Page 130 of Be My First

I sit down and then nudge her shoulder. “It was, but I forgive you.”

She opens her eyes. “I’m glad you’re here. I don’t know why I said that.”

“It’s okay. I know you’re still mad at me,” I say.

She shoots me a look. “What are you doing out here?”

I scoot a little closer to her. “You seem sad. You can’t be sad. It’s Christmas. You love Christmas.”

She pouts her lip. “I do love Christmas. Seth doesn’t.”

“Who doesn’t fucking love Christmas?”

She laughs. “My boyfriend, I guess. Or PDA, apparently. I’m not asking to like make out or anything.”

“Just kiss under the mistletoe?” I ask.

Her eyes flash. “You saw that?”

I nod. “Yup. Your family is intimidating. Maybe he just needs more time to warm up to them?”

“Why are you being so nice to him?” she asks.

I don’t know. “I want you to be happy.”

She gives me the saddest smile and says, “Please don’t make this any harder.”

“What?” I respond. “What do you mean?”

“Being around you. Don’t be so nice to me. It just makes it hurt worse.”

Before I can respond, she gets up and walks back into the cabin.

Bode and Juno Text Thread

Bode: Eli told me about Seth. I’m sorry.

Juno: Ha. Don’t lie. You hated the guy.

Bode: I wasn’t a fan, but I don’t want you to be unhappy.

Juno: Really?

Bode: I never wanted to hurt you, Juno. You know that. I was always upfront about what we were doing.

Juno: Okay.

Bode: Need anything?

Juno: Not from you.

Bode: Okay. I’m here if you need help.

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One month later

Juno: What’s the bestway to get over someone?

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