“That’s not true. Frankie loves you and wants you.”
“They have a dog,” she added.
“We’ll get you a dog. If you want a dog, we can get a dog.”
“Frankie said we couldn’t get one because they’re a lot of res-respons—work.”
“I bet we can change her mind,” I said. “Are you at the new family’s house?” It was quiet as I looked up to my friends hopefully. “Did you nod?” I asked, smiling to myself. Much like her mother. Her real mom, not Joey.
“Yeah. Sorry.” The phone speaker crackled loudly like a sleeve rubbed against it. “I have to go. They’re calling me.”
“Okay. I love you. I’ll see you soon,” I said.
“’Kay. Bye.”
When the call ended, I looked at the others. “Did anybody else record that? About being hungry and not wanting to be there?”
All of them nodded and held up their phones.
“Okay. Good.” I slumped back against the seat.
I didn’t like the worry in her voice. I didn’t like her being hungry and too afraid to make a sound. But it wouldn’t be much longer now. I was going to get my girls.
