Once the afternoon lag kicks in, I make some coffee and sit on the couch and mindlessly flip through channels. I lean back and prop up my feet. Before I fall asleep, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and swipe it open.
It’s a text message from...Mia.
Mia
Travis? Is this still your number?
I’m half tempted not to reply or say no. But a simple confirmation from Drew would ruin that.
Travis
What’s up?
I’m not interested in what she has to say, and I’m a little pissed that she has the audacity to text me.
Mia
Please don’t tell Drew what happened.
I read the text over and over again and don’t realize I’m clenching my jaw until I hear my teeth grinding against each other.
Travis
Nothing happened.
Mia
Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page then.
Her text catches me off guard. Same page? No, we’re fucking not. We’re not even reading out of the same book.
Travis
What are you playing at? This isn’t a fucking game, Mia.
She instantly texts back.
Mia
??
I’m half tempted to throw my phone across the room, but the only person who that would affect is me. My anger is seeping out, just like my father’s had so many times over the years. Control. I need to find it—fast.
Instead of texting her back and saying exactly what I think about her, I take the higher road and ignore it. She’s being a bitch and acting out. As soon as I find the right time to speak to Drew, I’m going to tell him exactly what happened the night of the accident, whether he wants to hear it or not, because he deserves to know.
VIOLA
There was no legit reason for Drew and me to visit Mom this weekend. She just wanted to see her kids and mentioned the possibility of moving closer to the beach. There was no emergency, no death, no wedding, or birth announcement. It was Mom being quirky, like always. I swear if Phoebe onFriendswere an actual person, she would be my mother. On the way over, Drew and I made up so many different scenarios that we began taking bets on why we were summoned. Needless to say, I won ten dollars that I will gladly be cashing in.
Sunday morning, I laid in bed for a long time before going into the living room. I could hear Larry and Drew talking about football, and I’d rather not. As soon as I woke, it’s like Travis knew and texted me.
Travis
I need you to hurry home.
Viola
Got an itch that needs scratching?