The boundary existed.
Whether I could hold it when Richard pushed was something I still had to prove.
“What happens now?” I asked.
“Now I go downstairs before my mother brings dinner up and evaluates your nutritional habits.”
“She’ll be disappointed.”
“She already thinks you travel with insufficient snacks.”
“She and Rachel could start a support group.”
“That is a terrifying alliance.”
“And after dinner?”
“I don’t know.”
The answer tightened something in my chest.
I let it remain.
Ellie touched the collar of my T-shirt.
“You noticed this.”
“Immediately.”
“You spent a long time looking at the medals.”
“I was being respectful.”
“You studied the participation award like it contained state secrets.”
“It has an unusual ribbon.”
This time her smile stayed a little longer.
“I haven’t decided whether to return the shirt.”
“Keep it until you decide.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
“I have occasional episodes.”
“Don’t overuse them.”
I hesitated.
“Can I call again?”
“Text first.”
“Tonight?”
“No.”
