A/N: Back to our regularly scheduled programming... haha I wasn't expecting that response to Ranger's POV but I'm glad to know you enjoyed it. I will have at least one more pop in from him, if not more. Things are heating up between our favorite pair... as always let me know what you think! Enjoy.

Disclaimer: As usual, I own none of the characters and make no money off this story.

Plum & Prejudice

Chapter 22:

"She certainly did not hate him. No; hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him, that could be so called."

"Yeah, Steph!" Lula shouts in support, "kick her ass!" I grin at this. I hear her mumble-yell, "Sorry, Marianne, you know what I mean." Marianne just smiles back at me as we circle each other in the ring. Unbeknownst to me, Marianne decided to test me for certification this morning. Lula must have been in on it because Valerie, Connie, Lucille, Mary Lou, and Tina are all here watching as well. We've been sparring now for about twenty minutes, and to become certified, I have to use all my self-defense techniques on her while calling them out as I do them.

With the ladies rallying me on, I feel bolstered with confidence and support. Once I'm certified, I can begin teaching at the battered women's shelter. I've already put in a volunteer application and gone through the interview process. I've done one day there already, just answering phones and some filing.

I'm brought back to the present moment as Marianne pins me to the mat. I'm flat on my back. My friends are cheering, but they sound far away. I can smell the sweat of the gym and even see one lone bead of sweat on Marianne's forehead. Her hair is tucked back in a neat ponytail. I feel helpless for a moment as my brain tells me I'm not in real danger. A moment later, I remember the training, and I talk my way through it. First, I wrap my legs around Marianne's waist and use their power to pull her away from my chest. Then, the distraction allows me to draw a hand free and use the hard bottom part of my palm to come up and slam into her nose. I, of course, don't really slam it into her nose.

She falls back, which allows me time to roll away and get up. The most crucial aspect of all this is to be defensive enough to get away safely. The goal is never to engage, but sometimes it's necessary. I know just how essential it can be, and unfortunately, at the time, I was not prepared like I am now.

I reach a hand down to help Marianne up, and all my friends let out rowdy applause. I just finished the last one. Marianne grins at me and pulls me in for a side hug, and she claps the back of my shoulder. Then, she puts two fingers in her mouth and lets out one loud whistle, effectively getting everyone's attention from outside the ring.

"I present to you, Self-Defense Instructor Stephanie Plum!" she yells, and even ladies doing their own workouts let out some applause, "best get ready so that we can chow down at IHOP!"

Thirty minutes later, and we're all crowded around a long table at the IHOP down the road. It's a busy place on mid-Saturday. Tina and Val are on either side of me. Lula is straight across from me, with Connie and Mary Lou on her sides. Marianne is sitting at the head of the table with Lucille across from her. I smile, grateful to have such strong women as close supporters.

The waiter comes up looking flushed, the nametag on his blue apron reading Jésus. He has a buzzcut and dark complexion. He nods at us all.

"I'll be your waiter today. Can I get you started with something to drink?" he asks, looking around the table, trying to figure out which of us will order first.

"Yes, hello, we women need a pitcher of orange juice!" Lula commands her bountiful bust, using the table as a resting spot. I see our waiter's eyes lost in her cleavage. Today Lula is wearing red and white. Her top is a stark white tank-top, and whatever bra she is wearing pushes those babies up front and center. Lula is gifted in that department. I'm a meager B cup. I mean, I do okay, but I wouldn't mind maybe one cup up. Her pants, hair, shoes, and purse are fire engine red. Poor Jésus seems even more flustered.

"I don't suppose you carry champagne here, do ya?" Lula continues, oblivious to our distracted waiter. Tina nudges me while she and Connie are grinning at each other. When the waiter doesn't answer, Lula finally looks up only to narrow her eyes at Jésus.

"Excuse me!" Lula says sharply as she lifts a perfectly manicured eyebrow. I see the waiter gulp, and his dark eyes finally track up to Lula's face. He flushes and lowers his eyes to the pad.

"S..ss...sorry ma'am," he stutters out, "and no, we don't serve alcohol here." Lula's eyes narrow some more. I swear I can almost see the steam coming off the top of her head. I know she hates that he just called her ma'am.

