SWEET SPOT
I knew I was up for an explanation.
“Hey, Mom. Hey, Garrett,” I said, faking a small laugh, trying to make the atmosphere lighter. “I’m back.”
Neither of them replied. Their frowns stayed firmly in place.
Garrett was the first to stand up. “Where are you coming from?”
I sighed softly. “I went to my friend’s place.”
“You mean Susie?” he asked, his tone sharp.
“Yeah, Susie,” I replied, nodding.
He laughed — a short, disbelieving sound — and brought out his phone. He played a video. Susie was there, dressed elegantly, sitting at what looked like a fancy dinner party with her parents. The rich, sophisticated kind of event she sometimes attended.