Page 50 of The Ampersand Effect

Tobin smiled at her sister, silently grateful for her constancy.

Her phone buzzed. She picked it up hand froze, registering the name on her screen. Grier’s name popped up again, with a secondary text. Then a third.

Harrow nudged her. “Most people don’t send multiple texts in a row if it’s bad. Open it.”

Tobin stared at the three lines of text, holding her breath as if even the slightest exhale might alter her reality.

GRIER—8:13 a.m.

Yes, I like food. Is that even a real question?

Do you not

GRIER—8:13 a.m.

Do you not remember my speech at the gala?

GRIER—8:14 a.m.

Sorry, my hands were wet and my phone

slipped before I could finish the first message.

Tobin had more questions than answers. She set her coffee on the table and gripped her phone with both hands, unable to tearher eyes from the screen.

TOBIN—8:15 a.m.

Should I ask why your hands are wet?

That sounds… involved.

GRIER—8:15 a.m.

Avoiding both my questions, I see.

TOBIN—8:17 a.m.

Yes. It was a real question.

TOBIN—8:17 a.m.

I was buying time. I had to remember

your speech. If you’ll recall, I suffered an

injury last night. My brain is a bit slow

this morning. But… I remember. ??

An emoji? Really, Tobin?She cringed at herself, but didn’t have time to linger in annoyance—those telltale little bubbles popped again as Grier responded.

Harrow elbowed her. “Breathe, Tobin. You won’t make it anywhere if you pass out every time you talk to her.”

“I’d like to revisit my previous comment: don’t you have somewhere else to be? Like, working? Or running? Or anything?” Tobin leaned away, trying to prevent Harrow from reading the texts. Harrow silently stood and entered the house, leaving Tobin to her texts.

GRIER—8:21 a.m.

Points awarded to House Maes.