“Yeah, yeah,” I took my mobile and turned it on.
As it rebooted, I spotted the text.
ÄLSKLING
So, I got dragged to this charity thing. I’m up in the stands. Plz ignore me.
I panicked, waking from my stupor. Feverishly, I texted.
ME
I swear I didn’t know you were here. I am so sorry you had to sit through that with your family.
ÄLSKLING
Well, I think Keir never wants to look at me again and Ingrid thinks it’s the most romantic, badass thing ever. Nate is oblivious, as are my parents.
I sighed in relief. It meant her older brother wouldn’t dare talk about it and her parents remained in the dark.
ÄLSKLING
You killed it, by the way.
ME
I am only hoping I didn’t kill any chance with you.
ÄLSKLING
Well, I was going to tell them about us tomorrow, but I definitely need that memory to subside a bit.
I snickered and breathed relief. She had a plan to tell themand wasn’t about to do it when my words were still so close. We’d get there.
ME
Yeah, perhaps?
ÄLSKLING
I am so fucking proud of you, baby.
Her words caught me by surprise. She wasn’t angry. She just loved me. Her parents didn’t hate me, either. If she was concerned, she wouldn’t have joked about it or shifted to praising me. We were okay.
ME
Thanks. I am trying not to worry too much about your family hating me now. Why did they drag you here?
ÄLSKLING
It’s my birthday tomorrow. I suspect Ingrid planned this as a way to have fun. She can never just stay out of things.
I panicked for another reason and turned to Alicia.
“What the fuck do I buy her for her birthday? It’s her fucking birthday. Oh my God, I need a present!”
“Calm down. There’s no way you can get her anything truly special that she doesn’t already have,” Clarice said. “That could take the pressure off?”
“Not helpful,” Barry said. “Who pissed in your bloody Cheerios?”
