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“I...”

“You’re such a slut!”

My mom sighed like I was exhausting her.

“Scarlett,” my dad said firmly. “What is with you and that word? And would both of you stop it? Scarlett is going to sit on that couch for as long as she needs. Forever if she wants to.”

“You’re encouraging destructive behavior because you don’t want her to date anyone,” my mom said.

“Not true.”

“It is true. Sweetie, if I didn’t get out after my first casual whatever breakup, I never would have met your father. And all your friends are going to be at the party. Please just go get dressed. This could be the night that changes everything.”

“You write too many fairytales, Mom.”

She sighed.

“Ready to go?” Liam asked and walked into the room. He was dressed like a very hairy monster.

“What are you supposed to be?” I asked.

“The wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. What are you supposed to be? Wait, don’t tell me. A cat lady? No. A hermit.”

I laughed.

“Wait. A barren wench?”

I picked up a pillow and threw it at him.

He laughed and caught it in one hand. “Seriously, why aren’t you dressed?”

Liam had actually been really sweet since the breakup. He’d seen the whole thing. And he hadn’t even told my dad what Jacob had said.

“Apparently Scarlett isn’t coming,” my mom said.

“A barren wench would stay home alone,” Liam said.

I rolled my eyes.

Liam looked at my dad. “Actually, I’m not sure I really want to go tonight either. Is it okay if I stay home with the barren wench?”

I laughed.

“You boys, stop it,” my mom said. “We’re all going to the party. And you’re both going to stop coddling Scarlett. She needs to get back out there.”

I didn’t need to get back out there. I was still in love with Jacob. That didn’t just go away overnight.

My mom was usually very nice. But she was being kind of a hard ass about this breakup and I had no idea why. She’d been nice the first day. And then she just kind of flipped a switch and kept nagging my dad to force me to go back to school. I didn’t like causing them tension. But I really preferred my dad’s attitude here. And Liam’s.

“Scarlett,” my mom said firmly.

“I’m not going. But you should all go. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re okay here alone?” Liam asked.

I nodded. “Yeah, you go ahead.” It was sweet of Liam and my dad to offer to stay. But I didn’t want to ruin their nights. The Caldwell Halloween party was a tradition. It was usually one of my favorite nights of the year.

My dad kissed my forehead. “Call me if you need anything, pumpkin.”