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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Lisina Coney
Read between
September 24 - September 24, 2024
“Don’t throw such baseless, cliché accusations at me just because I don’t want us to get back together,”
“You know firsthand how hard I worked before Reed ever came into the picture. If you’re trying to make me give you a second chance—which won’t happen—this isn’t the way.”
“Whatever,”
“You’re sleeping with him, which is why you don’t want to sleep with me. I get it, babe. You’re not a cheater. Your secret’s safe with me.”
“Oliver.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m not sleeping with anyone. And I’m most certainly not sleeping with a professor.”
“Your secret’s safe with me,” he repeats, ignoring every single word I’ve just said. “Just be careful, yeah? Rumors spread like wildfire on campus.”
“All right. I’m out.”
“Take care, Oliver. And don’t contact me ever again.” He doesn’t look at me, his gaze lost on the coffee table as his joint burns. “Sure.”
Is that concern about my dating life I detect, Dr. Abner?
Yes, it is. Answer my question.
Bossy much? Now I don’t want...
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L...
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said no. Happy?
Very.
Why?
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Because you deserve the fucking best, an...
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Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your tire comment, little criminal. I’ve got a new assignment for you.
Uh-oh…
You’re coming to a boxing les...
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“Eyes on me, little criminal.”
“Do my other hand? Please?” I’m not above begging him for it. He sends me a look. “You’re capable of doing it yourself.” I bat my eyelashes at him. “I’ve also had a very long day and would appreciate a little spoiling.”
“I’m surprised Reed agreed to take her in after—” Liam’s words come to an abrupt stop, as if he had just realized he’s not allowed to finish that sentence.
“He’s a busy man. I didn’t think he’d have the time for a puppy.” I’m surprised Reed agreed to take her in after… After what?
“Why not you?” Melody chimes in.
My smile wavers. “My internship ends tomorrow.”
“You’re leaving?” Melody shouts. “But you can’t!” “Don’t tell Reed, but you’re much cooler than him,” says Cameron. “Lila, you need to stay.” “You can’t do this to us!” “Ike will cry when we tell him.” “Will you come visit us?”
“Of course I will.”
“Thank you so much for coming today. I hope you learned something new. And remember, if you ever have any questions about this or anything else, the youth center is a safe place to ask them. You’re free to go to the common room now.”
“That was…” He shakes his head, making my still-aching heart jump. “I couldn’t look away from the screen, Lila. Don’t ever doubt you’re a natural.”
“You were watching?” “We both were.”
“Mom? What are you doing here?”
“I’m so proud of you, Li.”
“My internship ends tomorrow, but I’d like to come back as a volunteer if there’s a spot for me.” He throws me a wink. “I thought you’d never ask.”
It finally happened—I almost killed her. It was inevitable, given the DNA weaving through my veins. For as long as I live, I will never get Ginny’s choking sounds out of my head.
She’s here. Everything will be okay. She breezes past me and crouches next to Ginny’s bed. “How are you feeling, sweet baby?”
wasn’t your fault. She’s okay now.” Her voice is gentle as she adds, “You’re taking great care of her, Reed.”
“I should’ve been more attentive. She shouldn’t have been unsupervised for so long.”
The sharp pain of my father’s belt hitting the flesh on my back again and again. My mother watching her husband abuse her son and not doing shit about it.
“Where did you go?” she whispers, her thumb painting circles on my stubble. I don’t tell her where my mind just dragged me because I can’t. Her pity isn’t something I need or want. “Reed.”
“I can tell you’ve been carrying some type of burden for a long time. You don’t have to keep doing it anymore, okay? You’re not alone, Reed. I’m here. I’ll always be on your side.”
But this is Lila, my Lila, and she makes me want to bare my soul in a way I never thought I’d be capable of.
“I had a dog when I was a kid. Her name was Daisy.”
“She was my best friend. My only companion. When my parents argued so loudly I couldn’t sleep, she cuddled up with me and made everything less painful.” Lila’s smile is sad. “I bet she loved you very much.”
“That’s what I thoug...
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“Until she disappeared one day. Left wit...
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“My parents said she’d run away because I didn’t take good care of her, so she stopped loving me. I never saw Daisy again. For years, I believed my parents. I didn’t think I was capable enough to take care of anything or anyone. I understand now that it wasn’t my fault, but I’ve never been able to close that wound. I don’t fucking know why.”
“Oh, Reed. You were a baby back then. There’s no way taking care of a dog was your sole responsibility.”
“The most logical part of me knows. The heart is another story.” “Your parents made you believe Daisy ran away because of you?” “My parents beat me up until social services put me in foster care, Lila.”
As soon as she blinks away the first tear, I feel like an asshole. “I’m sorry,”
“I shouldn’t have been so abrupt. Please don’t—”
