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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Lisina Coney
Read between
September 24 - September 24, 2024
“Are you fucking kidding me, Lila?”
few months ago, I saw an opportunity for a summer internship at a children’s camp for aspiring youth counselors. I would’ve had the chance to work under the supervision of real counselors and help kids, but you know what I did instead?”
“I told Oliver about it, and he said I worked too hard and he deserved to spend a summer with me. We’re only young once, he said. And I passed on the internship like an idiot. I gave up on an opportunity that would’ve helped my chances at getting my dream job after graduation. But the thing is, I can’t graduate this upcoming December without having done an internship—I’m sure you’re familiar with the university’s policy—and I can’t find one. That’s what I get for being a tire-slashing vandal, I guess.”
“I have many interests and great organizational skills. Why would I force myself to fit one box when I can do it all?”
😍❤😭⭐
“We are currently understaffed, so trust me that you wouldn’t be taking anyone’s place.”
You’ll also need to pass a background check and obtain a fingerprint clearance card—two things I can’t just hand out to you.”
Why is Dr. Abner holding the flashlight at the end of the tunnel I’m in?
Ahhhh
Because something in my chest opens and tightens at the same time. And then that something sparkles, then burns, then erupts. The light Mom always talks about. I’m not a spiritual person, but I recognize the passion sizzling in my chest for what it is—a calling. My calling. The place where I’m meant to be right now, the path I’m meant to follow.
Reed is an excellent professional, and he’d love to supervise such a bright student as you are.” The air whooshes out of my lungs. Reed.
Dr. Abner’s woodsy scent fills my nostrils as I pass him on my way to the door, and I swear my knees buckle a little. Get a grip.
“Are you done ogling dear Lila?”
“Don’t say that. It makes me sound like a creep.”
I watched you grow up into the man you are today, Reed. You’re many things, and a creep isn’t one of them.”
“Will you run them over with a car, too?” He shrugs. “If I have to.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t mind going to jail for my sister.”
I suggested it first. It was during a moment of weakness—after a few glasses of whiskey at a social gathering neither of us wanted to be at, but Grace had been invited—and Cal, who was very sober, never let go of the idea of tattooing me.
We don’t even have a sketch, man.
Throw some ideas and give me twe...
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“Are the vegetables trying to communicate with you? Should we hold a séance?” I try not to smile, making a point to glare at him. “Go ahead. See if we can contact your dead sense of humor.” He barks out a laugh, my mother joining him. “I probably deserved that one.” “Only probably.”
“Stop it, Cal,” my mom scolds, but her eyes are smiling. “Let her talk.” He throws her a wink. “Whatever you want, sunshine.”
I love them😭
Gag.
“Reed? But that’s good, isn’t it?”
“Did I miss something? Do we not like Reed now?” “Yes, honey, we still like Reed.”
Her gaze drops to my mouth for a second, making my heart leap with momentary lust—an
“Thank you for talking to me tonight,” she says in a quiet voice. “And I’m sorry I wasted your time.” “Talking to you is never a waste of time, Lila.”
“Dr. Abner!” That voice. “Wait!”
“Don’t go yet, please,” Lila says, out of breath, as she finally reaches me. “What is it?” I look behind her, alarmed. “Did something happen?”
“One last thing, little criminal,” I add under her attentive gaze. The nickname slips out, and for a moment, I’m afraid I’ve fucked up. But then she gives me a curious, amused look. “Yes?” “Call me Reed.”
I’m twenty-four,
I’m thirty-five.
“It’s okay to not know things and make mistakes. You’re not dumb by any means. A dumb girl wouldn’t ask for help like you just did.”
😭⭐
Today, I’m tired of feeding my inner demons. Today, I choose to let the light win.
⭐⭐
that the concept of a family was so fucked up to me, starting one of my own felt more daunting than it should.
“Don’t lie to me, little criminal.”
“I’m not lying, Dr. Abner,”
“Dr. Abner? Gave up on Reed already?”
“Dr. Abner is your name.” “I told you to call me Reed. Which is also my name, by the way.” “Doe...
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“Or should I call you Professor Hotshot too? Since that’s what they call you on campus. But I’m ...
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“If you’d rather call me Professor Hotshot instead, by all means, go ahead.” “I think Professor Bossy suits you better,”
“I’m not bossy,” I say, knowing damn well that’s a lie. “Professor Control Freak, then?” This girl.
me how I’m bossy, then.” “That right there.”
“You could have said, ‘Dearest Lila, would you please give me an example of my bossy tendencies, if that’s not too much of an inconvenience for you? Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’”
That night at the awards ceremony, when I didn’t want to talk, and you gave me no choice but to bare my soul to you.”
“No relationships for you ever again, then? Seems a little drastic.”
“What’s the point? No offense, but men aren’t worth it. I’d rather focus on my career,”
“I gave up something I really wanted for a man once, and it w...
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“I did not call you names.” I arch a questioning eyebrow. “Well?” “See, you’re being bossy again.” “Don’t change the subject.” “Then don’t be so bossy.” I’ll show you bossy.
“Lila.” “Reed.” “Nice to see I’m Reed again.”
“Reed, it’s Cameron,” she says, breathless. “He just punched another kid in the face.” Fuck.
“He got into a fight with Sean because he made fun of Melody. Not the first time it’s happened, either, but this time Cameron did punch him. Kelly went to the infirmary with Sean.” “He kicked me first,”