"Fine, the orange juice will do. We'll pretend since we here celebrating," she announces with a grin, "and bring some water for the table as well." He nods, keeping his eyes directly on his notepad. I see Lula smirk as he walks away, head down. As soon as he's out of earshot, Tina, Mary Lou, and Connie bust out laughing. I just shake my head. Lula grins.

"Damn, Lula, you sure know how to distract a man," Connie says in between bouts of giggles, "I wasn't sure if his brain would still work after his eyes stopped." Lula smiles again and then places her hands under her boobs and gently lifts them.

"My precious babies," she says tenderly, "I don't blame him because damn, they do look good!" With that, we all burst out laughing. I give Lula a nudge.

"I bet Tank would agree too, huh?" I question with a smirk. Lula waggles her eyebrows.

"My Tankie sure does," she replies as her face turns into a loving smile as she says her man's name.

"Does everyone know what they're getting?" Mary Lou questions, biting her bottom lip, "I haven't been here in forever. Everything looks great, especially since I'm eating for two." I see her free hand absentmindedly rubbing her belly.

"A big-boned woman such as myself always likes to eat a hefty meal to sustain my energy," Lula explains, "so I normally go for a combo. Typically pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns." Mary Lou nods, her eyes scanning the menu.

"I like the lunch options myself," Lucille pipes up, "breakfast is not my favorite, but they have good sandwiches."

"I go for the omelets," Marianne chimes in with a smile, "protein-packed but still delicious."

We all peruse the menus a bit more as Jésus comes back with a tray of cups and a pitcher of orange juice. He studiously avoids looking anywhere close to Lula as he sets everything down. He leaves quickly and returns just as fast with water. Once he places everything down, he asks us if we're ready to order. I take a quick peek at everyone, and it seems it's ago.

"Spicy Poblano omelet," Marianne says, handing her menu off.

"Sirloin tips and scrambled eggs, bacon with two pancakes on the side," Lula rattles off.

"Split decision breakfast with over-easy eggs and bacon," Mary Lou decides, handing him the menu as well.

"I'll take the strawberry cheesecake pancake combo with bacon and scrambled eggs," I say, hoping that my stomach will be as hungry as my mind says I am. I see Jésus scribbling away on his notepad.

"The pancake breakfast combo with sausage and sunny side up eggs, please," Val orders with a smile.

"Double blueberry pancakes, please," Tina requests, handing over her menu as well.

"I'll take the country fried steak and eggs breakfast. Over easy eggs, please," Connie orders next, placing her menu. Finally, Lucille orders the ham and egg melt with fries. Jésus nods and informs us he'll put our orders right in.

"We might not be able to move after all of this feast," Marianne declares with a grin, "we may have to do an extra session at the gym." She pats her stomach for effect.

"Nah, I think a big ole nap will do," Lula replies before a Cheshire cat grin spreads across her face, "then a nice horizontal workout with my man should do the trick." The rest of the ladies grin knowingly and nod. I smile even though I don't really know.

"Mary Lou, when are you due?" Marianne asks as she takes a sip of water. Mary Lou rubs her belly some more.

"Mid March, according to the doctors, but I feel like I'm ready to pop any time now," she says, "and Lenny is over the moon that it's going to be a boy."

"That's so exciting," Marianne responds, "my husband Mike and I just decided we're going to try for a baby."

"How long have you been married?" Tina questions, twirling her straw in her water distractedly. My brow furrows as I wonder if Tina and Vince have discussed marriage already. Marianne's expression takes on a dreamy quality. It makes me so happy when my friends have that look because it means they're in love. The real kind. I let out a small sigh. I want to find that kind of love.

"Three years in May," Marianne replies, "We got married straight out of college. So we've been together a total of seven years."

"Alright, everyone grab your orange juice," Lula begins, raising her glass, "we're all here to celebrate Miss Stephanie Plum! Badass extraordinaire, first of her name. I'm so glad we met the night of the charity ball and that we stumbled upon each other at Double X! Here's to new friends and working out."

A chorus of "here, here" and clinking of orange juice glasses rings out. The glasses don't really clink because they're plastic, but it's nice to pretend. I can feel happiness rising in my chest as well as a little lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I take a swallow of orange juice to try and calm myself down. I think this will be the first time since the attack that I didn't have a nightmare and that I'm finally starting to feel happy again. My heart is full, and I'm so grateful to have them in my life. I have to blink back the tears as I feel the emotion. I swear I've never cried more in my life than I have the last month.

