“You think I should just tell him no?”

“Yes, I do.” She nodded. “How are you going to try and see where things go with Scott, if Shane is still in your life?”

“It’s just a call.”

“It’s never just a call. You have history with him, Eliza.”

“Fine.” I grabbed my phone and shook my head at her. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Have you text him yet?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Hold on.” I sighed and then sent Shane a text. Hey, it’s Eliza. I can’t talk tomorrow after all sorry.

Shane text me back immediately. Tonight then?

No. Sorry.

Day after tomorrow.

Never, Shane. Sorry.

I have something for you.

What?

Something important. Something special.

I don’t want it.

Please Eliza!

I’m sorry. No.

Okay.

I read the texts aloud to Lacey and she groaned and jumped off of the bed. “What’s his problem? Why can’t he just leave you alone?”

“I don’t know.” I pursed my lips. “What do you think I should do?”

“I think just ignore him from here on out.” She grabbed the phone and looked at it. “What does he have for you?”

“I don’t know, Lacey. You know as much as I do.”

“I bet it’s a bloody ring.” She looked pissed. “He’s that sort of jerk that would try and propose to get you back now he knows you don’t want him.”

“It’s not a ring.” I said, but I wasn’t sure. It could have been a ring for all I knew. I sighed as I looked at her. “Why is he back in my life?”

“Because he realizes he fucked up big time and now he wants you back.” Lacey rolled her eyes. “If a guy ever does that to me, I will tell him where to get off.”

“Any guy in particular?” I teased her.

“Nope.” She said quickly, but her face went red.

“No Henry’s in your future.”

“Eliza, stop!” She groaned. “He’s an arrogant asshole.”

“And you want to do him.”

“No, I don’t.” She said, but she laughed. “Try and take a photo of him and send it to me if you see him tonight.”

“No, I won’t be doing that.” I laughed. “I’m surprised that Aiden and Alice even invited me tonight. It’s a family board game night. And they all know that I was never really seeing Aiden. It’s so weird.”

“And they still don’t know that you dated Scott, right?”

“We didn’t really date, but no they don’t know we’ve had sex.” I groaned. “Tell me again, why I’m going tonight?”

“So you can see Scott.” She laughed. “And find out more information on Henry.”

“So you admit, you like him?” I said in glee.

“I didn’t say I liked him. I just want some info.” She grinned. “Like is he single.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to come tonight?” I asked. “I’m sure Aiden wouldn’t care.”

“There is no way in hell I’m gatecrashing tonight.” She laughed. “Let’s make sure everything goes well first.”

“Thanks, Lacey.” I sighed and looked at my watch. “How do I look?” I twirled around in my new black jeans and white top and Lacey grinned.

“Very pretty. Have fun and text me when you can. I want to know what’s going on.”

“Yes, Lacey.” I laughed. “I’ll see what I can do. See you later.” I said and then hurried out of the room and out of the apartment. I was driving to Scott’s parent’s house. It felt weird to be going to an event with his family without really knowing what was going on between the two of us. My phone started ringing as I got to my car and I groaned when I saw it was Bob on the phone.

“What do you want, Bob?” I said abruptly. I still had to talk to him about my pay, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with his bullshit.

“I have a job for you.” He said sounding excited.

“Okay?”

“You’ll be a dancer for this new club Go-Go Girls.”

“A dancer?” I got into my car and frowned. “For a club?”

“It’s a strip club, but you don’t care right?”

“What?” I was starting to get angry.

“You’ll get $500 a week.” He sounded excited. “You only have to work Friday and Saturday nights.”

“What does this have to do with Candy Grams?” I said my voice rising.

“Well, I’m the lead on the job.” He sounded annoyed that I was questioning him. I listened to him going on about what a good opportunity this was for me and finally just lost it.

“Stuff that job and stuff you, Bob.” I shouted in the phone. “I’m done with you and your shitty jobs and your thieving ways. I quit.”

“Wait what, Elizabeth?” He sounded panicked.

“Seeya, Bob. Lose my number.” I said and hung up. I started laughing as I started the car. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t have enough money to pay the bills, but I’d find another job. I was so happy to finally be done with Bob. I wasn’t even sure how I’d lasted that long with him in the first place.

***

I sat at the dining room table with the rest of the Taylor family and I couldn’t believe how welcoming everyone had been. Especially Alice. Alice was surprisingly friendly and giddy around me, but I supposed that now that she and Aiden were officially together, she had no worries with me at all. I laughed at some joke Xander was making with Liv and I made sure to keep an eye on Henry so I could report back to Lacey all that I found out.