Page 4 of Introvert

"I'm glad you didn't hang up."

"That makes one of us," I muttered.

"I wanted to tell you something," she went on.

I waited.

"I love you more than the sun, moon, and stars."

I softened at that. "Ah Mom, that almost makes up for all the therapy I'll need after hearing you and Dad flirting."

"Ha ha," she said.

"Anything else?"

"Yes.Never fall for a rockstar."

"Huh?"

"Never fall in love with a rockstar," she repeated. "They're moodyand selfish, and honestly, despite the good looks, they suck."

Dad sputtered. "No love period," he said fervently."Nodating, no hooking up, not until you're at least 30."

"Okay," I said.

"Promise on your violin."

"No hooking up, I promise."Dad's relief was palpable, and just to mess with him I added, "Unless they're too hot to resist."

The silence that followed made me laugh.

"Kidding," I said finally.

"Not funny, Ror," Dad said.

Eh, it was a little funny.

Mom chuckled. "You should see your dad's face."

Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. It was just a shift in the air, but suddenly, I got the feeling I wasn't alone.

"Um, I should go," I said quietly.

"Okay," Mom said, "be safe! We love you!"

"I love you too."

"And remember: Don't—"

"Don't fall in love with a rockstar," I said quicklybefore she could finish. "Got it.Bye, Mom."

After we hung up, without anyone talking in my ear, I became more aware of my surroundings.

And I was right.

I wasn't sure when they got here or who it was, but as gravel crunched beneath their feet, I felt a presence seem to melt out of the shadows and settle at my side.

Turning my head slightly…I blinked.

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