Page 29

“I guess this is working for somebody,” I conceded grudgingly.

And I did have a lot of pent up…energy. It was apparent every time I was around my neighbors. Maybe this would be good for me. Allow me to relieve some tension and maintain my friendships without making it weird.

I didn’t get a chance to download the app or read any of those reviews because I got a text.

Dad:

True, this is your father, Kristopher

Soformal.As if I didn’t have his number saved.I grinned when more grey bubbles appeared.

Dad:

What’s this your mother tells me about you going on dates in Bliss Peak? I thought you were there to write a book

Me:

I can multitask, dad

Dad:

Hmm. Tell your grandparents where you are at all times. And if they try something, you know your grandmother loves getting target practice for her rifle

Good lord, the last person I wanted to think about firing a rifle was Ruby Jean St. John.

And how the hell had my mom told my dad about my potential dates so fast? I hadn’t even downloaded the app yet.

They were probably in the same room.

Shaking my head, I hugged my pillow tighter and waited for more messages to appear.

The next one that came through was from the family group chat.

Daddy:

True, when are you coming home?

Me:

When I finish my book

Daddy:

why is it taking so long?

Me:

It’s only been a month. You can just say you miss me

Mama:

He cried the first two nights you were gone

What?

Guilt made my stomach turn.

Daddy: