Page 66 of Rev
“Where are you working?”
I laugh. “You’d really be better off not knowing. Just…call it a bar.”
“Abar? Really?”
I laugh again. “A real deal den of iniquity, Ana. And I love it. I’m good at it, and I’m making great money.”
She sighs. “I just pray this is a phase, honey.”
“It’s not.”
“I’ll pray it is.”
“You do that.” I make a kissing sound. “You know I love you, sis. The most. I know you don’t understand, and you’re just going to have to trust me, and give me space to do things my way for a while.”
“Love you too.” A pause. “Mike? Just don’t—”
“Ana, don’t. I don’t need a lecture. I love you. I’m going, now.”
“Fine. I’m praying for you.”
I sigh. “I know. And I’m grateful. Give everyone my love and tell them I’m doing well. I’ll try to come back for the holidays, if nothing else.”
“That long?”
“Told you, I like it here.”
“It’s him, isn’t it?”
“Honestly?” I let out a breath. “Yeah, it is.”
“What’s his name? What’s he like?”
I shake my head. “Ana, I’m not ready to talk about him. It’s so new it’s barely a thing. If it gets to a place where I’m ready to talk about him, I’ll call you. I promise.”
“You promised you’d call every day,” she says, her voice dry. “That lasted a week.”
“This promise, I’ll keep.”
“You’d better.” Another sigh. “Love you, Mikey-baby.”
I snort. “Mikey-baby. Haven’t called me that in years.”
“Yeah, well, I miss my baby sissy.”
I fake a gag. “Okay, that’s enough of that. I’m going for real. Bye.”
“Bye.”
I end the call and toss the phone on my bed.
That was rough.
But necessary. I can’t keep living my life in their little bubble. But then, I’m way outside that bubble now, aren’t I? Way.
And honestly? I like it out here.
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