Page 124 of Say It Isn't So

“I have to text my sisters the good news,” I announced, picking up my phone while he turned his attention to his laptop again.

Bianca:I’m coming to Europe! Knox suggested I go with him, so I am. You guys, we get to hang out! When you’re not working, of course.

Allegra:Yay! I’ve missed you.

Hadn’t I just seen her? Not that I didn’t know it wasn’t the same, my not being in the office every day with everyone.

Bianca:Which are you going to?

Allegra:Paris.

Bianca:Fun! But I’ll see you last.

Allegra:Sadly. Maria’s going to London and I think Perla’s going to be in Milan, unless something changed there.

Bianca:Oh, what have I missed with Perla?

Perla:Nothing, it’s just we kept going back and forth, but I decided to go to Milan because Frankie will be in Italy the week before, so we can meet up when I’m there. He’s shooting a wedding.

Perla:I saw you said you’re going with Knox, good for you! I’m glad to know we’ll get to see you. I miss you!

Bianca:It’s not like I left the state.

What was with everyone?

Perla:I know, but you left Long Island and you’re not in the office. It’s just weird. I miss you. Geesh, can’t I miss you?

Allegra:I said the same thing. She’s a freak. Dead inside.

Bianca:It’s not that. I miss you guys, too. It’s just you all have lives and jobs and I’m like floundering here. Or had been. Anyway, that’s why I texted, to tell you the news. I’m excited!

Allegra:What’s that mean, “had been”? What are you not telling us?

Maria:Hey! Just saw the good news, woot! And did you get a job (she asks, terrified that it’d make it official and you’re not coming back)?

Bianca:*eye roll* No, I didn’t get a job, but I may have an idea on the work front. I’ll explain one day. It’s still new.

Maria:Fine. I’m holding you to that, though.

Perla:We wouldn’t expect anything less.

Allegra:Okay, I got to run. I’ll text you my return flight details just in case you can get on the same one (if Knox’s isn’t an option. . . I already know in the hierarchy, we’ve been bumped down below him) and I’ll see you in Paris.

Bianca:No! Don’t say that! You know I love you guys!

Perla:It’s okay, it happens. When it’s the right man, it happens.

Allegra:Yeah, Perla went through it. And we’re happy for you both, so don’t feel bad. Right, Maria? We’re just glad you and Knox got your shit together before you turned gray.

Bianca:Har. Har.

Maria:Right. And you think Knox is the right man, so you need to see this one through. Unlike the man I’m dating right now.

Allegra:Sure, well, he’s no Dom, so of course he’s nothing to write home about.

Perla:Way to bury the lede. You’re dating someone, Maria? Dish, sister.

Allegra:I think I know everything there is to know about him, so I’m officially going. Bye!