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It was. Then again, every time I saw her was torture.

“It’s what I deserve.”

I didn’t let myself look away, forcing me to see the consequences of my actions. The entire time I was here, this would continue.

And it wouldn’t be enough for what I’d told her and what I’d actually done with my life.

5

JADE

Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch

Jackie Anne: Just did this amazing hair!

Comments:

Atticus Thompson: Jackie, you never advertise.

Jackie Anne: This one’s an exception!

Jade Clark: You can see it in person if you come to the bar right now. I’m running out the door as I type this!

Kerry Winsor: Dammit! I NEED childcare tonight. Any takers???

Grace Day: Do NOT stalk her.

Kerry Winsor: Don’t tell me you wouldn’t if you were in my position.

Kerry Winsor: @everyone PLEASE! I NEED HELP!!!

“I really believe investments are the future.” The man in front of me was talking and I was struggling to listen.

Investments? Really? That’s what he was talking to me about?

It would be my luck that the random man I found for revenge turned out to be a dud.

Story of my fucking life.

Everything else tonight had gone to plan. I’d dolled myself up in record time the second I saw Gabriel leave his place, and my hair was still looking incredible from when it was done by Jackie.

Gabriel was still here, and there was no way I was letting him know that this man wouldn’t be touching me with a ten-foot pole.

The whole point was to make him jealous.

And it was working.

His tense posture was obvious from a mile away. I knew that expression he had when I walked in. He expected me to walk over to him. And I couldn’t lie, it was tempting. I still wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to ask him what he’d been up to or if I should go straight for the balls, but I knew he wasn’t getting a moment of my attention.

“So, do you always have your hair so . . .” The guy gestured. “Fun?”

I knew what this was code for. Sometimes, people meant fun as unusual. And I was. It was one of the things I would never let go of. Even if people in town were different, I knew I was accepted.

Sometimes, these guys couldn’t hide their distaste for long.

It was just another tick in the hell no box on this guy.

Gabriel was still watching, so I gripped my drink tighter to prevent myself from dumping it over this idiot’s head, and smiled.