Page 115 of Haunted

Dad

Need your uniform?

If you can swing it. No time to go to apt.

Bree

Can I get out of Algebra?

Mom

Bree, I’ll tell my boss I have a kid emergency and pick you up.

Dad

I don’t have anybody to cover for me.

“Sir?” the saleswoman says. “Do you know your size?”

“Nine, I think,” I say. “But try it anyway. Jonny, call Shelley.”

She tries the ring sizer on me while Jonny dials. “Can you put me through to Shelley Bishop please? I’m her nephew. Well, I think she would want to be interrupted. It’s very important.” He looks at his phone. “Did you just add me to the Broussard family group chat?”

“Nine and a half,” the saleswoman says. She boxes up the rings and puts them in a bag. I hand her my debit card.

“Two and a half minutes! Well done!” I say as I take the bag.

“Hi, Aunt Shelley. Sorry for bothering you at work, I—”

“Give me the phone,” I say. He surrenders it immediately. “Shelley, he just proposed, and we’re getting married in twenty-nine minutes at the courthouse. Can you make it?”

“Jesus Christ!” she shouts. “Yes! Oh my God, yes!”

“Great. See you soon.” I hand back the phone and open the door for my fiancé, who looks exhilarated and slightly windswept.

My phone beeps as we’re getting back into the truck.

Dad

Closing store. The heck with. See you in fifteen. Tell Jonny I’m happy for him.

Mom

He’s in the group chat now, honey. Tell him yourself.

Jonny

Hi. Guess I’ll be a Broussard after all.

Bree

Great. Could somebody call into the school so I can get out of this fucking class?

Dad

Watch your language. We have a new addition to the family. He doesn’t need to know about your potty-mouth.

Bree