Page 127 of How To Not Need You

“Was not.”

“You were.”

“Okay, maybe a little.”

I knew it.

“But he doesn't actually have to fall,” Leo says.

I frown. “What?”

“You just tell Liv he did.”

I stare at him. “That’s lying.”

Leo goes quiet. We both know lying is bad.

“But it would make her come over,” he says.

I think about that. Dad says you should never lie unless it’s something about birthday presents. This isn't a birthday present.

But it is important. Very important. “What if I say he fell but he's okay?”

“Then she might not come.”

Good point. “What if I say he fell and said a bad word?”

Leo grins. “That sounds hurt.”

It does. I grin too. “I need Dad's phone.”

“Why?”

“Because Liv might not answer mine.”

“You have a phone?”

“No.”

“Oh.”

Sometimes talking to Leo makes me tired. “Dad has one.”

“Steal it.”

“I’m not stealing it. I’m borrowing it.”

“Without asking.”

“Yes.”

“That’s stealing.”

“I’ll give it back.”

Leo thinks about it. “Okay.”

Excellent. We start whispering about the plan. Dad leaves his phone on the kitchen bench all the time. I can call Liv. Tell her about the step. Then put it back before he notices.