“I hear the words you’re saying, but they’re not computing.”
“And it was hilarious.” I drop my voice as I approach the door. “I don’t—I wouldn’t have picked her, but chaos follows her, Arch. And I think—I think I need a little of that.”
The silence is shorter this time. “That makes unfortunate sense.”
My shoulders relax.
“Call if you change your mind and want me to pick her up. And keep her somewhere for a few weeks.”
“She says she could ride squirrels home if she needs to.”
He snorts with laughter. “That’s Daphne.”
Another bout of pride swells my chest.
Thatwasn’tDaphne making a joke about squirrels.
It was me.
Look at that.
I can be funny.
And I’ve needed that too.
I approach the elevators. “Have to go. She doesn’t know I have a phone, and I need to make sure she’s not using the landline.”
“Be safe.”
Be safe.
That’s the last thing I’m doing.
With every aspect of my life.
10
HE’S VERY INCONVENIENT FOR A CONVENIENCE STORE HEIR
Daphne
I’m not tryingto bait Oliver by lounging on his bed and eating Lava Cheese Puffs when he returns from grabbing his bag, but it’s very clear that irritating him is exactly what I’m doing.
Let’s be real though.
I irritate him by breathing.
I scoot to one side and gesture to the other. “Look. I found the reality TV channel. Have you ever watchedRomance Castle? They drop two dozen men and women into a run-down castle somewhere in Europe and see who runs out screaming first. Usually they’re haunted and the electricity never works right and you never know what kind of animal will break in and freak them out.”
He stares at me like he can’t decide if I’m messing with him on purpose or not. “If you made any phone calls, I’ll see it on the bill.”
“Dude. I’m not making phone calls. I’m an irresponsible brat who’s gonna love all of the attention I get when I show back up at home after everyone thinks I’ve gone missing and died.”
Why am I like this?
Why?
I don’t want to be an asshole, but Oliver looks at me and issues an order, and I answer in my favorite way without thinking.
