Page 35 of Return Policy
“Fine.” I roll my eyes, leaning into his touch. “Welcome to the bug gang, Honey Bee.”
* * *
“Think you’ve got Hammurabi’s Code handled?” I ask Elijah as textbooks cover every inch of our table at Burgers and Brews.
“If anyone bring an accusation of any crime before the elders,” Elijah says, holding a finger in the air and speaking in a fancy British accent, “and does not prove what he has charged, he shall, if it be a capital offense charged, be put to death.”
I rearrange my hair to one side, clearing my throat. “Excellent, Mr. Anderson. A-plus.”
“Sweet! Can I finally order my burger now?” I told him he couldn’t eat until we finished fifty flash cards for tomorrow’s quiz, and it was an excellent motivator. He juts out a pouty lip, batting his puppy dog eyes at me. “Please, Ms. Summers?”
I roll my eyes, smirking at his dramatics. “Yes, you may order your burger.” I slide over a menu, which he snatches up quicker than a fumbled football.
My phone buzzes against the table, and Jake’s face lights up the screen. I’ve been expecting his call since the fifty shades of awkwardfamily meet and greet.
There’s no doubt in my mind Leah told him who my study buddy is.
“Go ahead.” Elijah gestures toward my phone, so I answer the call.
“Hellooo, J,” I say exaggeratedly.
“Hey, Bug… You got a second to talk?”
“Yeah, sure.” I glance up at Elijah, who’s doing a shit job of pretending he’s not paying attention to me.Be right back,I mouth at him before sliding quickly out of the booth to make my way out to the sunshine.
A heavy exhale comes through the line, and I feel like I’m about to be chastised by Dad for breaking curfew. “You’re friends with aDanvers?” As much as he tries to remain calm, the frustration in his voice is obvious. “Seriously?”
“He’s not even technically a Danvers,” I clarify in an annoyed tone.
“Okay, but he’stechnicallyCole Danvers's younger brother,” Jake argues, his words laced with venom.
“Okay? And?”
Elijah watches me through the window with furrowed brows. He mouths,Are you okay? at me and I nod, forcing a smile with a dorky thumbs-up.
“And? Sophia, I’m your older brother. I’m trying to protect you.” His tone turns more sincere, and I take a deep, unsteady breath. An angry Jake I can ignore. A concerned Jake? That's a different story. “Cole is bad news and if his brother is anything like him… then, you know…”
“They barely even know each other… and besides, I’ll be friends with whoever I want,” I say firmly as my irritation grows. “Please, stop treating me like a child.”
I glance in the window and see Elijah's curious eyes locked on me.
“I’m sorry, Soph, I’m really not trying to upset you.” He lets out a frustrated breath. “Fuck… this didn’t come out right. I just know his family, and I really don’t think you should surround yourself with that type of negative influence. Okay?”
“You’re entitled to your opinion, Jacob.”
“Don’t use my name like that. You only call me that when you're mad at me or want to annoy me.”
“Your point,Jacob?” My lips unconsciously curve upwards. I know it drives him crazy.
“Sophia Elysabeth Summers, don’t make me come over there,” he says in his best Dad impersonation.
“Stop.” I attempt to maintain my composure, but a laugh still bubbles out of me. “I’m still annoyed at you.”
“And I still love you, Bug.”
I exhale heavily and roll my eyes. “Love you too, Jakey.”
“Rain or shine?”
