Page 58 of Introvert

I paused. "Is something wrong?"

"What? No," she said. "Why would there be?"

"You just sound off.Too cheery for so early in the morning and…kinda tense?"

"Oh well, that could be because I stayed up all night waiting for my daughter to call." I winced and closed my eyes as her voice got sweeter. "You know, my daughter who's never been away from home. The one who promised to call every nightno matter what."

"Mom…"

"The one I love and worry about every second of every day."

"I'm sorry," I said, meaning it. "I didn't mean toscare you."

She sniffed. "It's not me you should be apologizing to. You know how your father gets."

Dad's voice came through then as he said, "Don't believe it, Ror. Your mom was the one checking the phone every half hour. Iwent to bed early."

"Clayton, you are such a liar." Mom sighed. "He nearly called that band manager, Taylor, but I stopped him becauseit might embarrass you.Plus, I just knew you'd call when you could."

I bit my lip then said again, "I am so, so sorry. I honestly forgot. After the second show and everything that happened, I was too tired."

"We understand," Dad said. "Right, Lil?"

Mom took a deep breath."We do," she said finally."Nobody's perfect, least of all me. When I was in high school, I drove my parents crazy. It's amazing they survivedeverything I put them through. But…you've never been like that."

"I know."

"And I just love you so much."

Gah, I felt so guilty.

"Call your mom. She worries. You know?"

"I do," I said."I'll make sure to give you daily updates as promised—though I don't know if there'll be much to tell."

"Please"—she scoffed—"you're on tour with a band."

"I have loved playing with them."

Felix most of all, I thought but didn't say.

"That's good." Mom sounded like she was smiling. "Have there been any rowdy parties you shouldn't tell us about?"

"No," I said truthfully.

"Come on, Ror, you can tell us," Dad coaxed.

"No parties—thank goodness."

"If there is one, you should go—but only if you want to."

"Thanks, Dad, but I think we all know I avoid parties like the plague."

"You're having fun, though?" Mom asked.

"It's been…interesting."

Dad laughed. "Any boy drama we should know about?"

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