Chapter 2

The messages kept coming all the way home. Eventually it was just Jenna posting concert videos.

One minute long. Two minutes. Three. Five.

I went to mute the chat, but stopped before I tapped the setting.

Please send me the money for the tickets after the show. Five floor-level VIP seats, ,250 total.

After sending that, I left the group.

Mom came straight over when I got home.

“Nora, two days ago you said San Diego was too far away. You didn't want to leave Ethan and the others.”

“We broke up,” I said quietly. “I'm done with all four of them.”

She paused for only a second before taking my hand.

“Good. I've watched them take advantage of how much you care about people for long enough. If you're sure, we'll start getting ready right now.”

I nodded.

“Let's start packing,” she said. “We can be gone by the third day. How does that sound?”

“Good.”

I felt perfectly calm. There was nothing left making me want to stay.

Mom began arranging the move, and I went upstairs to pack.

My phone rang almost immediately.

Ethan.

For once, I didn't pick up the second he called. I let it ring.

Instead, I took the thick photo album off my bookshelf.

Ethan and I were born in the same hospital on the same day. When our parents started talking, they discovered we lived in the same neighborhood, too.

They couldn't get over the coincidence.

Because of my congenital heart condition, Ethan had always looked after me. Growing up, he'd been the one who protected me.

We'd taken countless pictures and videos together. We each had three albums.

When I agreed to be his girlfriend, I thought we'd spend the rest of our lives together.

Now I knew that wasn't going to happen.

I dropped the album full of our memories into the trash.

By the time I was ready for bed, I'd gathered up every gift the three of them had given me over the years and cleared them out.

I expected to lie awake. Instead, I fell asleep quickly.

A dull thump against my window woke me.

I pulled back the curtains. Ethan stood below, holding a colorful beanbag.

I'd given it to him for his fifth birthday. I'd told him that if he couldn't find me, he could toss it at my window. I'd hear it and come look out.

He waved up at me.

For a moment, I could almost see the boy who'd promised to protect me forever.

I went out into the yard.

The first thing he said was, “Nora Bennett, what was that supposed to mean? Asking for money in the group chat?”

Caleb looked just as accusing.

“You don't need the money. You know Jenna's struggling. Were you trying to embarrass her?”

Owen sounded hurt on her behalf. “You asked for money and then left the chat. Jenna was so upset she couldn't even enjoy the concert. She felt awful all night. When we see her tomorrow, apologize. Tell her something was going on at home, you were in a bad mood, and you didn't mean it.”

It was ridiculous.

“I bought the tickets. I didn't get to go. Why shouldn't I ask to be paid back?”

I checked the time. Nearly two in the morning.

“She couldn't enjoy the concert, but you still stayed until the end, didn't you? And you took her home before coming over here to get mad at me?”

Ethan hesitated, then frowned.

“Nora, are you upset because you didn't get to go? Why didn't you say something?”

What could I have said?

Before I'd even had a chance to speak, they'd decided for me. He'd already booked the car.

“Would saying no have made any difference?” I asked.

My phone buzzed twice. Messages from Jenna.

Nora, are you mad at me? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought my coworker.

I'll apologize however you want. Please forgive me, okay?

Ethan saw the messages. He looked disappointed in me.

“It's this late, and Jenna's still practically begging you to stop being upset. And you're counting pennies. Nora, when did you become like this?”