Thanks be to Ms. EBT.
"Angela, Ben keeps calling your cell phone."
I'm thankful for the interruption.
My dad smiles despite the look of concern on his face, so I smile back to let him know everything's okay.
Even though it's not.
We stand and dust ourselves off.
"So, things with Ben are okay?" you ask.
I'm immediately on the defense.
"They're fine."
"That's… great."
"Don't start, Edward. He's being my friend even when he shouldn't, and you don't have the right—"
"I didn't mean it like that," you interrupt. "Just... Nevermind."
I want to ask but don't.
"I should…" I say, nodding my head toward my house.
"Me, too."
I'm halfway to my front door when I hear you speak.
"Bye, Angela."
"Goodbye, Edward."