I know I still have a long way to go, but it's nice to feel semi-normal again. Yesterday was just a bad day. My mood swings are still there, but feeling happiness this strong must be a good sign. I mean, sure, I'm still staying at RangeMan, and I have the trial to go, but this feeling now gives me hope. I can't stop the face-splitting grin from spreading over my lips.

"I just want to say that I am so happy to have all of you in my life," I reply, my voice cracking, "this year didn't start out the greatest for me, but I know that everything will be okay since I have you in my life. Here's to friendship and always having each other's backs." We raise our glasses again and meet in the middle with a chorus of "here, here."

"So Steph, most of us have a RangeMan," Tina begins with a wicked grin, "do you have your eye on anyone special?" I feel the blush start at my neck and make its way to my cheeks. Damn Tina, she knows more than anyone else here at this table.

"No!" I exclaim hurriedly, even as the image of a Cuban man with an earring and ponytail tied flashes in my brain. Dammit! Why, oh why do I have to think of Ranger? I feel the blush deepen as everyone looks at me curiously.

"You said no awfully quick for us to believe it," Connie says pointedly, one of her eyebrows lifting in a question. I take a drink of my orange juice as I try to will away my traitorous blush. I narrow my eyes, trying to think of a defense quickly. I see Tina smirk out of the corner of my eye, but she stays silent.

"They're my security detail," I say slowly, "honestly, they're becoming like brothers I never had." The last part is true, especially when I think of Lester, Hector, Cal, and Manny. The ladies eye me suspiciously but let it drop. I let out an inaudible sigh of relief. I don't even know how I feel, so it's not like I could explain. I don't dislike Ranger as I once did...but that doesn't mean I like him. I flush as I remember his scent and the closeness of his body as he wrapped an arm around my waist when I was startled by the fire. Shit! Maybe I do like Ranger. But, no, no, I horrendously rejected him. There's no way I will have a chance again. I take a drink of water to help rinse myself of this line of thought. Tina nudges me and gives me a knowing look.

"I hear Ram is coming back from the Florida office in the next week or so," Lula announces, her eyes moving to Valerie. I see her freeze.

"Oh? I wouldn't know," she says, not even sounding bitter, "I had a date with a gentleman named Adam. We already have a second date set for next Friday." I grin at this. I hadn't had time to talk with Valerie since the disaster that was the viewing with Grandma. I feel slightly guilty that I forgot about her date.

"Did you have sex? Was it good?" Tina questions right as Jésus and another waitress arrive at our table carrying an assortment of dishes. Val blushes, and we're all silent as we get our food. Everything smells delicious. Once they leave us to eat, Val looks up.

"No, we didn't have sex," she replies to Tina's earlier question, "but maybe Friday." The girls whoop.

"Steph, you really should take the plunge. Join us slutty gals in the land of sex and big 'O's," Tina comments off-hand while digging into her brunch. I swear the blush is making its way up my neck and to the tips of my hair. My face is on fire. I feel Connie and Lula's eyes on me.

"White girl, say what? You never done the nasty?" Lula asks, looking shocked, "Tina's right as long as you find a man who knows how to use his equipment." I press my lips together in a fine line. Marianne, thankfully, diverts the conversation. The rest of the meal goes well as we chatter aimlessly and finish up our food.

Tina drives me back to RangeMan with my security detail behind us. She pulls up to the curb and looks at me.

"I'm sorry, Steph," she apologizes, "I didn't mean to call you out earlier. I thought everyone knew. You take your time." I feel the blush again.

"I know you didn't mean to," I reply sincerely; I might be madder if people I wasn't close to found out, "and thanks, Tina. I'm sure it'll happen when I'm ready." I hug her before heading back into RangeMan.

I decide to take a nap after my strenuous morning and now full stomach. I managed to clear my whole plate minus a few pieces of pancake. Still feeling content, I stretch out on the bed and stare up at the ceiling. I drift to sleep in that position.

I come to awareness slowly. I'm blinking as I take in the darkness of my surroundings. The day comes back to me quickly as I rollover. I'm shocked to see the bedside clock reading six-thirty. I slept the afternoon away. A rumble tells me that I've burned through brunch and need some dinner. I slide out of bed and decide to hit the fifth floor now to grab some food. I don't know when or if Ella puts the food away for the night.

