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“A friend.”

“Your friend just said you’re seeing him.”

“She uses broad definitions.”

“Are you dating?”

“No.”

“Have you kissed?”

My face caught fire. Patty stuffed both hands over her mouth.

“Mom.”

“How long have you known him?”

“A while.”

“How did you meet?”

“That’s… complicated.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means it’s complicated.”

“Does he know about your student loans?”

I stared at the phone.

My father joined in. “What kind of land?”

“I don’t know.”

“How can you not know?” Mom asked. “Your friend said he’s going to inherit an entire street.”

“She meant community property.”

“What community?”

“A private one.”

“Is it gated?” Dad asked.

Patty collapsed against the couch.

“How serious is this?” my mother asked.

“It isn’t serious.”

“But you’re seeing him.”

I groaned. “I’m not seeing him.”

“Then why did Patty say you were?”

“Because she’s unwell.”