“He was?” I smile into the phone. “How’s he been?”

“Busy. Just like his father always was. I always used to tell Victor I hoped someday he’d have a kid as busy as him. ‘Course I assumed he’d be around to raise him.”

She goes quiet which is more alarming than her rant.

“Victor isn’t there? I thought he was coming down tonight.”

She sighs, and I breathe through my nose and let it out slowly trying to erase the irritation I feel. “He had a slight change of plans, but he’ll be here tomorrow. Christian’s out back with Bill filling the bird feeders. You want me to call him in to talk?”

“No, that’s alright. Can you just tell him goodnight and I love him and that I’ll call him first thing tomorrow morning?”

“You don’t want him to call before bed?”

“Well actually I’m just getting ready to go out with a friend so I’m not sure…” I know it’s not the same, but suddenly I feel like Christian has had two parents flake on him tonight. “Actually, yes, have him call me.”

“How about I have him call first thing in the morning instead? He really should be getting to bed.”

“Oh. Okay. Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Enjoy your night, Katrina,” she says, and I think it’s pity I hear in her voice.

We say our goodbyes and I toss my phone into my purse as if it’s some symbol of the responsibilities of my real life.

Tabitha is in her room holding up two dresses when I walk in. “What do you think?” She moves the one in her right hand in front of her. “Little black dress?”

It’s a simple dress – short, low cut. It’s more barely-there-dress that just so happens to be black, but with Tabitha’s long legs and tiny waist, I have no doubt she could pull it off.

“Or the pink?” The way she practically squeals with excitement I can tell which she prefers. And when she holds it up to her face, it compliments her pale skin tone and auburn hair. She’s like a hotter coed version of Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink.

“That one,” I say and then steal a glance down at my outfit. I’d opted for an off the shoulder top, leggings, and boots. I look good but next to Tabitha I’m better prepared to teach preschoolers than go to a college party. “I suddenly feel really underdressed.”

She holds the black dress out to me. “It’s all yours. I mean, you already look hot. You always do. I’ve seen you a few times around campus and in the café, you’re always so put together.”

In this case, I think put together means doesn’t show enough skin.

Tabitha was right about Brody and we’ve already finished our second drink and I’ve told her more about my life than anyone but Willa before he texts that he’s on his way. She makes one more attempt to get me in the skimpy dress. “Last chance.”