Julie Seagle
Pit stop in Boston before you go? Celeste is dying to see you.
Finn is God
I could work on a pit stop.
Julie Seagle
Oh, and could we talk about Celeste for a minute?
Julie waited. And waited. It looked like he was going to be as difficult about his sister as Matt was.
Julie Seagle
So, Celeste... Tell me why she made Flat Finn.
Finn is God
Don't know. She needs Flat Finn's good looks to counteract Matt's lack of?
Julie Seagle
Nice try.
Again Julie waited. She stared at the clock on her computer, watching as six endless minutes ticked by.
Finn is God
I can't tell you.
Julie Seagle
Why? She needs help, Finn.
Finn is God
You're the best thing for her.
Julie Seagle
How do you know that? I don't know what I'm doing.
Finn is God
You're doing great. She's happy.
Julie Seagle
She's not happy. She can't be. She needs you.
Finn is God
This is more complicated than I can explain.
Finn is God
You'll have to trust me on this. I can't say anything else. I need you to drop this. OK?
What the hell? Julie stared at the chat window. Things suddenly felt weird with Finn, and that was the last thing she wanted.
Finn is God
Please don't be mad. I just can't. I'm sorry.
Julie Seagle
OK.
Finn is God
So... is Celeste the only one who wants to see me?
Julie Seagle
Your whole family does.
Finn is God
Only my whole family?
Julie Seagle
Girlfriend back home who is missing you like crazy?
Finn is God
Maybe.
Julie paused. She hadn't really thought about this possibility before, but for some reason she didn't really like the idea that Finn might have a girlfriend. Not that it was any of her business. I mean, it wasn't like she had any right to be jealous.Except that she was.There was nothing more unpleasant than the overwhelming effect caused by jealousy, and she couldn't deny that typing out the word girlfriend had made her stomach knot up, her breathing change, and her brain swirl. This was not the reaction she would have expected. She didn't even know Finn.Well, she couldn't suddenly go chat silent now. It would look weird. She held her hands over the keyboard, desperately trying to figure out something normal to say. How nice for you. I'm sure she's lovely. No, that would sound obnoxious. Crap. Who was this girlfriend? Neither Matt nor Celeste had ever mentioned anything about her. She's a curvy Victoria's Secret model with the intellect of a geneticist and the strength of spirit to go cliff-diving, I assume? No. That was both obnoxious and passive aggressive.
Finn is God
But no girlfriend. So just my crazy family that wants me to come visit, I guess. I'll confess disappointment.
Julie couldn't help smiling.
Julie Seagle
Would not complain if you came to visit. Must meet the world-traveling, thrill-seeking, adventure-loving idol.
Finn is God
In that case, I'll do my best to make it happen. Don't tell anyone yet, though, until I'm sure.
Julie Seagle
OK. Fair enough.
Finn is God
I should go... Dinner soon.
Julie Seagle
And I should get to bed.
Finn is God
Nice! What are you wearing?
Finn is God
Sorry. Forgot I already tried that one...
Julie Seagle
Impressed with your persistence.
Finn is God
Ta da! I impressed you. Success! You've totally made my night.
Julie Seagle
And you've made mine.
Finn is God
Enjoy the rest of break. Really. You're lucky to have your mom.
Julie Seagle
Will consider it.