Sonia of course was first. As I scanned the list of unread messages I saw that she had her BFF and right hand man Quinn on the task too as there were several from him as well. I opened Sonia’s first.
Where are you?
Why haven’t you checked in?
This is so like you.
You’re scaring me, Simone.
Please call me.
Simone? I’m activating the tree.
Oh shit. The tree. Fuck my life. That’s why my phone was blowing up. Next in the string of a bazillion texts was Quinn.
Your sister is in a snit. You better call her.
Your sister is unbearable not knowing where you are.
Dammit Simone, I can’t deal with her tears.
You are so off my chocolate almond butter clusters list for Xmas for this.
Call your fucking sister woman.
Then Blessing’s texts.
I know you’re blowing off your sisters because of hunky Agent Fontaine but seriously, you need to check in with your sisters. Sonia has lost her shit. I blame you. Love your face bitch.
Next was Addison.
I hope the reason you haven’t checked in is because you’re too busy drowning your sorrow in Jonah. Can you send out a quick “I’m alive” text. Sonia’s driving us bonkers. Love you.
Then Liliana and her sweet self.
You’ve got us worried. Please call or text. Te quiero mucho.
I got a bunch of the same from Genesis and Charlie. No Tabby of course, because she was MIA, which was really starting to piss me off. I wondered if I could talk to Jonah about my concerns and we could do a drive by or something.
There was only a single voicemail. I clicked on it and pressed the phone to my ear.
“Hello, my darling girl, I’m sure you’re just fine spending the day with Agents Fontaine and Russell, but can you please call your Mama and check in. I’m very concerned that I haven’t heard from you all day. I know you’re processing all that happened, but you have us all worried. I love you, sweetheart, and I very much look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Oh shit. My eyes teared up as I pressed the button to call Mama Kerri.
“I’m so glad you called.” Her tone was filled with relief and instantly I felt like a heel.
“Mama, I’m sorry I didn’t call. Time got away from me and…”
“I understand. You’ve had a lot happening. Your sister Sonia however is not taking your independence well, as ever.” She laughed and it sounded like a pretty melody, floating along my frayed nerves and soothing them.
“I’ll text everyone next. I can’t deal with her brand of crazy this morning. It’s too early.”
“For you I’m sure it is. What’re your plans for the day?” Her warm voice sounded in my ears and it soothed my shaky nerves.
“I want to go to Auntie Delores’s and work. I need to make some money. Especially now that I won’t ever be going back to my apartment. I’ll have to start all over, but I do have some great news!”
“Oh? Do tell.” I heard the sound of her moving around her kitchen, then pouring what I assumed was tea from the kettle into her cup.
“Well, yesterday Jonah and I spent the day at Navy Pier. Just letting go, you know?”
“I do. And can understand the need to do something upbeat and positive, especially during a time like this.”
I nodded in agreement even though she couldn’t see me. “Then after, he took me to his parents’ house for dinner.”
“Really?” Her words rose in surprise. “That’s very forward of him.”
“Right! And a big fat whopping step toward more, in my opinion.”
“It is, baby. Sounds like you had a good time meeting his folks?”
“They’re awesome. His mom is little and Italian and makes the best spaghetti and meatballs and his dad fixes up classic cars. He’s working on a 1969 Charger right now that would knock your socks off, Mama. It’s bad ass.”
“Don’t say ass, darling. It’s not becoming.”
“Sorry. Anyway, that’s still not the best part.”
She chuckled. “Well get to it, my lovely. I’m not getting any younger.”
That had me laughing and getting out of bed to hit the restroom.
While I peed, I told Mama about the job opportunity.
“Chicklet, that is good news. Will you have time to finish the course before the woman leaves?”
I finished my business and then held the phone to my ear so I could wash my hands.
“Honestly, yeah. My last course is online and at my own pace. Of course, my laptop was in my bedroom at the apartment.” I shivered where I stood. “I’m gonna have