In the elevator, I notice some of my hair sticking up funny. I undo my ponytail and redo it before the ding sounds announcing I've made it to the fifth floor. Like the other times I've been in, it's quiet but brightly lit. I head directly to the break room. I'm shocked to see two women inside. One is Caroline, and the other is a beautiful girl. The girl has a dark complexion, black curly hair, and delicate facial features.

"Yes, I'm just visiting Carlos for the weekend," the girl tells Caroline. I wonder if they're seeing each other. She looks young for Ranger, though. They both look up as I come in. I see Caroline narrow her eyes, but the other girl just tilts her head and looks at me curiously.

"Hi Caroline," I greet, "sorry to interrupt, I'm just grabbing something for dinner."

"Stephanie," Caroline replies nasally, "what on earth are you doing here?" The girl is watching us with her brown eyes looking back and forth like a ping pong match.

"I'm surprised you haven't heard," I say, seeing an assortment of sandwiches on the counter, "I'm staying here until Tuesday. My car was blown up, and the guys just need to bug who did it before they let me go back to my place." I see both women look at me with wide eyes. I hold out my hand to the younger woman.

"I'm Stephanie Plum," I introduce since it's clear Caroline is not inclined. The girl smiles at me widely.

"I'm Gigi Manoso," she responds, "Carlos' younger sister. I've never seen a woman here before." I never knew he had a sister. I guess I don't know much about the man of mystery. A part of me knows that if I had agreed to that date, maybe I would know him better. Now that she said that, I can see the resemblance immediately. They both have the same straight nose and strong jaw. She motions to the table, so I grab a sandwich and water to sit with them.

"Carlos got called to a break-in, so he left me on my own for dinner," Gigi explains glumly, "I didn't feel like going out, and Tía Ella makes a great sandwich." I nod in agreement as I tear into the one in my hands. Caroline sighs.

"I was meeting Hal for a date night, but he got called out with Ranger," Caroline informs us, "I was about to leave when I bumped into Gigi, and she convinced me to eat with her." I'm surprised at her civility. Caroline actually seems genuine. I guess she and Hal must be doing well if they're still seeing each other after New Year's Eve. Gigi smiles.

"Well, you're one of the only people I know here, Caroline," she replies, "I figured we could both use the company. In fact, the three of us could have a girl's night and watch a movie on the big screen upstairs!" Caroline gives me a look that I can't decipher. I shrug.

"I'm down for that," I say with a smile, "it's not like I've got big plans for this Saturday night." Gigi claps.

"I guess, but I'm gone as soon as Hal gets back," Caroline informs the two of us, a smile tugging at the edge of her mouth.

"Woo, party in the penthouse!" Gigi exclaims. We go ahead and take our food with us as Gigi guides us upstairs.

"I haven't been up here since I first decorated the entire building," Caroline comments. I look at the two of them and suddenly wonder if Ranger will like us in his personal space. Gigi catches the look on my face.

"Don't worry, Carlos told me what's his is mine," she says easily, "besides, he can never stay mad at me." I nod and decide she probably knows him best.

We exit onto the seventh floor, and Gigi uses a key to unlock the only apartment at the end of the small hallway. As we enter the cool apartment, I let out a breath I realize I had been holding. I feel slightly wrong going into Ranger's apartment when he doesn't know about it. The apartment is decorated in cool tones. I'm a bit surprised not to see some black in here since it seems to be his favorite color. The kitchen is directly to our right and includes a breakfast bar and stools. A small round table with chairs is set up by the window. To the left is the living room.

"Over here!" Gigi calls, heading straight to the oversized couch in the middle of the room. There are two wingback chairs on either side of the black leather sofa. A coffee table in the middle and a flat-screen mounted on the wall. I take the left chair and curl up, happy to find a blanket to throw over myself.

"So, what do you want to watch?" Gigi questions, looking at some DVDs in front of her, "I brought my own since all Carlos owns are war movies and Ghostbusters." I laugh delightedly at that piece of news. Ghostbusters is my favorite movie of all time. I'm surprised that's something Ranger would enjoy. Caroline is in the chair across from me.

"Can we do a chick flick?" she requests from her spot. Gigi bobs her head enthusiastically.

