Page 87 of Ice Darling
Cordelia turns in her seat, her stare drilling into my face.
Shifting uncomfortably, I mumble, “Sounds like everything’s okay over there. I don’t have to drive like a madman now.”
“Renthrow.”
“Cordelia.”
“Really?”
“Really what?”
“Fifty outfits?”
“Mom over exaggerates.”
“How many suits do you have?”
“I have five shirts, five jackets, and five slacks in different colors.”
“That’s a lot.”
“It’s so I have something to wear for Gordie’s recitals.”
“I didn’t know small-town boys were so cultured.” Cordelia rests her elbow on the capsule between the driver and passenger seat.
I pretend to be engrossed by the highway. “Small-town boys have access to the internet. Same as the rest of the country.”
“Now I want to see your other outfits.”
“You didn’t like this one?”
“Ilovedthis one. Blue looks good on you.”
“You’re teasing me.” But warmth expands in my veins.
“Are you blushing?” Cordelia teases.
“Focus on the road.”
“Me? I’m not the one driving.”
Max calls back at that moment. I tap the button next to my steering wheel and answer, “Hey, Max. It was a false alarm. They’re okay.”
“Too late, man. I’m pulling up in your driveway now.”
“You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it.”
“Yeah, yeah. I see Gordie waving. Dude, she’s got pizza! I was feeling some pizza tonight.”
Cordelia muffles her laughter behind her hand.
“You’re in luck because Mom will probably share. Thanks again, Max.”
I hang up and look over at Cordelia. “Seems I cut our dinner short for nothing.”
“You thought your daughter needed you. I totally understand.”
“Want to go back to the restaurant? Your friend might still be there.”
