Page 150 of Taeja

“Anything.”

She told him then asked, “Do you think she’ll like it?”

“I don’t know. You know how she is.”

“I told her shehasto accept my gift.”

He chuckled. “Good luck with that. It’s a great idea, though. I’ll tell my dad, then get back to you.”

“Thanks, Mason.”

“Later—”

“Wait,” she rushed out, and he urged her to speak. “Is it true that your frat eats soggy cookies?”

Mason choked. “Who told you that?”

Taeja grinned. “Someone.”

“Yes… Sometimes,” Mason said awkwardly.

“Did you—”

“No,” Mason rushed out. “They didn’t do it the year I joined.”

“Sure.” Taeja ended the call with a laugh, which got wiped away when she saw the new message from Cassedi.

I didn’t have a choice.

There’s always a choice!

You CHOSE to leave me!

It’s not as simple as you’re making it seem, baby girl.

Nuh call me that!

You don’t get to. Not anymore.

Can I call you?

Taeja faltered.

Should she?

It’d be nice to hear her mother’s voice.

Was Cassedi still a fast talker? Did she still chew her lower lip while waiting for the other person to finish speaking?

Taeja sighed, rereading the text while thinking of what to do.

Hearing movement in the kitchen, she smiled and decided she’d deal with Cassedi later. Turning off the TV and slipping her phone into her pocket, she tiptoed to the kitchen. Zain was by the fridge, chugging from a water bottle like his life depended on it. Taeja quietly stood there, waiting for him to turn around and be surprised by her—

“Yes, Taeja?” Zain said, and she frowned.

“You’re not shocked?”

“About?” he asked, facing her.

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