Page 64 of My Favorite Bad Decision
He sets his book on the table beside him. “Just get it over with. You know there’s a pit in your stomach wondering what they’ve said.”
I suppose that, as much as I’d like to continue pretending the situation doesn’t exist, I can’t pretend forever.
I go to my room and retrieve the phone. When I turn it on, I have two hundred texts and the battery’s at twenty percent.
“The battery’s really low,” I say as I walk out, hoping he’ll let me off the hook.
He scoots over and pats the space beside him. “Kit.”
By which he means…it’s not that low. Stop making excuses.
I slide into the space he’s vacated and swallow as I pick up the phone again and open my messages. Some of the texts are just from my friend group, the regular slew of memes and articles.
But there are dozens from Maren and dozens from my mom and several from Blake’s mom and his sister.
I open them in order ofleast likely to be furioustomost, beginning with my dad.
Dad
You’d better write them. I’m worried Maren’s going to contact the FBI.
I told them I heard from you. Maren did, in fact, call the police. She also told them your apartment appeared to have been ransacked, as if that isn’t its normal state.
Now they’re upset that I’VE heard from you but they haven’t, btw.
I go to Maren’s next.
Maren
Kit, what’s going on?
Look, I hate that I’m ruining this, but you’ve got to come back. Blake’s here and so is his family. He’s going to propose. Mom’s been setting it all up for the past month.
I’m freaked out that you’re not replying. Please let me know you’re okay.
I’m coming over.
I’m at your apartment. Where the hell are you? I called the police but since it’s only been a half hour and you texted earlier, they won’t do anything.
I wrote Dad. He says you’re fine. Why aren’t you answering?
There are more after that. Her feelings are hurt that she had to learn everything from Dad, and why wouldn’t they be? Since when do I confide more in him than her? I’d be hurt too.
I’m with a friend and I’m fine. Sorry about the radio silence. My phone was off and it’s nearly dead now, but I’m fine.
Maren:
Prove you’re my sister so I know you weren’t murdered or taken hostage.
You want to be peed on. It’s your secret kink.
OMG. I guess you’re alive. I hate you. Never do that to me again. Also, disloyal much? Why are you texting Dad but not me?
“Your sister wants to be peed on?” asks Miller, wide-eyed. “I…would not have guessed that.”
I laugh. “No, she doesn’t want to be peed on. I told her this story about it happening to a friend, and she literally started retching. So I bring it up when she’s annoying me.”
He grins. “Okay, now read the ones youcan’tget out of with urination humor.”