"So, Legally Blonde or Fast and Furious?" Gigi calls out, narrowing our options to two movies. I enjoy both films, so I look to Caroline.

"Fast and Furious is not a chick flick," she states evenly, "why would that be an option?" Gigi crosses her arms in front of her chest and glares.

"They have romance! Plus hot guys and hot cars," Gigi proclaims, "it's definitely a chick flick disguised to get the male audience into it." I laugh, and Caroline glares at me. Ah, back to the old Caroline, I know.

"I agree with Gigi! I mean, hello, Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster?" I say, picturing them in my mind, "that pair is swoony worthy! Plus Dom and Letty's relationship..." I stop myself there, realizing I'm going on about the movie too much. Gigi giggles at my description and looks expectantly at Caroline, who sighs.

"Fine, fine if you two insist," she relents, "but I will not call it a chick flick." Gigi and I grin at each other before she puts in the DVD. There are so many remotes; I'm glad she knows how to work the system. A knock on the door sounds before the movie reaches the main menu. Gigi pops up like a daisy and greets Ella, who arrived with a cart. I've only seen Ella around occasionally, and each time I didn't have time to talk to her.

"Tía Ella, thank you so much for bringing the popcorn and M&Ms," Gigi says happily, "I really appreciate it." Ella smiles at the girl.

"Of course, mija," she replies, "you know I'd do anything for you or Carlos." Gigi hugs the older woman.

"We're about to watch a movie if you want to join us," Gigi extends the invite. Ella shakes her head.

"Thank you, dear, but no. Luis and I are going out for a date night," she informs her, "so when you finish, just leave the cart out in the hall. I'll get it in the morning." Gigi nods and hugs her again before she disappears outside.

"Who wants popcorn?" Gigi yells, and I get up to get myself a bowl. Caroline stays planted on the couch. Once Gigi and I both have bowls of popcorn mixed with M&Ms, we head back to the sofa.

We manage to get through The Fast & the Furious. I think Caroline was even converted to believe it was a chick flick. But, unfortunately, they still had no word from Ranger or Hal, so Gigi went ahead and popped in Legally Blonde.

A gentle shaking on my shoulder brings me back. I blink my eyes in the dark, and my heart rate increases. I don't know where I am.

"Babe," a familiar voice calls softly, and it's when I feel his fingers on my hand and the fire races. Now, my heart is pounding for an entirely different reason. My eyes adjust to the dimness of the room. I realize I must have fallen asleep during the movie.

"What's going on?" I ask groggily, sitting up from my reclined position. I notice that Ranger hasn't let go of my hand, and I don't particularly mind.

"I just put a sleeping Gigi to bed," he explains, "and I think Caroline left thirty minutes ago to meet with Hal. I'm sorry to wake you."

"No, no, it's okay," I reply, making my way to stand up, "sorry about falling asleep. We were having a movie night." I see Ranger smile at me, his teeth gleaming even in the darkness.

"My sister's idea, I take it?" he questions, offering his hand for me to assist. I grasp it. His fingers are warm, a little rough, and send the tingles straight down my arm and throughout my body. I feel my blush taking over and wonder if he can tell in the darkness.

"Yes, it was," I inform him, "but it was nice. I like your sister." His fingers linger on my arm, and he trails a path to my elbow, causing me to shiver. I wouldn't mind if he continued doing that all night even though I shouldn't think like that. I move to step forward, only to find my feet tangled in the blanket that had fallen off during my sleep. With my feet caught, I am helpless as I fall forward. Ranger catches me with his cat-like reflexes, and suddenly I find myself pressed snugly against his chest. I fear he can hear my heart trying to beat out of my chest, and he can feel the fire on my skin. He is solid against me in all the right places. I gulp, and my tongue darts out to moisten my lips. I look up at him through my eyelashes. I can see his dark eyes staring at me, but the shadows make it so I can't tell what his expression is. He tilts his head down, and I inhale sharply. I think he's going to kiss me, and I find that I want him to.

I'm looking up expectantly when the shrill ring of my cell phone startles us both. We fly apart, and I find myself sitting again. I let out a shaky laugh as I untangle my feet and grab my phone from my back pocket. It's my mother. Since it's nearly eleven at night, I feel the need to take it since she wouldn't usually call at this time.

"Mom?" I ask quickly as I answer. I feel the blush spreading through my cheeks again as I can feel Ranger's eyes on me.

