#Chapter44 PARTY AND GIFTS

“Happy birthday, Riley,” Jacob said, handing me a photo frame.

“Thank you. Jacob.”

“Use this frame to save the memories of you and Ryder,” he told, silently with a grin.

“Why do you call her Riley? It’s new to me. I never used this name as a nickname.” My mom asked Jacob eagerly.

“Well, I combined Ryder and Emily’s names. I ship them. I hope you aren’t angry about it, Mrs Collins.” Jacob let out the words without making eye contact with me. I tried to, but he avoided it.

“I’m not at all angry. I’m happy to hear that my daughter started dating, which she...