Page 28

On Saturday, Hollis’s father was home.

Usually, Hollis had to take care not to wake him up on Saturday mornings. After a hard work week Mr. Brown liked to sleep in as late as he could.

But that day Hollis woke up last.

He rolled over and looked at his phone. Two texts, one from Annie and one from Yulia.

Yulia: You didn’t have to drop the car off that early, damn!

Annie: Heard through the grapevine Jorge’s parents are pissed as fuck.

Hollis grinned. He texted Yulia first.

Hollis: At your service princess, lmk if it needs more cleaning.

To Annie, he sent:

Hollis: U traumatized? I’m traumatized.

Annie responded right away.

Annie: I’ve never seen so much blood. That was extremely fucked up.

Hollis: U wanna come over? Hash out the circumstances?

Annie: I woke up both my parents coming inside. I’m grounded for the whole weekend. :/

Hollis: :/

Annie started typing, then stopped. Then started again.

Annie: Are you going to make me talk about the pond thing?

Hollis frowned. He never made Annie do anything.

Hollis: We don’t have to.

Annie: :/

Hollis: Like ever.

Annie: :////

Hollis: We can talk about it when you’re ready. I don’t mind having to wait.