Page 46 of Sweet Nightmare

I answer.

Her pretty yet sneaky face appears instantly on-screen, grinning like she had personally committed a minor crime against me.

“Arty!”

I narrow my eyes, already knowing I won’t like whatever she says next.

“Why are you late?”

“Well… not so funny story.”

“Where are you?”

Her grin widens.

“Okay… I have news.”

“What.”

“Don’t be mad.”

I close my eyes.

That phrase has never once preceded good outcomes with Stevie.

“What did you do?”

“I did nothing,” she says quickly. “I’m just… not flying with you.”

Silence.

I blink slowly.

“What did you say?”

“I’m taking a later flight.”

I stare at her, genuinely questioning every life choice that led me to making her my best friend. I must have hit my head at some point. Repeatedly.

“Before smoke starts coming out those pretty ears of you. I have to help Grandpa Benny.”

My left eye twitches.

“No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“I mean no. Get here.”

She laughs. “Artemis, that’s not how life works.”

“It is for me.”

“Unfortunately, reality disagrees.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose.

“Stevie.”