Page 9 of Break

“Umm, yeah, I am. I’ve got to get out of here, East.” He nods like he gets it, but he doesn’t.

Rule number two. You cannot date your best friend. At seven years old, it seemed so easy, but now? Gah, I want him. But I can’t because he’s my best friend. “You like Nix?” Easton asks, his eyes full of amusement. Little prick.

“What? No. I just need to get away from here.” I flip my hair, straightening my blazer as we walk to my locker. Easton leans on the locker next to mine, studying me. He looks so much like Uncle Vince it’s uncanny. All my “uncles” are hot. Even in their old age. I would usually be grossed out, but we’re not blood-related so it’s fine—I can think they’re hot. Even Easton is hot, but gross.

“You tell Nix you’re leaving?”

“Seriously, Easton, just go. This is none of your business.” He looks hurt as he pushes off the locker and turns. “East, wait!” He throws up his middle finger at me in response.

Dammit, Monroe. Why can’t you be nice?Perfect. Just perfect. This is why I was leaving. I need space from all of this. I can’t have Nixon. This is what’s best. Once we’ve had some space, we can go back to being best friends.

My other best friend, Holly, walks up, long dirty blonde hair swaying, brown eyes judging. “All ready to go spend time helping others overseas this summer?” she asks, popping her gum.

“Yep. As ready as I’ll ever be.” I slam my locker door, joining Holly as we walk to class.

It’s almost over.

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