“And rushing into things will magically fix all that?” Mom says.
“Can we not right now? Please?” Jasmine asks. “Forget I said anything. God.”
She shoves away from the table and stomps up the stairs. Mom shoots Dad a look and goes to follow her.
Dad sighs, then he gets up too, leaving his half-eaten cake behind. It’s just Amy and me. She gives me a sympathetic smile.
“Never a dull moment around the holidays, huh?”
“Guess not.”
“You ever think about doing a half-birthday thing in June instead?”
June 30th is basically July 4th, so everyone will be distracted with hot dogs and fireworks. But still, I say, “Maybe.”
Amy gives me a grin. The kettle is finally boiling, so she gets up to make tea, while my phone buzzes in my pocket. When I pull it out, I freeze.
It’s from Liam.
Happy bday!
My face heats up, and not from all the jalapeños I had with dinner.
He remembered.
Thanks!
You doing anything fun?
Had dinner with the whole family
I take it that's a no?
I snort.
“What are you laughing at?” Amy asks.
I look up, hugging my phone to my chest.
“Just texting.”
“Tell Bowie hi!”
I bite my lip but don’t mention it’s not Bowie.
I hope it's okay to text you
Why wouldn't it be?
I'm sure Jasmine told you we broke up
I hope you don't hate me
I don't. I'm sorry things didn't work out
We're cool
We were friends before and we're st
