King:
Their loss. Sounds like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Another pause. Then—
Ivy:
You’re very good at this.
King:
At what?
Ivy:
Making people feel less like impostors.
I lean back against the couch, phone warm in my hand.
King:
Maybe I’ve had practice.
Ivy:
Doing what? Returning lost phones or rescuing stressed-out scientists?
King:
A bit of both.
She sends a laughing emoji.
Ivy:
Serious question, though. I get the feeling you’re used to taking care of other people. Do you have kids?
I stare at the screen for a second.
Kids.
That almost makes me laugh.
King:
No kids. But I have two younger siblings, and I was basically their caregiver before they were adults. I had to grow up fast.
A beat. Then another.
Ivy:
Oh. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.
King:
You didn’t. It’s just… part of the deal.
Ivy:
