Page 130 of The Apple Tree

“Um, yeah. I’m here. That’s ten years.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m aware.”

“Do Mom and Dad know?”

“What do you think?”

“Are you still living at home?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Then I think you haven’t told them.”

I leaned against the side of the phone booth. “Did you know Mom was so upset over Dad kicking you out that she felt suicidal?”

“What?”

“She didn’t say those exact words, but it was implied.”

“Oh my gosh,” she whispered.

“Ask me who I love.”

“Do I want to know?”

“Did Mom tell you about the new neighbor?”

“Fred’s brother?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, it’s him.”

“Nooo …”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Yup.”

“And he likes you?”

“He loves me.”

“Oh, Eve.”

“Don’t act like it’s okay for you to fall for someone who everyone else thinks is the wrong person, but I?—”

“Eve, I wasn’t going to say that. I just feel bad for you because it sucks to have to choose between your family and the man you love. And don’t get upset with me for asking, but are you sure it’s love? Have you donestuffwith him?”

“Sex?” I chuckled because Sarah didn’t talk about sex as much as I did. “Yes. Amazing sex.”

“Are you being smart?”

“As smart as a B-average girl can be.”

“You’ve always excelled at being a smartass,” she said.

“We use condoms.”

“I don’t know what to tell you. There was a lot involved with Dad finding out about us, but when he finds out you’re sleepingwith Fred’s brother, I think it could be worse because he’stenyears older, not six. And he has a child, right?”

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