Page 113 of Return Policy
“Could you just give us a minute?” Jake says in an annoyed tone.
“Why are you such an asshole?” I don’t know why I’m being so damn mean, but I can’t help it. I’m seeping with anger, rage, and sadness from today’s already exhausting events. “And no, he doesn’t need to give us a minute.I want him here.”
Jake lets out a shaky breath, wiping a tear off his face. “I’m just trying to look out for you, Bug.”
“Well, I’m going to date who I want to date,” I tell him, and Elijah squeezes my shoulders.
“I just hope for your sake he’s nothing like his brother,” Jake says calmly, giving Elijah the once-over.
“Well, if Cole’s anything like Elijah, then you must not know him as well as you think you do,” I say.
Jake huffs out a sarcastic laugh. “Yeah, that’s it.”
“I know some shit went down with you and Cole…” Elijah says. “But honest to God, the guy you’ve described and the one I know sound nothing alike. Maybe he hasn’t shown me his true colors yet, I have no clue, but… I really care about Sophia, and I just wish you wouldn’t write me off based on a family I met six months ago.” Elijah’s heart pounds hard against my back.
“If you ever hurt her—”
“I won’t,” Elijah cuts Jake off, staring at him intently.
“Anyone want some pie?” Leah asks, coming into the kitchen.
32
ELIJAH
“How was work?” I ask.
Mark and Cole came straight to the diner in full uniform, and I have to admit, it’s a little intimidating.
“Fine,” Mark replies. “What did you end up doing, Eli?”
“Went over to a friend’s house.”
“Oh, glad you found somewhere to go. Who was it?”
My heart rate quickens. Do they hate the Summers as much as it seems the Summers hate the Danvers?
Lord have mercy. Who are we? The Hatfields and McCoys?
“Sophia’s,” I reply, taking another bite of my waffle.
Mark rubs his hand over his face. “Of all the girls you could befriend, you had to choose Sophia Summers?”
“Actually… she’s my girlfriend,” I admit.
Cole lets out a rumbling laugh and shakes his head. “Good luck, little bro.”
“You're one to talk,” Mark scoffs.
“What's that supposed to mean?” Cole cocks a brow.
“You’re the one sniffin’ around amarriedbartender.”
“We’refriends, Dad. That doesn't mean I’m sniffing around anything.”
“Mm-hmm,” Mark hums, taking a bite of his eggs, and my eyes bounce between them.
“She’s having a hard time, and yeah, if she calls, I’m gonna answer. Doesn’t mean I’m looking to home wreck,” Cole says defensively.