"Stephanie!" she screeches, "your Grandmother and um...Desmond have been arrested in Atlantic City! Oh, God! What will we do? Your father and I can't go get them at this time of night, and they're too old to stay in jail overnight." I scrunch my eyes shut. Shit.

"What did they do?" I question, not sure I want to know the answer, "and I don't even have a car to go get them!" I feel panic welling in my chest. I should be able to help my crazy family.

"I don't know, Mom wouldn't tell me," she moans uselessly through the phone, "I tried calling Valerie, but she didn't pick up." I slap my hand to my forehead as I sink further into the chair.

"I'll figure it out," I mutter, "don't worry, Mom." She thanks me before hanging up. I let out a heavy sigh and remember Ranger in front of me.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I say, standing quickly, "I just need to go." He quirks an eyebrow at me.

"Let's go to the kitchen," he says, motioning for me to go first. Ranger has been so gracious to me that I nod and step into the kitchen.

"I heard what your mom said over the phone," he states, getting right down to business as he leans against the counter in the warm glow of the dim kitchen light. I notice he's wearing his typical black shirt tucked into a pair of black cargo pants, a utility belt, and thick black boots. His hair is tied back, and the earring is missing from his ear. He looks so good, and I can see the outline of his muscles.

"I'm sorry, I should have stepped out to take the call," I babble, "she doesn't normally call so late, so I was worried." I take a deep breath about to continue, but he places a finger over my mouth. The tiny zap shoots from his fingers to my skin, and it startles me. I'm looking right into his warm chocolate eyes, and the gold flecks look like molten gold. I'm so stunned I couldn't say anything if I wanted to. Reluctantly, he moves his finger slowly.

"Don't apologize, it's fine," he replies, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I have friends on the force in Atlantic City. I can give them a call. And Binkie and Bones are down there for a security detail; I can have one of them pick them up." My eyes turn hopeful, and I feel a swell of gratitude flood my system. I nod in acceptance. Why is he being so nice to me? He couldn't possibly still feel the same way for me as what he admitted all those weeks ago in Jen and Joe's house. He steps away and makes two phone calls. I can only hear his side of the conversation. He quickly does precisely what he explained he would. I stand in awe. My opinion of him, once so strong, has changed completely. I don't know how I could have ever thought ill of him as I know him now. The calls take less than ten minutes, and he's back in front of me.

"You would do that for my family?" I question, surprised he would be so kind to a family he made clear is an annoyance to him, "I sincerely thank you for all of us." His dark eyes pin mine.

"If you must thank me, let it be for yourself alone," he murmurs quietly, "I didn't think of your family but of how you might benefit. I believe... I only thought of you."

I'm shocked by his quiet admission. I'm so surprised that I'm left speechless as yet another embarrassed blush colors my face. I don't deserve his kindness. Before I can recover enough to say anything, his phone goes off, and he answers quickly.

"Ranger. Yes, sir. Okay. Affirmative," the conversation is quick. I stand confused as he shoots off a text and turns to me.

"Sorry, Babe," he says, regret lingering in his eyes, "I have to go in ten minutes. I texted Lester, and he'll come up to escort you down and keep Gigi company." I'm left standing in the kitchen as he heads towards what I presume is his bedroom. Lester arrives shortly and gives me a small smile.

"Ranger's been called for another mission," he states quietly and wraps me in a hug, "let me just peek in on Gigi."

Ranger comes back out and crosses over to me.

"Thank you again," I say before blurting out, "stay safe, don't get shot." He shoots me a grin.

"I'll be back before you know it," he replies as he adds, "don't go crazy."

He then exits the apartment and off into the unknown. I can't help but feel the nervous clench of my stomach. Then, finally, Lester returns from the bedroom and gives me a smile.

"Don't worry; he's the best at what he does." I nod, and Les walks with me to the elevator and rides down. Lester hugs me again before I enter the apartment. I'm just finishing my bedtime routine when Mom calls again.

"Yes?" I answer even though I know it will annoy her.

"They've been released and are back at their hotel. Your father is going to pick them up in the morning," she says immediately, not even bothered by my lack of greeting, "whatever you did-thank you."

"It wasn't me," I respond, "but you're welcome." We say our goodnights, and I end the call before snuggling into bed.