I force my tight lungs to breathe, thankful he can’t see how flustered I am. My hands tremble as I reply.
Gina
She’s in the cage with Spanky, happy as can be.
Owen
Thank you for helping with her. I really appreciate it.
Gina
Glad to do it.
Gray dots appear on the screen, floating, floating…
I wait, watching, wondering what in the world he might say and if it might be anything along the lines of,I miss you.
The dots disappear, and my throat aches. Seconds pass, and nothing happens. My stomach knots.I will not cry… I will not cry…
Then my phone lights up again, and I almost squeal.
Kim
We’ve got to do a better job with this cousins’ chat. I didn’t even know y’all were coming home until today!
I swallow the thickness in my throat, pushing those feelings away. This is a happy time, and I won’t let some guy ruin it. Even if I did agree to play his game.
Gina
I didn’t know we were coming until two days ago.
Kim
Y’all should’ve told me two days ago. Just because I’m teaching all the time doesn’t mean I get left out of the loop.
Haddy
I’m sorry, KJ! I didn’t realize how much I wanted to get married here until I did.
Mav
What does that even mean?
Knox
Girl logic. Don’t question it. Just go with it.
Haddy
That feels rude…
Sage
The stables are free if y’all want to be sure it doesn’t rain.
Gina
It’s not going to rain! I won’t allow it.
