Jack in the Box
 

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For as long as Julie could remember, Seth Bower had always been in her life. He was the best friend of her older brother, Derek. They were more like brothers than anything. When she was a little kid, Julie would follow them around, wanting to be involved in all their shenanigans. Derek would often tell her to go away, but Seth was always nice to her, much like he was now. “Did you really ditch my brother at the bar to come to get me?” Julie asked, a bit amused. “I mean, I guess you would kind of be on his shit list if he ever found out I texted you and you didn't come get me,” she added. Mainly to remind herself that Seth was only doing this out of the kindness of his heart and not because he liked her or anything. It wasn't a secret that Julia grew up having a crush on Seth, but she was convinced he could never see her more than his best friend's little sister—a nuisance.

Julie twirled her french fry around in the ketchup as she sat across from Seth in the booth. She was not at all hungry, but she ate to appease Seth. “I’m honestly relieved Derek didn't answer his phone,” Julie said, lifting her head to look at him. “I'd have to listen to him bitch the whole car ride home about how shitty William is and how I deserve better, and like, yeah, I get it, but he’s not always shitty,” Julie said as she wrestled with her inside thoughts, with a concerned expression. “He has these moments where he can be really sweet and thoughtful, but sometimes it's like a switch flips, and he becomes aggressive and mean.” Julia bit her lip, wondering if she should continue. Derek didn't even know that. The disturbed look on Seth’s face helped her decide. It was the same look her brother gave her when he noticed red flags. “He’s never touched me,” she informed him. “Stop looking at me like that.”

Not wanting to talk about her relationship anymore, Julie changed the subject. “Anyway,” she reached for her cup and pulled it towards her, “Are you still talking to that one girl?” Julie asked before taking a sip. “She was really pretty; hopefully, you didn't fuck it up,” Julie teased and accidentally hit his feet under the table when she moved hers. “Oh, my bad,” Julie smiled. “Thanks again for coming to get me and feeding me. I appreciate it.”