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“Fuck off.”

“Just looking out for you, bro.”

I'm about to tell him to mind his own fucking business too when I see the look on his face.

He's not teasing anymore.

“Don't.”

“You okay?”

“Yep.”

Dex looks at me, then follows my gaze.

Nora is ankle-deep in the water now with Lexy and Chiara, laughing as the three of them try to dodge a wave.

Fuck, she's happy here.

I've never seen her like this before.

“J.”

“Don't.”

He looks back at me. “You gonna tell her?”

“No.”

“Ever?”

I look at her again. She's laughing so hard now she's holding on to Lexy, her wet hair blowing around her face.

Happy.

“What for?”

Dex is quiet.

“She's getting better,” I say. “I'm not fucking that up because I caught feelings.”

“And what about you?”

I shrug. “What about me?”

His jaw tightens. “You're allowed to want things too, J.”

“I know.”

“Doesn't sound like it.”

I look down at the sand between my feet.

“She loves him.”

“I know.”

“He was my best friend.”