Chapter 22 The Text Thread
twenty-two
the text thread
Liam:
How’s that hangover?
This is Liam, checking up on you by text as originally planned, by the way.
Maya
Not great. It’s been days. How long are these things supposed to last?
Not sure. But I hear the older you get, the longer they take to get over.
Ugh. That’s just perfect.
Are you going to be at Nana’s for dinner tonight?
You bet I am. Should I pick something up?
No thanks. I’ve got it covered.
You sure? It’s no trouble. I can cook, you know.
I’m sure you can. But Nana and I have a meal plan that we follow for the week. We like to stick to the schedule.
Is this schedule written in stone?
Not precisely.
But it’s important.
So we’re sticking to it?
We’re sticking to it.
I can do that.
Sierra was asking about you.
…
…
What did she say?
She wanted to know how you were doing.
What did you tell her?
That you’re okay.
Oh … Okay. Thanks.
She said she misses you. So does Andie.
…
Wait. When did you even see her? You spend all your time with Nana.
Nana sent me to Polly’s to pick up a package for Harold.
Please tell me it wasn’t more of those fancy salmon paté treats.
They wreak havoc on his digestive system, and we all have to suffer with the stench.
I promised I wouldn’t say, but I’d keep my windows open for a bit if I were you.
Fantastic.
That was some book club today, wasn’t it?
I don’t want to talk about it.
Awww. What’s wrong?
Just leave it.
It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Don’t tell me Nana’s story bothered you.
OF COURSE IT BOTHERED ME!
She’s my Nana.
It happens more often than you’d think, you know. Ask any medical professional.
I DON’T CARE!
So I’m guessing you don’t want me to tell you the ending?
For the love of god, PLEASE STOP.
You ran out of there screaming before she explained that it took the emergency room personnel three hours and a tool normally reserved for use in invasive gynecological procedures.
I’m begging you. Have some compassion.
And that’s why flared bases are so important.
You are a cruel, cruel woman, Maya Parker.
You love it.
Usually, yes. Now I’m not so sure.
How’s the job search going?
Don’t ask.
That good?
I just don’t understand. People were desperate to lure me away from Chambers before this.
And all of a sudden, nothing? It doesn’t make sense.
It’s only been a couple of weeks. Maybe they don’t know you’re available.
Maybe. That might explain things.
So … have you talked to Sierra and Andie yet?
Not yet…
What’s holding you back?
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