Page 70 of A Real Good Lie

“You know it’s weird you don’t shower with the door closed, right?” Jace asked, tilting his neck and staring up at his friend.

“It gets too hot.”

“That’s the best part of a shower.”

Remington shrugged and pointed at the phone on Jace’s chest, finally silent. “Are you going to call him?”

Jace tapped the screen and winced.

Twenty-one alerts, all from Callahan.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“I’m sorry?” Remington suggested.

“I don’t really think I’m the one who has anything to apologize for.” He dropped the phone back to his chest.

“You do know it’s possible for two people to both do something wrong, right?”

Jace narrowed his eyes.

“Besides, if he’s so bad, then it’ll be easier for you to be the bigger person and apologize for ghosting him and be done with it.”

“I didn’t ghost him.” Jace sat up, his phone falling into his lap.

“If you don’t call him back, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.” Remington gave him a sad look, then walked away. Jace listened to his bedroom door close with a quiet click, then some classical music wafted down the hallway. Jace might have been good at picking up words from Remington, but he’d never be able to tell composers apart the way Remington could. All he could remember was the way the songs made him feel; some happy, some sad, some even scared or angry.

This one was sad.

Or maybe it was just him.

He picked up his phone and drummed his fingernails against the screen, debating what to do. After a minute, he swiped the screen open and clicked on his messages.

Callahan: Where are you?

Callahan: Jace?

Callahan: Where did you go?

Callahan: Did you leave?

Callahan: Why aren’t you answering me?

Callahan: I’m getting worried, please answer me.

Callahan: I tried calling but you didn’t pick up. Where are you?

Callahan: Sebastian and Daniella are getting a divorce.

Callahan: You probably don’t care. Sorry.

Callahan: Jace, come on.

Callahan: If you won’t pick up the phone, at least answer a text.

Callahan: Send me a middle finger emoji or something.

Callahan: I’m sorry if I said something to upset you.