The Good Girl
My cell chimed just after I fell asleep. Swearing, I fumbled for it on the nightstand. I was sure I’d set the thing to vibrate. I stared at it blearily, wondering if I should just let it go to voicemail.
Sharonda stirred sleepily beside me. “You gonna get that?”
Polite reflex overrode my better instincts. “Yes.”
I punched the answer button and pressed the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“Praise Jesus, I finally got through to you, girl.” My father’s voice was faint over the bad connection.
Shock ran down to the soles of my feet. My parents and I hadn’t spoken for fifteen years. I’d thought they were out of my life for good.
“Hi ... Dad.” The words threatened to stick on my tongue.
In the darkness beside me, Sharonda inhaled in surprise. The bed creaked as she sat up, listen
