Page 66 of Rev

“Where are you working?”

I laugh. “You’d really be better off not knowing. Just…call it a bar.”

“Abar? Really?”

I laugh again. “A real deal den of iniquity, Ana. And I love it. I’m good at it, and I’m making great money.”

She sighs. “I just pray this is a phase, honey.”

“It’s not.”

“I’ll pray it is.”

“You do that.” I make a kissing sound. “You know I love you, sis. The most. I know you don’t understand, and you’re just going to have to trust me, and give me space to do things my way for a while.”

“Love you too.” A pause. “Mike? Just don’t—”

“Ana, don’t. I don’t need a lecture. I love you. I’m going, now.”

“Fine. I’m praying for you.”

I sigh. “I know. And I’m grateful. Give everyone my love and tell them I’m doing well. I’ll try to come back for the holidays, if nothing else.”

“That long?”

“Told you, I like it here.”

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

“Honestly?” I let out a breath. “Yeah, it is.”

“What’s his name? What’s he like?”

I shake my head. “Ana, I’m not ready to talk about him. It’s so new it’s barely a thing. If it gets to a place where I’m ready to talk about him, I’ll call you. I promise.”

“You promised you’d call every day,” she says, her voice dry. “That lasted a week.”

“This promise, I’ll keep.”

“You’d better.” Another sigh. “Love you, Mikey-baby.”

I snort. “Mikey-baby. Haven’t called me that in years.”

“Yeah, well, I miss my baby sissy.”

I fake a gag. “Okay, that’s enough of that. I’m going for real. Bye.”

“Bye.”

I end the call and toss the phone on my bed.

That was rough.

But necessary. I can’t keep living my life in their little bubble. But then, I’m way outside that bubble now, aren’t I? Way.

And honestly? I like it out here.

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