“Anyway, he wanted to hike this dumbass trail in the dark to make sure he was prepared for night hiking. Which you apparently have to do in the desert in California, if you want to make the right amount of miles in a day, because it’s too hot to hike all day during actual daylight. Did you even hear that sentence, London? Did you hear howridiculousit sounded?”
“So you went with him to convince him how ridiculous it is.”
“Exactly.”
“Is it working?”
There was a pause. London could practically hear Julie’s scowl.
“No. He is having agreat time.”
“Hey, London!” Ben shouted into the phone.
“You know what Ben was just telling me before you called?” Julie cut back in. “That we’ll have to check for ticks when we get back in the car.Thisis why the best sports are played indoors.”
While London had focused on music in middle and high school, Julie had been a star basketball player. She still refused to believe any other physical activity compared.
She was also over-the-top, exasperatingly protective of the people she loved.
God, London really missed her.
“You should probably go then, so you can get back to the car before the park closes. I can call later.”
“Shut your face. We’re like ten steps from the car. I can talk.”
“So Iwon’thave to report your missing body to the police.”
“You know who hangs out in parking lots of creepy parks late at night, London? Creepy people. We’re not safe yet.”
London heard the beep of Ben’s car door.
“Okay. So we’re safe now. You know, unless there are ticks up my ass ready to give me Lyme disease. I’ll keep you updated on that.”
“Great. Can’t wait.”
“What’s up?”
London sighed. They would actually be entirely pleased to keep talking about Ben’s PCT plans, but they had to stop being a coward and talk about this.
“So the first episode ofChef’s Specialairs tomorrow.”
It wasn’t a good sign that they heard Julie sigh.
“No shit. But yeah, about that. Wait—you didn’t get kicked off or something, did you?”
“I wouldn’t be allowed to tell you, technically. But no, I’m still here.”
“Of course you are. Good. Okay, so have you talked to Dad yet?”
London winced. “No.”
“Listen, London, you should do that. Because Mom has sort of organized a big watch party at the house. She’s having it catered and everything.”
London groaned.
This meant that half of Nashville would be tuning in, together, in the living room where London was raised.
London shouldn’t have been surprised. Of course their mom would organize a watch party. She loved her kids, and she loved an event.
