Page 130 of Faking Forever 1
I re-read our last messages from the other night, twisting my fork around in the takeout pasta my dad ordered. Setting my fork down, I started to type up a message and read it over before sending it.
ME
Doll face. Can I see you tonight? I know you’re probably still pissed at me, but I miss your face.
I lift my head from my phone at the sound of my dad clearing his voice. He gets ready to take a bite of his food, poking his chin out in curiosity.
“Something must be pretty interesting on your phone, huh, son?” he asks, playfully taking a jab. “You barely touched your food.”
“Yeah. Not so hungry tonight.” I flash a look at him and back at my phone.
“I see. Seems like that’s been your deal for a few days now.
You got something on your mind?” he asks, taking his bite.
“Nothing,” I mumble, watching three dots light up and then a message appears from Pea.
314
GOOD IN GOODBYES
PAISLEY
I told Tater-tot I would take him school shopping, so come over in a few hours?
I know you want a break from your place :(
I’m not pissed btw…only missing you
<333333
ME
No doubt. I’ll come through the balcony. ;) You know you make everything so much better, right? You keep me sane.
PAISLEY
Why are you so sweet? And also
unbelievably sappy and soft suddenly?
Never change, please.
My dad takes a sip from his glass while engraving his stare into me. He was more interested in me than the food. I felt inclined to bring up what I witnessed whenever we were alone.
What else would he be keeping from me? It’s been just us for a while now, but I didn’t think it would be ignorant to assume I mainly knew everything about him.
“Josh, would you talk to me please, buddy? DidIdo something?” he asks me, the sound of the glass setting on the table loudly amongst the silence in the room.
“Are you serious?” My eyes raise before my head, but everything catches up to meet his face.
“I’m confused,” he says, starting to crack a smile that makes me fly forward in my seat.
“So was I when I walked in on you swallowing Mom!” I 315
FAKING FOREVER
squeezed my phone in my hand tightly. “Were either of you ever going to tell me?”
