Feminine, but screams of ‘I mean business.’
I run back to the living room and snatch my phone from the kitchen table.
Three minutes to spare.
My fingers fly on the screen as I shoot Keira a quick text.
Michaela
I have to run out. I’ll be back early evening.
Keira
What’s with you today? It’s like in those old-time cartoons when the Tasmanian devil enters the scene in a tornado swirl. You’re like a whirlwind––In. Out. In. Out.
Michaela
Phoenix and I have to put our heads together to figure out how to manage the media. It’s far more civilized to do this over lunch.
There’s more to it, but Keira doesn’t need to know. Not yet, anyway.
Keira
You two hit it off?
Yeah, like a meteor hits earth at lightning speed before crashing in an explosion of fragments, causing devastation in its wake.
Michaela
You’re reading into things. There’s a lot to talk about. A face-to-face is easier.
Keira
How was the conversation with your dad? Is your stepmom behind this fiasco?
Michaela
I have to go.
Keira
When do I get the full story?
Michaela
Later. I promise.
Keira
You better.
Michaela
You have my word.
Keira
So you’ll spill your guts to pay for your dinner?
