Page 86

The cursor blinked. XChfSardo is typing. Allie stared at it, willing May to fill the void between them with an explanation and a promise. I am the same sister I’ve always been. I haven’t abandoned you. I’d never do that.

But May would never attack Dan with a fork, disappear, or shack up with a strange man, either. She would never drop out of contact for a few days. She would never be this inconsiderate, because Allie was the inconsiderate one. They had their roles. It was rude of May to step outside them, rude and just … just wrong.

With a chime, May’s message popped up.

XChfSardo: I know this must seem strange. I tried 2 come home but my purse got stolen

XChfSardo: & I cdnt get on the plane w/o ID

XChfSardo: & I met this guy Ben who offered 2 let me sleep on his couch.

XChfSardo: He’s been showing me around NYC.

The cursor blinked. Allie read the messages three times, but it was all gaps. Her purse got stolen? I met this guy—but how? And where did the Packers bar fit—was it at the airport? Was he older, younger? Was he hot? Was May having a fling with some New York guy while Dan moped and drank and fished with Matt?

Another chime.

XChfSardo: & no, I’m not sleeping w/ him.

At least her sister knew her well enough to anticipate that question.

Allielooya: & ur not going to, right?

XChfSardo: No comment.

It wouldn’t be a strange statement from someone else, but for May to do anything but deny the possibility was totally out of character.

After considering for a moment, Allie tapped her reply.

Allielooya: Is he with u now?

XChfSardo: Yes.

Allielooya: Send me a pic.

XChfSardo: No. He’s in a bad mood.

Allielooya: Take 1 when he’s not looking.

A minute passed, and then a slightly fuzzy picture appeared of a guy in profile. He had hard features and a mean mouth, hair so short it was practically buzzed.

This was Ben?

He looked like the sort Allie had always gone for before Matt—hot in a stern, mysterious sort of way. The type of guy who’d chew May up and spit her back out.

Her sister was staying with him?

Oh man.

Allielooya: I can send you $$.

XChfSardo: It’s fine. He’s loaning me what I need.

Allielooya: Are you ok tho?

The pause that followed was longer than Allie felt comfortable with. Especially when May simply replied,

XChfSardo: Yes.