Me:Have you seen Scarlet and Dusty?
Dad:No, not yet.
Me:I might call them now.I’ve got the time.
Dad:Enjoy it while it lasts, hey.
I smirk and shake my head.Typical Dad.
Me:Yeah.I will.
I scroll through my contacts until I land on Scarlet’s name.
“Hey,” she answers instantly.“Oh, I miss you.Dusty.Regan’s on the phone.”
In the background, I hear a familiar little voice.
“Hi, Dusty,” I say with a smile, even though my throat tightens unexpectedly.
“Hi,” he says.
My chest aches in that sweet, familiar way.“How are you doing?Practicing your foot work?”
He gives me a high-pitched “yeah!”and then hands the phone back.
“I’m glad everyone’s doing well,” I say, trying to keep my tone upbeat.Even though hearing Dusty’s voice just reminds me of everything I walked away from.
“I hope your new job’s been amazing.”
“Yeah.It’s good.”I try to work up some of the happy response she’s expecting, but it feels a little forced.“Different, but good.”
“What do you mean?”
“Bigger, busier and…” I want to say not as friendly as Pulse Point, so I clear my throat.“Well, I just wanted to check in.See how everything’s going over there.”
“Are you missing us yet?”
“Of course,” I say, too quickly.Then softer, “I really do.”
“Oh, good.Because I was starting to think New York had swallowed you again.Too fancy now for the rest of us.”
“Never,” I laugh.“Don’t worry, I’ll call.Actually, I’m planning to come visit Dad sometime soon.Once I get a little more settled here.Might take a weekend trip.”
“That sounds like heaven.But make sure you plan it properly.I want to book us in for dinner.”
“That sounds perfect,” I say.“I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay.Bye.”
“Bye, Dusty,” I call out.
“Bye,” he calls back, muffled through the phone.
I set my phone down on the coffee table and close my eyes.
I miss Scarlet.Miss Dusty.
But if I’m honest, it’s not just them I’m missing.
