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“Come on, guys,” Dad says, calm as a leader. “Heel-toe. We’re almost there.”
“No,” I say.
The five of them look at me, Dad and John’s heads craning back.
“Connor, what’s up?” Dad asks.
I dig my shoes into the ground. “I’m not moving until Alex and Ben give me and Dana their blessing.”
Their faces twist with surprise.
“What?” Ben asks.
Across from me, Alex snorts. “We’re not giving you our blessing,” he says.
“I’m not moving until you do,” I say.
“Buddy,” Ty says. “This isn’t really the time for that.”
“He’s right,” Dad says. “Connor, we need to move.”
“No,” I say. “We need to talk.”
“Connor—”
“No.” I look at Alex and Ben, their faces identically furious. “You guys have been dodging me all week. You’re ignoring Dana, too. Now you can’t go anywhere and you will listen to what I have to say.”
“No, we won’t,” Alex says.
“What are you gonna do?” I ask. “Drop Cary Pierce?”
“Yes.”
“Alex,” John warns. “Don’t you dare let go of that handle.”
Alex sneers.
“Say what you need to say, Connor,” Dad says.
“And hurry, please,” Ty adds with a grimace. “I don’t work out anymore as much as you guys do.”
“Okay,” I agree. I adjust my grip to hold on to my handle. “I understand that you’re mad. I’m sorry for lying, but I’m not sorry for falling in love with her. I can’t help that.”
“Since when?” Ben asks.
“What?”
“Since when have you been in love with her?” he asks again.
John snorts. “Always.”
Ben squints. “Really?”
“Yes,” I say. “A lot of people knew before even I did. Our mothers had a bet about when we’d finally get together.”
Dad glances back. “They did?”
“Who won?” John asks over his shoulder.
