“Oh, god.”
I tapped the screen and held it between us, saying, “Hi, Lance. How’s it going?”
“What the fuck is happening there?” he yelled. “My sister waskidnapped? And trapped in aburning building? And—”
Sunny winced. “It really wasn’t that dramatic.”
“Are you all right?” he asked her, still yelling. “I just talked to Mom and Dad, and they said you disarmed the guy who attacked you?”
“Your sister is a certified badass,” I said. “She destroyed his nose and there’s a very good chance his nuts will never recover.”
“What the fuck, Sunny?” he breathed.
“A very exciting night for the town of Friendship. They’ll mythologize this for years,” she said. “But I’m fine. Beck broke down a door—”
“Beck broke down a door?”Lance repeated, back to the yelling.
“All by himself,” Sunny said. “Wrestled the guy to the ground too.” Smiling at me, she added, “I don’t know what I would’ve done without him. I’m lucky to have him.”
Lance blew out a long breath. “Thank you for being there, man. I’m sorry I gave you a hard time about everything. You know you’re family to me and—”
“I know. It’s all good,” I said. “We’ll give you a call tomorrow, okay? It’s been a hell of a day and we’re running on fumes.”
“Say hi to Chantal for me,” Sunny said.
“Hmm.” Lance was silent for a moment. “Yeah, so, Chantal moved out months ago. That’s over.”
“And you didn’t tell us?” Sunny cried.
At the same time, I said, “You had the balls to sit there and holler at me for not telling you the minute things started with Sunny while Chantal moved outmonthsago?”
“Once again,” he started, “Chantal is not your sister.”
“You have several screws loose, Lance,” she replied.
“I just didn’t see how it was relevant,” he said. “Whatever. Okay? It’s done. Beck, thank you for being there tonight. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this but I’m happy Sunny has you to lean on. And Sunny, I don’t know where you learned how to destroy someone’s nose or nuts, but I’m damn proud of you for doing it. Even if you are with my best friend now.”
“Does that mean you can be an adult about it?” she asked.
“That depends,” he replied. “Beck, what are your intentions with my sister?”
Sunny brought a hand to her face. “No, we’re not doing this.”
At the same time, I said, “Well, I asked her—”
“Beck, stop,” she interrupted. “Lance, learn some boundaries. You are not allowed to ask aboutintentions.”
“I think I can,” he replied.
“She told you to back the fuck off,” I snapped. “Either you understand that or you don’t.”
“I understand,” he grumbled. “Somewhat.”
“Work harder at not being an asshole,” I growled.
“I know, I know. Listen, I have to go. Things are breaking all over the place here and I can’t keep my head above water. I’ll call soon. Please don’t get kidnapped again or hit by any more cars.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” she said.
