Page 3 of Just for the Plot

Because that’s what it feels like.

“Do you mind?” she asks. “If I get your phone number?”

“Oh, uh, sure. That’s cool.”

“Great.” She sighs with relief. “I appreciate it. I know this is so heavy for you, but Gabby told me you’ve grown up faster than any other kid your age, so I thought you could handle helping out.”

“I want to help out. I love my sister and just want the best for her.”

“I know.” Bower smiles softly. “If you’re good with it, hand me your phone and I can text myself with it.”

“Oh, it’s, uh, it’s not one of those fancy phones or anything,” I say.

“Doesn’t matter.” She waves her hand at me. “I couldn’t care less and you shouldn’t either.”

Shit, she’s cool.

“Sure.” I pull my flip phone from my pocket and hand it to her.

“Perfect.” She enters her number into my phone and then hands it back to me. “I texted myself so I have your number too. I really appreciate this, Bennett. And feel free to text me if you ever need anything, okay? I love your sister so much. She’s helped me through a lot and I want to be there for her just as much as she’s there for me, but her stubborn pride tends to get in the way.”

“Something I know a lot about.”

“And let’s make a promise right now to be as transparent as possible. We don’t want another situation like she had with her ex.” She points at me. “Truth only.”

Oddly, I just met this girl and because she’s best friends with Gabby, I’m putting all my trust in her. I nod. “Truth only.”

Bennett—Seventeen years old

Bennett:Did Gabby go into work today?

Bower:No, why? Did she tell you she was?

Bennett:Fuck, she did. I knew she was lying.

Bower:Okay, no need to panic. I’m assuming she’s gone now. Do you have any idea where she is?

Bennett:No idea. She said she was going into work, but she left her work apron and cash.

Bower:Let me casually ask her where she is.

Bennett:Let me know as soon as you can.

A few minutes later…

Bower:I know where she is. She’s safe.

Bennett:Where is she?

Bower:Just worry about going to practice and she will be home in a bit.

Bennett:You promised transparency. If I’m not going to lie to you, you can’t lie to me.

Bower:Bennett, trust me on this.

Bennett:Bower, tell me.

Bower:Ugh, fine. She was going out to get you a present, found something on the marketplace and had to drive two hours to get it.