Page 39 of Next in Line
“Yeah, I get that.”
“So I was wondering if you could check in on Meg?”
My body tenses with his very innocent request. “Check in on her?”
“Yeah, stop by with some soup for her tomorrow maybe. Make sure she doesn’t need to see a doctor or something.”
“You want me to bring your sister soup?” I ask for clarification because I’m a guilty motherfucker.
“Yeah, man. I wouldn’t ask, but she’s my baby sister, ya know? I normally watch out for her, but I can’t, so I’m hoping you can.”
I pull my lips into my mouth and exhale through my nose before replying. “I can watch out for your sister, Miles.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, hating that I’m keeping this secret from my best friend, but I also made a promise to Maggie that I can’t break. “I’ll check in on her tomorrow.”
“Awesome, you’re the best. We’ll be home Sunday afternoon, so depending on how she’s feeling, you might need to go back Sunday morning. That cool?”
“That’s cool.”
“You’re a great friend, Sam, you know that? I know I’m a shitty one these days, but you’re a great one. I really appreciate it.”
My head bows in shame.You wouldn’t think I’m a good friend if you knew what I did last night while picturing your sister.But of course, I don’t say that. Instead, I continue to lie to my friend and don’t mention a word about taking his sister to a secluded cabin for the weekend.I am such a fucker.
We hang up, and I scroll through the text messages Maggie and I have exchanged this past week. There are easily over a hundred. So many that I had to change her contact name in my phone from Maggie to Sparky because I was terrified she was going to text me at Tire Depot when Miles was around.
Sparky: Why can’t you tell a joke while ice fishing?
Me: Because you’re sitting beside me, and I don’t think you’re funny.
Sparky: Eye roll emoji.
Me: Fine…why can’t you tell a joke while ice fishing?
Sparky: Because it’ll crack you up! Get it?
Me: I got it, sparky.
Sparky: What do fish and women have in common?
Me: This could go so many ways, and most of the ways I have in mind are dirty.
Sparky: They both stop shaking their tail after you catch them!
Me: See? Dirty.
Sparky: That’s not dirty.
Me: It is if you’re in my head.
@Sparky:?
Sparky: Where do football players go shopping in the off-season?
Me: I hope it’s not Marv’s.
Sparky: The tackle shop.
Me: Oh boy, just when I thought these were getting better.
Sparky: My ex didn’t think that was funny either.
