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I lower the phone to my lap.
“I’m heading off,” he says, smiling. “You did real good tonight, Connor. I’m proud of you. You’re one step closer.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, genuine. “And thanks for being there. I would’ve been a nervous wreck if you weren’t.”
His smile widens. “Anytime, son. We’ll call Ross tomorrow and fill him in on what happened.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t stay up too late, all right? You’ve had a long day.”
“Yes, sir.”
I wait until he’s out of my room and out of the house before lifting the phone to my ear again. “Hey, sorry.”
“You and your dad are talking again?” Ava asks.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“That’s good,” she says, but I can hear the uncertainty in her voice.
“Look, about what my dad said about you…” I sigh. “It’s not as if he has something personal against you. It’s just, he’s being protective, you know? And it’s not like he knows you, because if he did…” I trail off, not knowing what to say.
“You don’t need to explain,” she assures. “It’s okay. I know what we are—my family—and I know how it seems from the outside looking in. But just... if it ever gets too much for you—being with me—just say so.”
“Ava, stop.” I flop down on the bed, cover my eyes with my forearm. “We don’t need to be having this conversation.”
She’s silent a beat too long.
“Ava?” I sit up.
“Sorry,” she says. “Someone’s just uploaded the game, and I’m trying to download it as fast as I can. Oh, my God, I’m so giddy. Hurry up!”
“I can probably get you a copy tomorrow.”
“Guh! Tomorrow’s too late. I need it now!”
“You’re not—”
“It’s here,” she cuts in. “Blah blah blah, people I don’t care about! Hey, it’s you! Okay, I’m going to watch it. Bye!”
She hangs up before I get a chance to respond. But no more than five minutes later, she sends me a text.
Ava: Damn, Connor. You look good on camera.
Connor: Stop it.
Ava: You think I’m joking? *unzips*
Connor: Hey. No unzipping unless I’m with you.
Ava: Hmm. The thought of you unzipping me… *unzips twice*
Connor: You could come here… if you want to. I can leave my window open. Dad doesn’t get back until morning.
Ava: I wish I could, but the doctors came by today and changed Mom’s meds. I have to be here in case she has a reaction.
Connor: How is she?
