I went back to the couch and picked up my phone. Ethan had sent two messages while I was driving home. One asked if seven thirty still worked Friday. The other said my father will interrogate you politely, so come rested.
I smiled despite myself because Ethan was many things, but heavy wasn't one of them. I replied that seven thirty was fine and that I'd survive. Then I set the phone aside before conversation turned into effort.
For a few minutes, I didn't think about Noah at all. Then I wondered if he was working, and I disliked that thought immediately. Concern sat too close behind it, so I changed it to curiosity and liked it better. Curiosity was neutral, while concern implied something I had no interest in naming.
I stood and crossed to the front door before fully acknowledging wha
