Page 110 of The Disasters of Dating

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You know, I could start a group text if you want.

I think we are the only family in America that does not have a family group text. It’s weird. But for some reason, my dad always declines when I offer to set it up.

Dad

I don’t know. I’m fine to reach out to everyone.

I understand that. But it makes things easier if we can all see everyone’s schedule.

Dad

…

There is a great deliberation going on at the other end of this conversation. Who knew starting a group text could take so much thought?

Dad

Okay. Why don’t you set it up?

I’m stunned. He’s actually agreeing to it. It feels as if miracles are possible. Now, if only Poppy would text me, everything would be headed in the right direction.

I start a text string, adding Lowell, Evan, Shay, my sister, Alix, and her husband, Josh, and my dad all onto the same thread.

Hey everyone, Dad asked me to set up a group text (finally) so that we could arrange for dinner together before Lowell heads back to school. We’re thinking either tonight or tomorrow night.

Evan

When do you go back to school, Lowell? This weekend isn’t the best for us, but if we have to, we can rearrange some things to make it work.

Lowell

I don’t go back until a week from Monday.

Evan

So like September 8th?

Lowell

Evan

What about the 6th? I know that Keaton usually flies to Utah on Sunday nights.

Lowell

I can do the 6th.

Alix

I thinkwe can do the 6th also.

Josh

Dad

I can make that work, too.

I run a hand through my hair and grunt. Great. So I’ll be the only one who can’t do that day, which will draw all sorts of questions from everyone. Should I rebook my flight and come home for the weekend? I mean, it doesn’t look like Poppy is going to ask me. Maybe she never was going to ask me. Maybe she had thought she was texting Paisleigh. I shake my head. No, that doesn’t seem right. Why would Paisleigh need to change flights?

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