Page 23 of Reaching Avery
My parents had been asleep when I’d gotten home, and I saw no need to tell them about the near accident. I’d need to go to the car shop to get a new tire since the spare was only temporary. If they asked what happened, I’d tell them a short version of the story, leaving out the details of me accidentally being a speed demon.
Buzzing sounded, and I opened my eyes to see my phone light up. A text.
Chris:Hey, babe. Just wanted to say goodnight.
Guilt consumed me at seeing his message. Even though I hadn’t cheated on him, just the fact that I found another guy attractive was enough for me to feel bad, as if I’d betrayed him in some way.
Me:Hey! I’m still awake if u wanna talk. I miss u.
Chris:Nah, I need 2 get 2 sleep. Early morning. Maybe some other time.
It didn’t go unnoticed that he didn’t say he missed me too. But hey, at least he texted me goodnight first, right?
Me:Ok. Sleep well. I love u.
He didn’t respond, so I set my phone on the nightstand and punched my pillow a little to fluff it.
It wasn’t until I was nearly asleep that it occurred to me: Chris didn’t have class or rehearsals for any plays on Sundays. So what was he doing?
