“You, too.”
We get off the phone, and I immediately call Nancy. Was it too much to call Benny for his grandma’s number without inviting him to the movie, too? I wanted to ask if he’s free. It was tempting. But Zoey’s voice pinged in my head, and I don’t want Benny thinking I’m looking for a hookup.
Our kiss was electric—proving I won’t survive leaving later if I give in now.
The last guy I thought I could have a casual relationship with took things too casually. Lonnie was never overtly unfaithful, as far as I know, but he wasn’t faithful, either.
I’m not ready for anything right now.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Nancy. It’s?—”
“Bree,” she says, cutting me off. “Calling on my cell phone.”
“Benny gave me your number. I hope that’s all right.” I run my fingers through my scalp, massaging the places where I just removed the wig clips.
“Of course it is. What can I do for you? You finally calling to let me know you spoke to your family?”
Accountability. Right. “Yes, and no. I did…kind of. I don’t know if you heard, but my sister got engaged?—”
“Zoey.”
“Yes. I called to congratulate her, and she promised to tell everyone I’m okay.”
“You still haven’t called your mother?”
“I don’t think she’s as worried as you think she is.” It’s not something I want to argue with Nancy about, especially because my mom is probably dying over my absence, but not for the reasons Nancy believes. She needs me back to fix what I broke. “Anyway, that’s only part of the reason I called. Want to watch a movie with me? I’ll walk over if you give me your address.”
She’s silent for a moment. “Is Benny busy?”
“I don’t know.” Honestly, it was unclear why I’m pressing the matter with Nancy at all, except I want to spend more time with her. I like her. I likemewhen I’m around her, and I didn’t expect to feel that way about anyone after the song was released. She makes me feel good about myself, capable, and not only as a music artist—as a human.
It’s hard to explain. All I know is that Nancy might be obsessed withThe Belacourts, but she sees me as a person, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had that.
“I suppose I can watch a movie.”
“Great! Text me your address so I can find your house. I’m a fast walker. I’ll bring popcorn and saltwater taffy.”
“Sure thing, honey. I’ll send the message to you now.”
“See you soon!” I hang up and fetch my new blue hoodie, then don’t think too much about it before I throw on the sunglasses and toss the snacks into a bag. The sun is beginning its descent, falling toward the east side of the ocean. The air is pleasantly warm with a cool breeze, smelling of fresh grass and earthy seaweed.
One of the teenage girls who lives on this street looks at me as she’s getting in her car, but I look away, tugging my hood down over my forehead. I didn’t want to wear a wig all night, so I covered my hair with the hoodie and hoped the waning sunlight was enough to hide me. She lingers at her door, so I walk faster. Nancy’s house is fifteen minutes away on foot, and I’m relieved when I make it around the corner without the girl calling after me.
Nancy’s house is safe. I just need to reach it. I can’t help thinking of her advice and of my siblings being left completely in the dark.
It wouldn’t be the end of the world to send them a message. Removing my siblings from myDo Not Disturbsettings won’t ruin the peace I have here, right?
I pull my phone out and slide into my settings, approving Zoey, Olive, and Noah alongside Benny and Nancy. Then I open the Belacourt Siblings group chat that has too many missed messages to read and send them one.
Bree
I’m sorry, guys. I’m a coward, and I needed to get away while the song bomb dropped
Noah
We just want you to be safe.