“You’re my friend. You saved my trees, you made the presentation possible, and I let my father dismiss you like you were nobody.” Reed’s voice gets quieter. “I’m sorry.”
The apology hits harder than I expected. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
Reed is quiet for a long moment, watching Chiron munch contentedly on his carrot. “Because when my father talks, I turn into a twelve-year-old kid who just wants his approval. Even when I know he’s wrong.”
I think about my own mother, the way I avoid her calls and change the subject when my sisters bring her up. The way I’ve never once told her exactly what I think of her parenting choices, even though I’ve rehearsed the conversation a thousand times.
“Yeah,” I say. “I get that.”
My phone buzzes with a text, and I pull it out absentmindedly.
EDEN
How did the hoof visit go?
I glance at Reed, who’s still feeding Chiron carrots like they’re old friends.
ME
All good. Animals passed inspection. Reed showed up and somehow charmed the devil donkey.
My phone immediately explodes with responses.
EILA
Reed was there??
EVA
Wait, Chiron LIKED him???
ESTHER
That donkey hates everyone except you
EILA
If Chiron approves, that’s basically a divine sign
EDEN
Animals can sense people’s true nature
EVA
Plus, he gave you a Christmas ornament yesterday and bought you warm nuts??
I stare at the screen, heat creeping up my neck. My sisters have apparently been discussing my love life without me.
It’s not like that
EDEN
Sure it’s not. Question: is he still coming to the cookie exchange?
I look up at Reed, who’s completely absorbed in scratching Chiron’s ears. The donkey is practically purring.
“Reed?” I say before I can lose my nerve.
