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Freya: I took this the night you got mega drunk at The Dive. It was sweet and, I dunno, an invasion of your privacy? *blushes* But, I thought it’d be nice for you to have

Denver: Oh, wow, I don’t remember that at all.

Freya: Picture tax never lies. I swear he held you in that swoop for a good couple minutes. Book boyfriend-tier reached, for sure. The boy’s crazy about you.

Freya: Give me some credit for figuring out that he was intoyou before you knew, huh?

Denver: I’m not saying this to be a bitch, Freya, but you deserve better than Alec.

Freya: Yeah. I figured that out recently. See you when you’re back?

Denver: Sure. Thanks for messaging and thank you for the pic. Means a lot. Happy new year!

FORTY-NINE

ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

I refuseto be happy that there are tears in her eyes when my cab pulls away from the curb.

She wants me to go as little as I want to leave, but I need her to have a great time. I need her to escape Oakwood until shit’s blown over. I need for things to settle down and to get my ducks in a row so that when she’s back, she’s ready to wear my ring.

Because fuck if being in Madrid with her didn’t make me want her to wear it.No betting required.

I turn back to wave at her, watching her watch me go.

She’s all alone.

And I hate that.

I want to be here to keep her safe but… I understand why Mel suggested this.

Denny needs this.

When she’s too far away to see, I turn to face the road.

A couple minutes later, I receive a text.

Denny: You’re officially insane.

Me: It could happen

Denny: No way your dad’s going to get fired before I’m back

Me: I know we watched the same game last night, babe

Denny: When did you even get it?

Me: The other day

Me: From that little jewelers near where you bought that shirt you like. The one that makes your tits look bangable

Denny: Little jewelers, my ass. This is Cartier!

Me: I know we agreed to no bagging and tagging while you were away but technically, you couldn’t fulfill the terms of your bet if I didn’t have a ring for you…

Denny: I repeat. You’re. Crazy. But…

Me: But?