Page 103 of Gifts

I pull out my phone and bring up a text string that hasn’t been used in days. Specifically—five days.

Me – Hey.

I see bubbles on the screen, but they disappear just as fast. I wait, then a message appears.

Asa – Hey, baby.

I try not to let that affect me and stay on topic.

Me – If I tell you something, will you promise not to run off into the night again?

Asa – No. What’s going on?

Me – You have to promise.

Asa – So you want me to lie to you?

Me – No.

Asa – Get to it.

Whatever.

Me – Beth Thorton OD’ed last night.

Asa – The fuck?

Me – Yeah. She’s in ICU. I heard heroin, but I don’t know for sure.

Nothing. No bubbles, no hey babies, and no banter.

Me – You’re already running off looking for someone, aren’t you?

Asa – No.

Me – Oh. Good.

Asa – If I call you, will you answer? This is getting old.

I roll my eyes.

Me – I guess.

Asa – You’ll actually talk to me?

Me – Only for the fight against drugs.

Asa – I’ll take it.

No sooner do I read his last text, my phone vibrates with a call from Asa Hollingsworth.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Baby.” His voice comes at me smooth but strong across the phone. “Good to hear your voice directed at me for a change.”

I do my best to ignore that. I hate to admit it, but it feels good to hear his voice, too. “Emma’s upset about Beth. She heard about it before I did and came to me. I’m glad she did. I tried to calm her and she knows I’m here if she needs me.”

I hear him sigh over the phone. “Thanks for that.”

---