Page 9 of Within Range

“She’s Scott’s daughter,” I clarify. “I’m one of those unofficial uncles we all have.”

Jack’s face is devilish-looking, and I want to cover it with my palm and tell him to take his messed-up ideas elsewhere.

“So, sheisn’t reallyfamily then?”

I’m typing out a response to Billie when I throw Jack a warning glare. “Take your mind out of the gutter and concentrate on drinking that weird-ass pond water.” I nod my head at his tea.

He sputters out a laugh, which I ignore, attention back on Billie’s message.

Me

Who said I was coming over solely to see you?

Billie

Over three years since we last saw each other, and you’re still giving me shit.

I scroll up on our message history and see the last time we spoke was almost a year ago—me sending a quick text to wish Billie a happy birthday and her telling me that she was at a house party before hitting the library for an all-night study session.

Jesus, life can change in the blink of an eye.

Me

It’s who I am. Plus, I figured you could use the laugh. Along with unnecessary bath salts or something equally predictable for your birthday. I know that you hate surprises just as much as I do.

My fingers hover over the keyboard, desperate to type out a message to ask how she is. They grip my phone tighter when I see her responding.

Billie

For what it’s worth, I’m sorry about everything with Maria.

I hold my phone tighter.

Me

Me too.

Billie

I’ll be home for a long while now, so I guess we’ll catch up at some point. Especially since all my high-school friends have left town these days. You really don’t need to make a special effort on my part.

Me

It’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m newly single. I have nothing better to do.

Billie

Umm … thanks?

Me

You’re welcome.

Billie

I guess by that logic, we’re both in the same boat.

I know she’s referring to Tucker, and I sort of want to ask her more about it. But it doesn’t feel appropriate or like it’s my place after so much time has passed since we last spoke.