Page 85 of Wedge

no

she thinks I’m stressed about Miles Ferry

which I am. so it’s not even a lie. it’s just not the whole thing

yeah. That’s how it starts

that’s not very comforting

not trying to be comforting. Trying to be honest

you and Stephen are the same person

worse. we’re engaged. he asked me in hawaii

Dude! Congrats!

I’m going to tell her. After the tournament. Not before, I can’t play and do this at the same time.

fair. Playing scared is bad. Playing scared while lying is worse

Is ur dad still paying for everything

yeah

that’s the part I don’t say out loud

u don’t have to say it to me. I get it

somebody once told me some things are just gifts. Not debts. Your dad’s isn’t one of those. That’s a leash with a bow on it

ok that’s actually good

I stole it. From Stephen

obviously

text me after round one. Whatever happens. I mean it. My phone will be on

ok

thank you

seriously

go be good at golf

sends photo: a flat-brimmed cap, tilted just slightly the wrong way, a fresh line shaved into the side of his head

I picked it out myself

looking good, mohawk

We load back into the game, right at the point where Shepard has to make a call on who to save, Ashley or Kaidan, and Stephen doesn’t even hesitate.

“To hell with Ashley,” he says, already scrolling the dialogue wheel. “Kaidan, obviously.”

“You’re not even a little conflicted about this.”