Page 124

“Not as different as you want it to be.”

I pulled my knees against my chest. “Babies are fragile.”

“Everyone is. Adults just develop stronger packaging.”

I looked at her.

“That was good,” she said. “I might paint it on something. Don’t you think people would buy merchandise with the phrase Babies are fragile. Adults just develop stronger packaging?”

I hesitated. “You might want to go back to the drawing board on that one.”

Patty laughed and opened her mouth to rebut, but my phone began ringing.

I looked down and sighed.

Mom.

“Speaking of emotionally complicated family relationships,” I muttered.

Patty leaned forward immediately. “Is that your mother?”

“Yes.”

“Ooh, I want to hear.”

I scoffed. “No, I don’t think you do.”

“Your parents sound fictional. I’ve got to hear for myself.”

I picked up the phone but didn’t answer yet. “You do not.”

“I put together an entire presentation for you. Give me this.”

“This isn’t entertainment.”

Patty snorted. “It can be.”

I smirked. “Okay, but gird your loins. My parents aren’t for the faint of heart.”

Patty sat straighter and folded her hands in her lap with theatrical readiness.

I answered and turned on speaker. “Hi, Mom.”

“Sloane, finally. I was beginning to think you were screening our calls.”

Patty’s eyebrows shot up.

“I was working.”

“On Sunday?”

“Yes.”

My mother sighed. Patty’s eyes widened with immediate delight.

“Your father and I were just discussing you,” Mom continued. “Have you applied for another job at a reputable company?”

My energy dropped so quickly I could feel the difference in my posture.