Page 49 of Don't Fall

I’m halfway home when my phone rings.

“Where are you?” Alexis yells into my ear.

“In my car. Why are you shouting?”

“Oh, sorry.” There’s a click in the line and the next time she speaks, the volume is back to normal. “I had it turned up while I was out running and talking to Jeff.” Her husband, the most boring guy I’ve ever known, until he’s around my sister. It’s like she’s the switch that turns him on. It’s weird and fascinating all at the same time.

“Well, now that you’re not trying to kill my sense of hearing, want to tell me why you’re checking in on my whereabouts?” I ask, pulling up to the intersection which will take me home but having a twin sense, I have a feeling I’ll be turning in the other direction.

“I’m on my way over to your house. Meet me there,” she demands in typical Alexis fashion.

“If by my house you mean the place I’m pretending the ocean washed away, you’re on your own. I’m not going there.” She has about three seconds before the light turns and I’m heading to my apartment, ending this conversation for good.

“Stop being so stubborn. I have a plan. A good plan. But I want to tell you about it in person. At the place the ocean washed away...you know, in imaginary land.”

She’s being vague and condescending, two things she knows will push my buttons faster than just about anything.

“Fine.” I sigh, flipping my signal off and pulling back into the other lane to make a right turn instead of left. “I’ll see you in a few.”

“Perfect!” Then she hangs up. I can still hear her smugness ringing loudly in my ear when I make the turn and head for the ocean, silently wondering if I want to pretend it will come and wash her away as well.

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