Page 123 of Introvert

"Maybe just a little love tap?"

"Maybe you could slap him for me," I said.

"I could do that," she said.

"I was kidding."

"The offer stands." London lifted her chin toward the door. "I'm going to goget a late dinner. You coming?

"I'll be there soon," I said, holding up my phone. "Need to call my parents."

After she walked out the door, I dialed my mom.

The phone rang…and rang…and rang.

I almost thought it would go to voicemail, but Mom picked up on the fifth ring.

"Hey, baby," she said.

"Hey, Mom," I said. "I was just calling to—"

"Is everything okay?"

I frowned. "Yeah."

"Oh good," she said, exhaling. "I'm so gladto hear that. Not much to report here."

"I was about to go to dinner, so I wanted to call and—"

"I'm glad you did. But I need to go, okay?"

She sounded strange. I couldn't put my finger on it, but for some reason, she was trying to get me off the phone. Mom always prolonged our talks, peppering me with questions about whatever city we were in, telling me how things were at home. This convo felt totally different. Rushed.

"Mom, are you really okay?" I asked.

"Hmmm. Your fatherjust needs me."

"Oh well, tell Dad I love him."

"I will, Ror. I love you."

"I love you."

The dial tone sounded, and I looked at my phone for a moment.

Again, I couldn't be sure, but something felt wrong. It was possible I was imagining things. But to be sure, I called Freya.

"Hey," she said.

"Hey," I said back, frowning. "Where are you?"

"At home."

I shook my head. "No, the walls behind you are hospital white. Oh crap, Frey. Did youget hurtagain? Are you back in the ER?"

"No," she said slowly, "not me."

Alarm bells rang in my head.

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