Page 26 of Even Exchange

You’re telling me I’d have been arrested at the age of 7?

Me

Yep. You would’ve had to break your Justin Bieber piggy bank to pay bail

Charlotte

I told you that in confidence

Me

Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me

How’d the talk with your mom go?

The bubbles appear and disappear so many times I think one of her siblings may have stolen her phone. Hours pass—okay, five minutes—and her reply pops in.

Charlotte

Fine

Me

It took you five minutes to come up with “fine”?

Charlotte

Looks like it

How about you? Mama Caruso find any poor girls to help fuck up your five year plan yet?

Me

Hey, I told you THAT in confidence. Don’t go siding with her

Charlotte

You didn’t answer the question

Me

Nah, five year plan is safe

Charlotte

Where should I hide the key to your chastity belt?

My jaw clenches as I fight a smile.

Me

Keep it with your car keys

Charlotte

I would except I don’t have a car anymore

Me

---