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Seren’s as cute as ever.

“What is this?” Jake says. “Like anyone wants to go back every Sunday.”

Only, I can tell by his half-smile that he’s as happy about it as I am. I start texting right away. SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS.

Jake’s head whips sideways. “Hey, now. You’re not fighting fair.”

“She said first request gets picked first.” I shrug. “Snooze and lose.”

For someone who said he doesn’t want to go back, his fingers sure fly over the front of his phone. THAT PASTA IN A GLASS DISH WITH THE SUNDRIED TOMATOES.

Now I’m laughing. “For the love, Jake.”

“What?” he asks. “No one else makes it like that.”

“It’s because Seren made that up with whatever ingredients she had in the fridge.”

“She made it every week after that for two years,” Jake says. “I know she can make it again.”

“She calls it Jake’s Pasta Casserole, you know,” I say. But that reminds me to ask. . . CAN WE BRING PEOPLE?

IF WE CAN’T, Emerson texts, I’M NOT COMING. :P

“They are joined at the hip now,” Jake says. “Pathetic.”

“That’s kind of what marriage is, dummy.”

“Who did you want to take?” Jake frowns. “That annoying Easter guy?”

“You know it’s Easton.”

“I thought after that video, you two would be done.” He plonks at the keys on the piano, making a terrible noise.

“Stop.” I drop a hand on his. “My ears.”

He turns, his eyes intent. “I’m serious, Hornet. Are you still going to date him?”

The question surprises me. “I mean, I don’t love that he’s in the public eye, and my grandfather says Ihaveto stop seeing him right away.” I roll my eyes.

“You won’t date anyone who’s a public figure, right?” He’s staring at me in a weird way. “You always said that. Always.”

“That was always Grandfather’s thing, but I’m beginning to wonder why I have to listen to him. I’m an adult, and I’m old enough to make my own decisions. It’s not like he can take me away from Dave and Seren anymore.” My laugh’s bitter. “Even now, I can’t quite bring myself to call them Mom and Dad without correcting myself, at least, not unless I’m talking to Emerson.”

“He always called them that so easily.” Jake sighs. “But I think your grandpa might have been right about Easton.”

“Why don’t you like him?” My brow furrows. “I thought you were kidding at first, but you really do seem to hate him.”

“It’s not that I hate him.” Jake looks back down at the piano keys. “It’s just that. . .” He drops his voice until I can barely hear it. “I hate thatyoulike him.”

“Why?”

He turns slowly, his eyes blazing. “Because I’m in love with you, you idiot.”

I laugh. I can’t help it. It’s ridiculous. “Jake.” I swat at his shoulder.

But he catches my hand. “And that, that reaction’s why I’ve never told you.”

I yank my hand away and slide to the edge of the bench. “Stop it.”

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