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***

I felt my bed sag and opened my eyes. My head was on a pillow instead of my dad’s lap.

And I knew who’d sat on the bed before she even started speaking.

“Soph?” Scarlett said.

Her worried tone made my eyes watery all over again.

There was no waking up from this nightmare.

“All the guys are working on finding him,” she said.

I didn’t respond. What was the point of finding someone who didn’t want to be found? I didn’t think I could bear facing Mr. Halifax in person just to hear his rejection out loud. I’d already heard it loud and clear. I hugged a pillow into my chest. He’d only wanted one thing from me. And I’d given it to him willingly. I’d never felt so cheap in my life.

“Sophie, please say something. We’re all really worried about you.”

I didn’t have anything to say.

“Especially your dad. I’m pretty sure he’s pacing the hallway out there. Are you going to tell him what’s going on?”

“No,” I said and sniffed.

“So you are alive,” Scarlett said.

I forced a laugh and sniffled.

The bed sagged again and I knew she’d lain down next to me.

“Please talk to me,” she said. She put her hand on my back. “Soph, you’re scaring me.”

I just shook my head and stared at the wall.

“I know how much you liked him.”

I didn’t like him. I loved him. There was a huge difference.

“And I know it hurts right now, but there are so many guys just dying to date you. Like mystery man...”

“Stop it,” I said way more harshly than I meant to.

She did. Her hand even froze on my back.

I turned around to face her. “I didn’t like Mr. Halifax. I loved him. I still love him.” Tears started streaming down my cheeks again.

“Oh, Soph.” Scarlett grabbed a tissue from my nightstand and tried to hand it to me.

But what was the point? My pillow was already wet from my tears.

She balled the tissue up in her first. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but if Mr. Halifax left after having sex with you, he’s a dick. He’s not worth your time.”

My bottom lip trembled.

“I don’t understand,” she said. “A guy can look at you wrong and you write him off for life. And Mr. Halifax had sex with you and left the state and you’re still in love with him? Screw him. If I ever see him again I’m going to slap his stupid face. You’re too good for him.”

I started sobbing again.

She blotted my cheeks with the tissue and I choked out a laugh.