Page 49 of Broken Deal

Hey, Mom. Sorry I didn’t check in yesterday. I’m in Panamá (long story, I’ll tell you later). How are you?

Mom

Hi, honey. How many times do I have to tell you that you don’t have to check in with me every day? I’m fine. And Panamá sounds lovely.

Me

Did you take your medications? Did Bailey bring you the refills?

Mom

Yes, she did. And I’m taking the medications, I promise.

Me

Did Amelia call again?

Mom

Stop worrying about your sister.

Me

I’m not worrying about her. I just want to know if you’ve heard anything else.

Mom

I haven’t. Now go enjoy Panamá. Send me pictures! I love you.

Me

Ilove you too!

Walking out of my bedroom, I bite my bottom lip as I contemplate asking her if she’s lying to me, but I think better of it. I don’t want to upset her.

Amelia went radio silent, and that unsettles me. She’s scheming something, I just don’t know what. Or maybe she got back together with Miles. I wouldn’t put it past her. Their relationship didn’t start with the greatest foundation, and it has only become more and more toxic.

I walk outside, and Lorenzo is leaning against a royal-blue Jeep Wrangler without the top with his legs crossed, wearing a pair of low bridge-fit Ray-Ban sunglasses.

“Wow, you look like a live-in Ken,” I say, my eyes roaming his outfit. I bite my bottom lip, trying my best to contain my laughter.

He takes his sunglasses off and places them on top of his head, rolling his thin, almond-shaped eyes at me. “I knew the glasses were too much,” he mutters, walking to the passenger side and opening the door for me.

The proud and stubborn side of me wants to tell him I can open my door, but I shut up instead. I’ve never had someone open a car door for me. And now I understand why women love this. You feel like you matter, even when it’s something so simple. I’ve never known what that feels like. When I was dating my ex, I was practically his mother—always the one taking care of him. I paid for the dates and helped him pay for his apartment and bills. It’s honestly embarrassing, now that I think about it. A level of pathetic I don’t want to succumb to again.

I thin my lips as I hop on the Jeep. “I think what sealed the deal were those white Converse and this.” I tap the car twice with my palm. “Groovy wheels, brother,” I say through a loud laugh, making a peace sign.

He shuts the passenger door and walks around, hoppinginto the driver’s seat and closing the door with a huff. “I’ve never wanted to flip you off so bad until now. Be glad I’m a gentleman.”

I snort another laugh, pointing my index finger in the air before replying. “You can’t handle the truth!”

He looks at me with an eyebrow raised, the one with the tiny scar that I’m dying to touch and ask what’s the story behind it. “You just quotedA Few Good Men, didn’t you?” he asks, a smirk etched on his perfectly shaped lips.

His smirk draws an earnest smile from me in return. It’s a strange feeling to smile and laugh because I genuinely want to, not because I’m trying to convince others I’m perfectly fine. My heart tugs deep in my chest. I shouldn’t get used to this. Real, heartfelt smiles have been rare for as long as I can remember. The fact he’s one of the few people who can make mereallylaugh so often should make me question. But who am I to be questioning things right now? God knows my life has been anything but ordinary lately.

Not only do we share what most people would consider one of my most annoying quirks, but it’s also turned into this little game between us—a game I probably enjoy more than I should. While I hear alarm bells around me, telling me to get as far away as possible from this situation and whatever is developing between us, I drown those thoughts instead and focus on staying in the moment. Lorenzo brings fun into my chaotic life, and it’s a welcomed reprieve.

Before I can reply, he lunges forward, closing the distance between us, and I freeze, not knowing what he’s going to do. A part of me wishes he’ll sayfuck the dealand kisses me. Instead, his hand reaches for my seatbelt. His forearm brushes my chest slightly, causing goosebumps despite the hot weather. Then he clicks the belt in place, making sure I’m secured.

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