Bad Seed

“Really?” Julie asked. “Wow, that’s crazy.”

I laughed. “Not really. Honestly, I never thought about it much until I became an adult. My mom told me when I was five, so it was just this thing I always knew. My friends came from their parents, but I didn’t. My parents chose me. In a way, it made me feel special.”

“That’s a really nice way to look at it,” Julie said with a soft smile.

“I think that’s why my parents are so hard on me,” I said. “They tried for years to have a baby of their own, but they couldn’t. So, when they got me, everything changed for them. They worry about me. They agonize over my decisions. They hover.”

Julie snorted. “Sounds like my parents.”

“Tell me more about them,” I said. I leaned forward and took a sip of my champagne.

Julie launched into stories from her childhood while I listened. We ate dinner slowly, neither of us in a rush to get home.

That night, for the first time, Julie and I grew closer. We’d been connected from the moment we met. Our physical attraction was undeniable. We could flirt and banter better than any couple. But after that night, things changed between us. Our connection deepened.

We talked about our families, our exes, our dreams. Anything and everything we could think of.

When I dropped her off that night and kissed her goodnight, it was different. That deep-seated longing was still there—my body ignited when she touched me, just like always—but there was something more beneath the kiss. Something deeper. Something meaningful.

CHAPTER 13

JULIE

Saturday was fast approaching, and I realized I didn’t have a thing to wear to Michael’s holiday party. I scoured my closet, pulling out every dress I owned. Still, I found nothing. By the time Thursday morning arrived, I was desperate for a little help.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Bethany’s number. She picked up on the second ring, her voice lively.

“Jules!” she said brightly. “What’s up?”

“Hey,” I said. “I’m heading into the city to do some shopping, you interested?”

“Hell, yes!” she said. “Just let me call the sitter.”

“You have time,” I said. “I’m not even dressed yet.”

“Take your time,” she said. “I’ll be home all day.”

“I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”

“Great!”

We hung up, and I quickly threw on some comfortable clothes. I doubted I’d be able to find a high-class boutique in Ennis. Plus, I really wanted a day out with my big sister. We hadn’t seen each other since we had dinner with our parents. It was a great reu

nion, but it didn’t give us a chance to really talk about anything.

I drove into the city, calling Bethany on the way. The route to Bethany’s house was a familiar one. She and Bryan moved into their neighborhood the week after college. They’d been there for almost thirteen years now.

As I pulled into the driveway, I remembered all the times I escaped to this house when I was younger. In high school, I would spend weekends with Bethany and Bryan just to have a break from my mom and dad. Then, in college, I used to bring my laundry over once a month. They never complained. If anything, they were both just happy to see me.

“Sister!” Bethany squealed when I let myself in the front door. “You’re here!”

“I am,” I said. She hugged me quickly and then ushered me inside.

Layla was sitting on the living room floor. A woman I assumed was the babysitter was sitting beside her, showing her different pictures in a book.

“There’s my girl,” I said. I scooped Layla into my arms and kissed her temple. She giggled and squirmed to get away.

“Put me down, Aunt Juwee!” She squealed playfully and kicked off me.