CHAPTER 42: Ellie
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Ellie was not turning around. She was done with Adrian and his jokes. She raised her hand over her shoulder and waved. “Thanks again. Bye.” She walked faster, hurrying up the stairs and praying he’d take the hint and leave. She reached for the door, but it opened before she could grab the handle.
“Ellie. You finally made it.” Her brother Robbie stood in the doorway a bag of trash in his hand.
“Merry Christmas to you too.” She gave him a half-hug, avoiding the garbage. He’d filled out so much since the last time she’d seen him. He looked like a man now, no longer a gangly boy. “You look great.”
“Thanks. Been working out and...” He glanced over her shoulder, his face bunching up. “Who’s that?”
“No one. A friend.” She started to push past him.
“I think he wa
