Page 134 of Fluke
Me: Why?
Banks: Because every time you hit it, Jess stops what he’s doing and stares at it. Then I have to restart what I was saying, and it’s super annoying.
Me: Okay …
I stare at the screen for a reply, but nothing comes.
“What in the world is that all about?” I carry my phone into the kitchen in case it goes off again. “Why would he just look at the bracelet? Does he not want me tapping it? Does he regret it today?”
My stomach churns.Fuck.
Panic rises from the depths of my soul and mixes with the bile in my throat.
I don’t want to think that’s the case, but it must be. He certainly hasn’t tapped me back.
My knees weaken. I sit at the kitchen table and put my head in my hands, trying to sort my emotions so I can think.
I jump when my phone buzzes again.
Banks: You’ve never lived until you’ve risked your life. Just saying.
I laugh.
Me: What?
Banks: What’s the worst thing that could happen to you? You could die. But how does that happen? Because Jess loves you to death? Poor you.
Me: Banks, I’m not sure we’re on a close enough level for you to be saying this to me.
Banks: You’ve leveled up, fam. Congrats.
Me: You do realize that your brother’s probably so frustrated with me that he can’t see straight, right?
Banks: I have a sore rib to prove it.
Huh?
Banks: Whether you want to be or not, you’re a Carmichael now. We’ve claimed you. So whether you and Jess fix your shit or not, Hi, sis. Don’t forget me at Christmas.
I laugh, but my bottom lip quivers all the same.
Me: You’re funny.
Banks: Whatever. See you later.
Me: Bye.
Banks: Hey, can you bring some pop? It was my thing, and I forgot.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Me: ?
A knock raps against the door. I’m too busy deciphering Banks’s text to think about it.
“Come in,” I yell. “Honey, is that you?”
The door latches closed. I look up and my stomach hits the floor.
