Zarar: I live here, you’re the one who’s out here with me. I’m glad you have a nonsensical sense of humor and decided it would be great comedy to try to avenge you and your sister’s lack of bond through a weird Parent Trap-like plot that’s definitely going to fall apart. It’s a little rash but it’s something you needed to do. You dive headfirst into life and I admire that. I’m glad you happened to run into me along the way. More to add to our epic story. I still like you, James Federov. I’m not going anywhere.

I blink at his essay, my heart dancing around pointlessly in my chest. How does he say things like this with absolutely no regard for how embarrassing it sounds?

The phone chimes again before I can send a response.

A new text from Papa? He texts?

Papa: How are you doing, Siri? Want to come over for a game of chess?

As far as I can tell, Papa is Siri’s best and only friend. It makes me want to give those bitches at the ballet company a piece of my mind.

The phone pings again. Another text. This one from George?

George: Siri, I heard you’ve been having a hard time since you got back. I’m looking forward to spending some time with you and your mom at dinner on Friday. She told me you’re making that Greek casserole we all loved. You’re really becoming quite the chef. I’m proud of you. I hope you know if you want to talk, I’m always here.

I tap out of the message stream. What the hell? Did Mara send out an SOS or something?

The phone pings again. This one from Gill, the cute, nerdy, pre-law, unofficial stepbrother.

Gill: Hey, Siri, it’s been too long. I heard we’re having dinner later this week though. How are you doing?

Mara needs to grow some balls and come talk to me herself. I tap out and call Dawn again. When it goes to voicemail, I chuck the phone to the end of the bed.

A second later I crawl over, retrieve it, and reopen my thread with Zarar. I hate spending so much time staring at this thing, but I’m starting to understand why Siri feels so attached.

I draft out a needy text that I would normally never send.

Me: I’m in the midst of some family drama. Want to dissect it with me?

I send it. A moment later Zarar calls.

“What’s going on?” he asks.

I roll off the side of the bed and curl up on the floor to give him the latest.

50. Angst and Pizza Hangs

SIRI

September 4, Friday Night

California