Page 126 of Faking Forever

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She picked up her phone and swiped to her sibling chat. Shehadn’t checked any of the messages they’d sent since the whole kiss cam thing.

It was pretty much as she’d expected. A whole lot of what the fucks. Irate questions about what was happening with the supposed separation and/or divorce. Each and every one of them had conveniently forgotten her dictate that they not badmouth Smith. Because they all had some pretty choice things to say about the circumstances of his birth and the quality of his character.

She rolled her eyes and tapped out a quick message.

Hi guys.

Shockingly, considering his track record, Nox was the first to respond a couple of minutes later.

Nox

Jesus, Kenny, ghosting us like that was a dick move.

Gideon

Round these parts, we call it a Nox move.

That hilarious, and well-deserved, retort coaxed a laugh from Kenny. Truly, Nox had beenverybad about staying in contact over the last couple of years. Not participating in their conversations for weeks, sometimes months, was what they’d come to expect.

Nox

Fuck off, Gid

The lack of creativity and vitriol in Nox’s response told Kenny that Gideon’s barb must’ve hit home.

I’m just checking in, letting you all know that I’m okay.

Nox

You still in that nowhere town?

Still here.

Nox

Why were you kissing that bastard last week?

You forgot your promise.

Nox

What?

Gideon

Coming home for Dad’s birthday next week?

Have to. I’m hosting.

Cade finally came online, and responded a second later.

Cade

You don’t have to. If you need to stay there a little longer, Fern and I can host.

Nox

Cade, what the fuck? She needs to come home.

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