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Camila checks the map. “They’re on the way back in the Outback. We have a little ways to go before we get there.”
“Did you guys know,” I cut in, “that male kangaroos are called boomers?”
“What?” Sophie’s nose wrinkles. “No way.”
“No, no,” Camila sighs, shaking her head. “I’m sure it’s true. She probably read it off a peach tea lid.”
“Oh, and koalas.” I snap my fingers. “They sleep like twenty-two hours a day.”
Camila rolls her eyes. “Can you please start drinking Dasani like a normal person?”
“Nope,” I laugh. “I’m addicted.” I notice Lucia and Sophie are both huddled near the glass now, and I pull out my phone. “Hey, kids. Turn this way. Let me get a picture.”
Lucia throws her arm around Sophie, who looks mildly surprised for a moment before returning the gesture and smiling big, and my chest squeezes with a happy sensation as I snap a few photos. I immediately busy myself with sending one to Aiden, knowing he’ll get a kick out of Sophie and Lucia hitting it off so well.
With the picture I add:
CASSIE
They’re practically besties and we aren’t even halfway through the zoo.
“Are you sending that to Dad?”
I notice Sophie eyeing me, and I nod. “He wanted lots of pictures.”
“Tell him he has to come next time,” Sophie says. “I want to tell him about how the hippos murder people.”
I grimace. “Maybe we leave that part of the trip out.”
I feel my phone buzz, looking down to see what Aiden’s response is.
AIDEN
That’s amazing. It looks like everyone’s having a great time.
And then only a second later:
AIDEN
I really wish I could be there with you guys.
My stomach clenches as my face splits into a grin involuntarily. I have no idea how one text can make me so happy. Then I remember who it’s from. I tap out a reply without thinking.
CASSIE
It was a bitch getting here, but it’s worth it. Sophie is having a blast.
His reply is instant.
AIDEN
What do you mean? Did something happen?
Oh. Shit. I still haven’t told Aiden about my car.
CASSIE
Oh. Well... my car was acting up this morning.
