaking his head.

“That’s not even remotely funny, and you know it.”

“Do you see me fucking laughing?”

I crossed my arms. This was getting ridiculous. We were spending an enormous amount of time talking about something that didn’t need to be talked about. What was done was done; I couldn’t go back and change anything.

“I didn’t, Jills. I was drilling Stu when you went to, uh, drill Chase.”

Stephen stalked away. His head was going to spin right off if he didn’t stop moving it that way. “Dammit, Perry.” I uncrossed my arms and pushed my palms against my forehead.

“Sorry. But anyway, I asked Stu a gazillion questions that night. I haven’t talked to him since. I swear. I wanted to know more about the guy you were with. Understandable, right? I didn’t mention this at your mom’s because I didn’t want to freak you out anymore. You were kinda worked up that day.”

She paused, and I wondered what else she could possibly say. And did I even care to hear it at that point?

“So, I found out he’s a good guy; he did save their butts that night. Has something to do with this charity thing… I think. Stu didn’t know him as well as the guy who was having a baby or something.” She twisted her lips. “And hmm… Can’t remember exactly what was said about school, but he’s in one. I’m pretty sure about that. Kinda. I was drinking a little.”

“A little?”

“And when I saw Chase again today… Well, he does look sorta young.”

“Sorta?”

She sighed loudly. “The point is who cares? Stephen is completely exaggerating. I doubt he’s younger than Daniel. You were due a little fun, so don’t beat yourself up about it. Age is just a number, right?”

“No, Perry, it’s not.” My stomach tightened. I couldn’t explain the turmoil going on down there, but this was hitting me hard.

She took one look at me and gave me a big hug. “Oh, Jills, what are you going to do?”

“I’m not going to do anything. It happened. It’s over. I may not be experienced in ‘wham, bam, thank you ma’ams,’ but I think I’m experienced enough to handle this.”

It was one time. Chase is legal. He is definitely not a virgin. And I am never making the same mistake twice.

It was one time.

One. Time.

Lunch?

I typed off a quick reply to Perry:Can’t. Swamped today.My stomach roared so loud I worried Mr. Swanson heard it on the other end. He was either going to sign or not, but he was taking his sweet time letting me know the answer. I was starting to think he just liked hearing my voice. Or making me squirm.

I can bring over Angelina’s?

Oh, my God, I loved her.I would be forever in your debt.

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