Page 111 of The Bad Girl List

“I haven’t come this far to throw in the towel now,” I say with a shake of my head. “I’m seeing this through no matter what. Oh, my God, I forgot to tell you. Minnie offered to be my number ten last night!”

“No!” Annika stares at me. “Are you fucking with me?”

“I’m not. I think she was serious.”

“Oh, if she said it, she’s definitely serious. She sent me three boob shots today.” Annika grabs her phone and opens her text messages.

Sure enough, there are several boob selfies from Minnie. One of her nipples is pierced.

“I’m beginning to think she likes girls more than guys. Thomas didn’t get any boob shots.”

“Kevin texted me a bunch of times last night,” I say. “Between him and Minnie, I have plenty of options for a fling. One way or another, I’m finishing the Bad Girl List before vacation ends.”

CHAPTER 35

Pancakes

DOMINIQUE

I stay in my room the rest of the night and binge-watch K-dramas on my Netflix app. Annika brings back leftovers from dinner, a burger and fries from a local place with a coupon, of course.

When morning comes, I know I have to face my family. The prospect once would have filled me with dread. Today, I just feel resigned.

Yes, they are disappointed in me. No, they do not approve of my new job.

But for once, I’m determined not to let their disappointment steer the direction of my life. Annika is right. I have to start living for myself, not the family. It’s the only way I’m going to get my life back on track.

I’m certainly not going to spend the last two days of vacation sulking in my room. I still have a list to complete, after all.

My mom and aunties have been up for a while, moving around in the kitchen and talking. Annika is out there, too. I can smell breakfast.

Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and march out of the bedroom.

I find the four of them huddled around the kitchen table, talking to one another in low voices.

“That’s not proper language,” Auntie Dee is saying.

“Puh-lease, Mom,” Annika says. “Don’t be so old-fashioned.”

“I’m not writing that,” Mom says. “I’m sticking with the original plan.”

I clear my throat. “Morning, guys.”

They all jump and turn around, forming a wall in front of the table.

“Dom, you’re up,” Annika says. “I thought I would have to get a crowbar to pry you out of bed.”

“Yep, I’m up,” I reply. “What are you guys doing?”

Mom says, “Nothing.”

Auntie Dee says, “Go back to your room until we’re ready for you.”

Auntie Helen says, “Getting breakfast ready.”

Annika says, “Oh, my God, you guys are so lame. Dom, go back to the room. I’ll tell you when you can come out.”

“What’s going on?” I ask.

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