‘Oh, we know. I amlovingthe column.’ Paige grins. ‘Did that arsehole really shame you for eating a waffle?’
‘That entry’s been a fan favourite so far,’ I say.
Sara huffs. ‘Oh, so your fans hear from you? Because we, yoursisters, haven’t heard from you fordaysnow, Amorie.’
‘I think she gets it,’ Paige says teasingly.
‘It’s not funny.’ Sara purses her lips tightly. ‘We’ve been worried about you, and we’ve been lying to Dad and telling him we’re in constant contact! God forbid he knew the truth – he’d be on a plane to drag you home himself.’
‘Sorry,’ I say, more solemnly this time.
‘It’s okay,’ she sighs, pleased with her scolding. ‘Just promise you’ll be in touch more going forward. How’s Budapest?’
I pause. ‘Wait, how did you know I’m—’
‘She’s tracking your phone,’ Paige says.
‘Sara! We’re—’
‘Only supposed to use Find My Friends for emergencies.’ We recite this in unison.
‘Itwasan emergency. We haven’t heard from you in days! You could have been dead in a ditch for all we knew,’ Sara says.
Paige mutters. ‘That seems a bit much.’
‘I get it, I’ll do better. And Budapest seems fine... I hardly know to be fair, I only just checked in,’ I say.
My thoughts are interrupted by the slide of the bathroom door as Noah emerges, a towel wrapped around his waist. My eyes widen in panic and I silently warn him not to speak, but he’s not looking my way as he wanders out peacefully.
‘Could you pass me my lotion?’ he asks.
My heart sinks. There’s no mistaking the masculine sound of his voice.
‘Who was that?’ Sara asks, eyes exceptionally beady.
‘No one.’
He finally looks my way, so I shoot him the steeliest glare that I can. It doesn’t spook him. Nor does the enquiring tone of Sara as he looks on at me excitedly.
‘Is that your sister?’ he asks, smiling.
‘Amorie Elizabeth Grant, is there amanin your room?’ Paige asks.
She’s not as judgy with her tone, mouth dropped open in excitement and eyebrows all the way at the top of the screen. I look between their two faces and gulp. Sara looks about ready to strangle me through the phone.
‘No,’ I lie boldly.
I glance to Noah once more, silently pleading him to stay quiet. He finally gets the message, miming a zip of his lips before tiptoeing behind camera to grab the lotion himself.
‘So, what’s the weather like back in England?’ I ask as casually as I can.
‘Amorie, who is the man?’ Sara asks.
When it really comes down to it, I am a twenty-five-year-old woman who is old enough to live, breathe and travel on herown. And they’re not even my parents – they’re myolder sisters. While they can advise me in my life, they have no real authority. So why am I shaking? And why has my heart stilled? And why does Sara’s stare need a warning sign?
My thumb floats over to the bottom of the screen, hovering timidly over the button to end the call. Noah catches on and I look to him for strength, but he motions for me to do the right thing.
I suppose he’s right... Parents or not, I can’t hide from them for ever. Plus, if I hang up right now it will only make things worse. Sara is not one to give up. Ever. I shut my eyes tightly, take a deep breath and open my eyes to find my sisters awaiting my next move.
