“Okay, yeah, I will.” I exhale. “Take care. And come to Windy Harbor soon. Your visit at Christmas wasn’t long enough.”
“Will do. Take care, man.”
Throughout the night while I’m working, I’m divided. I finally have permission from Jackson to be involved with Juju. But he has no idea of the ways I think about being involved with her.
If he knew, he’d be the one throwing punches.
CHAPTER TEN
LITTLE SIS
JULIANA
Past: Juju, age 15, Camden, age 17
Caramel dripped down the side of the bowl, and I caught it with my thumb, then tasted it.
“Oh, that’s good,” I said to myself.
A noise in the doorway made me look, and it was Camden.
I sighed. He wasn’t so bad when he was alone, but around my brother was another story. I looked up again, and it was just him. I was glad I’d worn this outfit and not my Strawberry Shortcake pajamas that I’d almost kept on. Not that I cared what he thought, but at least I knew I looked cute.
“What are you making?” he asked softly.
“Stroopwafels.”
He stepped closer. “I’ve never had one.”
“Try it. They have caramel inside.”
“I like how they look.” He came over to the island and towered over me.
My dad asked him how tall he was the last time he came over, and when he said he was six four, I couldn’t believe it. Jackson wished he were as tall as Camden, but he was still tall too.
He picked up a stroopwafel and took a bite. He chewed slowly, nodding slightly, like he was taking in all the flavors. As much as he frustrated me, I enjoyed the way he appreciated food.
“Delicious,” he said.
I glanced at him to see if he was joking at all. I could never tell anymore.
“Thank you,” I said when he seemed genuine.
“Hey, shorty.” Jackson walked in and put his arm around my shoulder. He grabbed a stroopwafel without asking. “I like these!” he said. “Two thumbs up.” He frowned when he looked down at me.
“What?” I asked.
“What are you wearing?” he asked.
I made a face. “Leggings?”
“Has Dad seen you in those?”
“No, and I don’t see what the big deal is.”
“At least they’re not as thin as Devyn’s.” He looked at Camden and laughed. “I saw her ass crack the other day, man.” He looked at me again and narrowed his eyes. “It’s a good thing you don’t have boobs. Dad would never let you leave the house if you did.”
“Jackson!” I elbowed him, and he doubled over, laughing.
