Page 122 of Fluke
“Yes, Damaris. Thank you.”
“See you soon, sweetie.”
“Goodbye.”
I toss my phone on my bed and go into the bathroom.
My emotions are all over the place. I do an internal check in while I splash cold water on my face to rid it of the stickiness from the tears.
This is just new for me. This isn’t new for them. They’re excited to have me a part of their lives.
But what do I do with that?
I pat my face dry, noting that my towels aren’t nearly as fluffy as Jess’s. The thought makes me smile.
As soon as I get back to my room, the phone rings. Again.
“You have got to be kidding me,” I say, picking it up. My irritation evaporates when I see Jess’s name. “Hey, baby.”
“Are you okay?”
I laugh in disbelief. “What?”
“Mom just called me and said I need to check on you.”
My laughter grows louder.
“Pip, I’m serious. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m okay. For fuck’s sake. I told her I have allergies.”
He sighs in relief.
I blow out a long, heavy breath. “Your family is a lot. Do you know that?”
“Yup.”
I smile.
“Have they already started in?” he asks.
“Ashley and Brooke have texted me, and your mom has called me, and I’ve not been home an hour yet.”
He groans. “I told them to give you a minute.”
I laugh again. “I think they gave me one exact minute.”
“I’m sorry. They’re just … They mean well. I guess you see where Banks gets it.”
“Is the rooster gone?” I ask, needing to change the subject.
“Yes. Surprisingly.”
My brows pull together. “Did you think it wouldn’t be?”
“It was too easy. Nothing is that easy with Banksy.”
“You did just bombard him with grandmas sending him dirty texts.”
